Legislative Activity

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act establishes a five-year pilot program to expand eligibility for the VA work-study allowance to veterans pursuing certain educational or training programs at a half-time enrollment level. This allows more student veterans to benefit from work-study opportunities without meeting the current three-quarter-time enrollment requirement. Additionally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit annual reports detailing participation and outcomes for veterans in the work-study program.

This resolution amends House rules to allow a majority of Representatives to force an end to a designated district work period. If enough members submit letters to the Clerk requesting the end of the recess, the work period must terminate within two days. This measure aims to increase the time the House spends in session by making district work periods more easily interruptible.

The Restoring Access for Detainees Act aims to reinstate and expand free communication services for individuals in civil immigration detention. It mandates the provision of free phone calls, including 200 free outgoing minutes monthly, specifically for contacting family and legal counsel. Furthermore, the bill ensures private, unmonitored communication opportunities with attorneys and certain government officials upon arrival in custody.

The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 ensures that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) continue to operate without interruption in fiscal year 2026 if standard appropriations are delayed. If funding lapses, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to use funds from the Treasury to provide benefits and reimburse state agencies. This special funding remains in effect until full appropriations are enacted or until September 30, 2026.

The Same Day Registration Act of 2025 mandates that all states allow eligible individuals to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during any federal election, including early voting periods. This requirement applies starting with the November 2026 general election. States without any voter registration requirement for federal elections are exempt from this mandate.

The RESTRAIN Act prohibits the United States from conducting any explosive testing of nuclear weapons or any other nuclear explosion, effective in fiscal year 2026 and beyond. This legislation specifically bans the use of authorized funds for such testing. However, the Act explicitly allows for the continuation of subcritical nuclear tests.

This resolution designates October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to highlight the widespread and devastating impact of intimate partner violence across all demographics. It recognizes the urgent need to eliminate domestic violence and supports increased funding for intervention and prevention programs. The resolution underscores the severe physical, emotional, and economic toll this abuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.

The American Energy Independence and Affordability Act is a comprehensive bill designed to lower energy costs by extending and adjusting key tax incentives across energy production, efficiency, and clean vehicle adoption. It stabilizes support for renewable energy manufacturing, extends deadlines for energy-efficient building credits, and ensures consumer incentives for electric vehicles remain available through 2032. Overall, the legislation aims to provide long-term certainty for energy investments and consumer adoption of cleaner technologies.

This resolution formally honors the extraordinary life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. It celebrates her groundbreaking scientific contributions to primatology and her tireless global advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental education. The bill recognizes her founding of the Roots and Shoots program and extends sympathy to her family and colleagues.

This resolution officially designates October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day" to honor the importance of the National Marine Sanctuary System. It recognizes these underwater parks for protecting vital ecosystems, cultural history, and supporting local economies through recreation and tourism. The bill encourages the public to responsibly visit and enjoy these treasured ocean and Great Lakes sites.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week" to honor the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It recognizes the system's critical role in protecting over 850 million acres of habitat, supporting threatened species, and providing vital economic and recreational benefits nationwide. The bill also highlights the system's commitment to urban access and collaboration with Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities.

This bill aims to establish and support the commercial-scale offshore aquaculture industry through several key actions. It creates a centralized Office of Aquaculture to coordinate regulatory and scientific efforts and mandates demonstration projects to assess the viability and safety of ocean farming. Furthermore, the legislation invests in workforce development, establishes university Centers of Excellence, and provides grants to preserve vital working waterfronts.

This resolution expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for designating the second Monday in October 2025 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day." It aims to formally recognize and honor the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. The measure encourages public observance and supports the eventual establishment of this day as an official Federal holiday.

The Keep Air Travel Safe Act ensures the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can continue all essential operations during a Congressional funding lapse. It allows the TSA Administrator to use unobligated prior-year funds to maintain activities at the previous year's spending rate. This temporary funding remains active until a new budget is passed or for a maximum of 180 days.

This bill mandates that the House of Representatives must convene daily during a government shutdown, limiting their ability to adjourn. It requires recorded quorum calls on session days, imposing escalating fines on members who fail to check in electronically for two consecutive days. These fines must be paid by the member personally, with procedures established for appeals and automatic salary deduction for non-payment.

The WIC Benefits Protection Act mandates that all states must operate the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This legislation also guarantees permanent, mandatory funding for WIC starting in fiscal year 2026, ensuring the program has the necessary resources annually. Furthermore, it clarifies eligibility language within the program's governing statute.

This bill ensures that states are reimbursed by the Federal Government for any state funds they use to maintain essential operations of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during a lapse in federal appropriations. It provides a mechanism for the Federal Government to pay back states that cover WIC costs during a government shutdown. This protects state budgets while keeping vital nutrition assistance running.

The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act aims to protect federal employees and contractors from negative civil actions during a government shutdown. It temporarily pauses various legal and administrative proceedings, including evictions, foreclosures, and debt collections, when a worker is furloughed or working without pay. The bill also grants federal workers the ability to defer income tax payments without penalty and prevents negative credit reporting based on seeking relief under this Act.

The Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act ensures that civilian and military shipyard workers continue to receive their salaries and benefits if Congress fails to pass a full budget for fiscal years 2026 or 2027. This measure automatically appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury to cover these essential workers during budget delays. This temporary funding mechanism ceases once a standard appropriation bill is enacted or on January 1, 2027.

The Pay Our Military Act ensures that members of the Armed Forces continue to receive their pay and allowances if a full budget for fiscal year 2026 has not been enacted. This continuing appropriation provides necessary funds for active duty, reserves, and essential civilian support staff. This automatic funding remains in effect until a full appropriation is passed or until January 1, 2027.