Legislative Activity

This bill recognizes the 159th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the first federal law defining citizenship and ensuring equal legal protection. It acknowledges the act's importance in counteracting discriminatory laws and its influence on subsequent constitutional amendments. The bill emphasizes the need to uphold the rule of law to protect the rights of all Americans.

The "Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act" aims to improve the hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, and related items during airport security screening. It mandates the TSA to update its guidance in consultation with maternal health organizations to minimize contamination risks and ensure hygienic standards are met during additional screenings. The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General will audit compliance and report on screening technologies' impact on these items.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

This bill urges the U.S. to prioritize a world free of nuclear weapons and lead a global effort to prevent nuclear war. It calls for negotiations with other nuclear-armed countries to halt the buildup of nuclear arsenals, reduce/eliminate them, and pursue verifiable arms control agreements. The bill also advocates for policies such as renouncing the first use of nuclear weapons, ending the "hair-trigger" alert posture, and maintaining the global moratorium on nuclear explosive testing. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to protect communities and workers affected by nuclear weapons through remediation, health monitoring, and economic transition planning.

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act restricts the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices, while providing exceptions for governmental use, certain pre-existing firearms, and transfers to immediate family members. The bill also allows Byrne grants to be used for buy-back programs for these firearms and devices, and establishes penalties for violations, as well as a process for determining which firearms are prohibited, including manufacturer applications and judicial review. Finally, the bill establishes a "Firearm Safety Trust Fund" in the Treasury, using taxes collected by the ATF to fund the requirements of this act.

The "Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act" aims to improve school safety and student outcomes by eliminating federal funding for law enforcement officers in schools and instead investing in mental health services, trauma-informed support, and positive behavioral interventions. This bill prioritizes support for marginalized students and seeks to create more welcoming and inclusive school environments through community engagement and evidence-based practices. The Act establishes a grant program to help local educational agencies transition away from relying on police in schools and towards comprehensive support systems. It also requires transparency and accountability through public reporting on the use of funds and student discipline data.

The "VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act" aims to protect the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) funding by limiting the transfer or deferral of funds without explicit congressional approval. It also safeguards VA personnel by exempting the VA from hiring freezes, requiring reinstatement of certain removed veterans, and placing restrictions on the removal of probationary employees. Additionally, the Act mandates regular reporting to Congress on personnel actions and compliance with the Act's provisions.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 aims to increase affordable housing options by updating state housing credit formulas, refining tenant eligibility rules, and improving credit eligibility and determination. This includes adjusting income verification processes, modifying student occupancy rules, and protecting domestic abuse victims. The bill also focuses on Native American and rural assistance by addressing housing needs in Indian areas and streamlining income eligibility for rural projects. Additionally, it revises rules for exempt facility bonds and renames the "low-income housing tax credit" to the "affordable housing tax credit" while encouraging data sharing and discouraging discriminatory land use policies.

The Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2025 aims to improve data collection on discriminatory school discipline practices, reduce instructional time lost due to excessive disciplinary removals, and prevent the criminalization of students, particularly girls of color. It authorizes grants for local educational agencies to implement alternatives to exclusionary discipline and establishes a joint task force to address the pushout of girls of color from schools. The bill prohibits the use of funds for school-based law enforcement and surveillance equipment, and promotes trauma-informed and culturally sustaining practices. It also allocates funding for data collection, grant programs, and the joint task force.

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The DART Act of 2025 aims to reduce crime and recidivism by expanding the use of diversion and rehabilitation programs at the state and local levels through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. This act broadens the scope of the grant program to include pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release rehabilitation programs. It also establishes a National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse to share evidence-based practices and provide technical assistance to state and local governments, and non-profits. The act prioritizes programs that address the root causes of crime, promote trauma-informed practices, and incorporate mental health services, peer support, and restorative justice.

The "Cool Roof Rebate Act of 2025" establishes a rebate program, running through September 30, 2030, for eligible households to receive financial assistance for the purchase and installation of cool roof products. Rebate amounts vary based on the type and performance of the cool roof product installed, with higher rebates for products that meet more stringent solar reflectance and thermal emittance criteria. The Act also requires a report to Congress on the program's impact and authorizes appropriations for both the rebate program and updates to the Cool Roof Calculator. To be eligible, households must have an income less than 200% of their ZIP Code's median income and reside in a high-risk area according to the CDC's Heat and Health Index.

The "Community First Act" aims to reduce local jail populations and incarceration times by authorizing the Attorney General to award grants to eligible partnerships. These grants will support data analysis, strategic planning, and the implementation of various programs, including reducing cash bail, increasing pretrial services, and expanding diversion programs. Grantees must consult with local entities, analyze jail data, and meet specific incarceration reduction targets, with priority given to areas with high incarceration rates and plans to prevent jail bed increases. The Act authorizes \$20 million annually for planning grants and \$100 million annually for implementation grants from 2026 through 2030.

The "No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act" aims to eliminate tax deductions for employer expenses used to influence employees' decisions regarding unionizing and collective bargaining. It defines "labor organization activity" broadly, encompassing elections, disputes, and collective actions. The bill mandates detailed reporting of such activities, with significant penalties for non-compliance, and directs the Treasury Secretary to issue implementing guidance. This would apply to expenses incurred more than 240 days after the bill's enactment.

The STOP Bullying Act aims to reduce bullying in schools by establishing a grant program for each state to create and implement an anti-bullying task force. These task forces will study local bullying policies, educate teachers, parents, and students, and examine the impact of bullying on student violence and self-harm. Each task force will include educators, administrators, parents, students, counselors, psychologists, lawyers, and representatives from community organizations, and will submit a final report with recommendations for legislation, administrative actions, and best practices to address and reduce bullying. The goal is to ensure safe learning environments for all students, regardless of background.

The "Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act" directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement strategies to counter threats posed by ghost guns. This includes assessing cross-border trafficking, researching prevention methods, tracking firearm violations at TSA checkpoints, analyzing data on U.S.-sourced firearms recovered in Mexico, and evaluating threats associated with foreign terrorist organizations. The Act aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and response to terrorism and violence involving ghost guns.

The "Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025" aims to eliminate reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches, and expand eligibility for free meals. The bill raises the income threshold for free school lunches to 224% of the poverty level and facilitates direct certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits. It also allows schools to retroactively claim reimbursement for eligible students and increases the Community Eligibility Program multiplier to expand access to free meals in high-poverty areas.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to strengthen regulations and oversight of licensed firearm dealers to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and enhance public safety. It mandates enhanced security measures, regular inventory checks, and electronic record-keeping for dealers, while also increasing inspection frequency and penalties for violations. The act also broadens background check requirements for both dealers and their employees and seeks to modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) operations through increased staffing and data accessibility. Finally, the act repeals limitations on sharing firearm trace data and centralizing records, and it requires reports to Congress on the act's implementation and dealer inspections.

This bill expresses support for "Financial Literacy Month" and recognizes the critical importance of financial literacy and education for all Americans. It highlights the concerning statistics around financial insecurity and lack of financial knowledge in the US. The bill encourages participation in Financial Literacy Month to promote financial education through various programs and activities.