Legislative Activity

The "GUARD VA Benefits Act" reinstates penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assistance with their VA benefits claims. This bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that those who exploit veterans by charging unlawful fees face appropriate fines. The aim is to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their benefits claims.

The Social Security Expansion Act aims to increase Social Security benefits, change cost-of-living adjustments to better reflect elderly consumers, and extend eligibility to student children. It also adjusts payroll and self-employment taxes for earnings above $250,000, increases taxes on investment gains, and establishes a new Social Security Trust Fund. These changes are intended to provide greater financial security for beneficiaries and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security system.

The DOE and SBA Research Act aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) on research and development, ensuring small business involvement. It mandates a formal agreement between the DOE and SBA to coordinate research efforts and requires a report to Congress on the progress and future plans of this collaboration. No additional funds will be allocated to implement this act. All activities must adhere to research security guidelines.

The Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act allows civil service employees involuntarily terminated between January 20, 2025, and January 1, 2026, to enroll in a health benefits plan if they meet certain conditions. These conditions include being removed without cause, having a fully successful performance review, being pregnant at the time of removal, or being diagnosed with cancer in the 5 years before removal. Federal funds saved by the United States DOGE Service will cover the government and individual contributions for these health benefits.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act allows wrongly fired or dismissed veterans in civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date to be reinstated to their previous position or a similar one. It mandates executive branch agencies to report to Congress every three months on all veteran employees who were fired or dismissed and the reasons for their termination, effective until January 20, 2029. The Act relies on existing U.S. Code definitions for key terms like "veteran" and "civil service."

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the United States as children and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Title I, the Dream Act of 2025, establishes conditional permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the U.S. as children. Title II, the American Promise Act of 2025, allows the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to grant permanent resident status to eligible individuals from TPS or DED countries. Title III outlines general provisions, such as background checks, application processes, and fee exemptions, applicable to all seeking to adjust their status under this Act.

Ethan's Law establishes federal requirements for the secure storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access by minors and prohibited persons, making improper storage a civil violation with escalating penalties if injury or death results. The bill also creates a federal grant program to incentivize states and Tribes to adopt matching safe storage laws. Furthermore, Congress declares that failing to comply with these storage requirements constitutes negligence and may be considered the direct cause of resulting firearm injuries.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' goal that nearly every student in the U.S. achieves grade-level reading proficiency, which is essential for success in school, work, and life. It encourages the use of structured literacy approaches, diagnostic assessments, and one-on-one tutoring to improve reading levels. The bill also urges state and local governments to collaborate with private groups to implement effective literacy programs for both students and adults.

The Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act aims to strengthen U.S. trade laws by addressing unfair subsidies, currency undervaluation, duty evasion, and circumvention of trade remedies. It refines the process for handling successive trade investigations, ensuring that the International Trade Commission considers prior findings and assesses cumulative effects on domestic industries. The act also empowers authorities to counteract cost distortions in foreign countries and prevent importers from avoiding duties. Additionally, it includes provisions related to trade with Canada and Mexico and sets effective dates for new regulations.

The Accountability in Government Efficiency Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report to Congress on the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. This report will analyze the effects of the Department's actions on the long-term financial, public health, and safety interests of the United States, as well as the Department's compliance with certain sections of title 5, United States Code. The report must be submitted to Congress by December 31, 2025.

The "BAD DOGE Act" repeals Executive Order 14158, effectively disbanding the US DOGE Service (USDS) and the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization (USDSTO). This action is in response to findings that the USDS and USDSTO, under the leadership of Elon Musk, exceeded their authorized powers, violated constitutional principles, and contravened federal statutes and ethics regulations. The Act aims to restore proper oversight and adherence to legal standards within government IT operations.

The Federal Retirement Fairness Act amends title 5 of the United States Code, allowing civilian service in a temporary position after December 31, 1988, to be creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System. This change applies to current employees and Members of the United States Postal Service, and requires the Office of Personnel Management to notify eligible individuals and issue implementing regulations.

The LEASH DOGE Act mandates transparency and oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by requiring detailed reports on employees, activities, and potential conflicts of interest to be submitted to Congress and made public. It sets a deadline of March 31, 2025, for DOGE to comply with these requirements, or face restrictions on the use of funds, including those allocated to DOGE Agency Teams. This act ensures accountability and provides the public with accessible information regarding DOGE's operations and impact on government programs.

The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2025 establishes an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice to enforce federal animal cruelty laws, pursue investigations and prosecutions, and coordinate with other agencies. The section is required to submit an annual report to Congress regarding charges, convictions, and investigations. The bill recognizes the connection between animal cruelty and other crimes and aims to address the lack of dedicated enforcement of animal protection laws.

The "PEER Mental Health Act of 2025" aims to improve mental health support in schools by authorizing grants for training teachers, staff, students, parents, and caregivers in mental health first aid. These grants will help individuals recognize mental health symptoms, make appropriate referrals, and respond to immediate distress. A minimum of 25% of grant funds will be allocated to schools in rural areas, with the possibility of reallocation if unused. The Act allocates almost $25 million per year from 2026 to 2030 for these initiatives.

The Gun Trafficker Detection Act requires non-licensed firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to the Attorney General and local law enforcement within 48 hours, and it mandates the Attorney General to establish a web-based portal for such reporting. States must allocate a portion of their grant funding to manage data on lost or stolen firearms. The act also establishes penalties for failing to report or for falsely reporting the loss or theft of a firearm, and it updates the national criminal background check system accordingly.

The "IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act" mandates the Social Security Administration to issue free federal identification cards to U.S. residents who apply within 3 years, functioning similarly to a state-issued ID or driver's license. A task force will be established to determine the requirements for producing and providing the identification. The United States Postal Service, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, will develop a process, modeled after the passport application process, allowing individuals to apply for the ID through the Postal Service. The Act also authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to implement the Act.

The MODERN WIC Act of 2025 aims to modernize the WIC program by expanding options for remote certification appointments, including telephone and video calls, and allowing for remote delivery of food benefits. It requires state agencies to offer various formats for certification appointments, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The Act also mandates a report to Congress on the use of remote technologies in WIC, focusing on their impact and best practices.

The "Energy Resilient Communities Act" establishes a grant program for clean energy microgrids, prioritizing projects that benefit environmental justice communities and community-owned energy systems. These grants will fund technical assistance, community outreach, and the construction of clean energy microgrids for critical infrastructure and residences. The Act emphasizes domestic production, prevailing wages, and local employment, while also requiring annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and impacts. It allocates significant funding for these initiatives over the next decade.