Legislative Activity

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act (GOSAFE Act) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices (over 10 rounds). The bill establishes a formal process managed by the Attorney General and ATF to list prohibited firearms, while grandfathering existing possessions under strict transfer rules. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grants for voluntary buy-back programs targeting these newly restricted items. Violations carry significant fines and potential prison sentences.

The American Family Act fundamentally overhauls the Child Tax Credit by replacing the annual lump sum with a system of advance, refundable monthly payments delivered directly to families. These monthly allowances vary based on the child's age, with higher amounts provided for younger children. The bill also establishes a separate, smaller credit for other dependents and outlines procedures for annual renewal and reconciliation of advance payments when filing taxes.

The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act aims to shift federal funding away from placing police officers in schools toward hiring mental health professionals and implementing evidence-based support services. This legislation prohibits the use of federal funds for school law enforcement personnel and establishes a major grant program to support local districts transitioning away from police contracts. The goal is to replace policing with systems of care to create safer, more equitable school environments, especially for marginalized students.

The VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act ensures that congressionally appropriated funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot be unilaterally withheld or transferred without explicit new authorization from Congress. This legislation also provides significant protections for VA personnel by exempting the agency from presidential hiring freezes for a four-year period and establishing strict notification requirements before layoffs or removals of probationary employees can occur. Finally, the Secretary of the VA must regularly certify compliance with these new funding and personnel mandates to relevant Congressional committees.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to review state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively. If a state fails to meet these standards, the FLRA will administer federal labor relations rules for the uncovered employees. The Act also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would measurably disrupt emergency or public safety services.

The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act establishes a specific P visa pathway for temporary workers employed by traveling carnivals, circuses, and associated concession providers. This new classification ensures essential mobile entertainment staff can enter the U.S. while adhering to existing H-2B temporary worker program regulations. The law mandates that the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Labor develop and finalize the necessary rules within one year of enactment.

The Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2025 aims to reform school discipline by strengthening data collection to expose discriminatory practices, particularly against students of color and girls of color. It establishes grants to help districts reduce exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, while prohibiting harsh measures like corporal punishment and seclusion in recipient schools. Furthermore, the Act creates a Joint Task Force to specifically study and recommend solutions for ending the school pushout of girls of color.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 establishes a phased increase of the federal minimum wage, culminating in a \$17.00 per hour rate five years after enactment, followed by automatic annual adjustments tied to median wage growth. This bill also phases out the lower minimum wage for tipped employees and workers under 20, ensuring they eventually earn the standard federal minimum wage. Furthermore, it sets a schedule to eliminate subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and prohibits the issuance of new special certificates allowing for lower pay.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 updates federal housing tax credit allocations to reflect current economic realities and boosts minimum state allotments. It reforms tenant eligibility rules to stabilize tenancy and enhance protections for vulnerable residents, including victims of abuse. The bill also provides disaster relief for property owners, increases incentives for housing the extremely low-income, and directs greater resources toward Native American and rural housing needs. Finally, it streamlines administrative processes and signals a future focus on data transparency and discouraging restrictive local zoning.

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act aims to disallow businesses from deducting federal income taxes for expenses incurred while attempting to influence employees regarding union organization or activities. This change is intended to stop companies from subsidizing anti-union campaigns through tax write-offs. The bill also establishes new, significant reporting requirements and penalties for businesses and third-party consultants who engage in these influence expenditures.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff deserve fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions. It highlights the critical role these essential workers play in supporting millions of students nationwide. Ultimately, the bill calls for livable wages, job security, safe workplaces, and meaningful input into school policies for these staff members.

The Tax Fairness for Workers Act restores key federal tax deductions for employees, effective after 2024. This legislation makes union dues fully deductible "above the line," meaning they reduce Adjusted Gross Income without itemizing. Additionally, it allows itemizers to deduct certain other job-related business expenses that were previously limited.

The STOP Bullying Act aims to combat widespread bullying in K-12 schools by providing federal grants to states to establish dedicated Anti-Bullying Task Forces. These task forces, composed of diverse stakeholders including students, parents, and educators, must study current anti-bullying policies and report actionable recommendations to reduce harassment. The bill emphasizes the need for safe learning environments for all students, regardless of background or identity.

The Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025 aims to simplify school meal programs by eliminating the "reduced-price" meal category for both breakfast and lunch. It significantly expands eligibility for free school meals by raising the federal poverty level threshold to 224% and allowing automatic certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits. Additionally, the bill enhances financial support for schools by allowing retroactive reimbursement claims and increasing the multiplier for the Community Eligibility Program.

The Cool Roof Rebate Act of 2025 establishes a federal program to provide rebates to eligible, low-to-moderate income homeowners for installing high-performance, energy-saving "cool roof" products. Rebate amounts are tiered based on the roof slope and the product's measured performance metrics, such as solar reflectance. This program is authorized through fiscal year 2030 and includes funding to update related calculation tools.

The Community First Act establishes a new federal grant program managed by the Attorney General to help local governments significantly reduce their jail populations and the length of pretrial detention. These grants fund both data analysis for planning and the implementation of evidence-based strategies like reducing cash bail and expanding pretrial services. Grantees must meet strict annual goals for incarceration rate reduction, or risk losing their funding. The Act prioritizes ambitious plans from high-incarceration areas while ensuring rural and mid-sized communities receive funding opportunities.

The DART Act of 2025 aims to reduce crime and recidivism by shifting focus toward rehabilitation and diversion programs over incarceration. This legislation expands the use of federal Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to support pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release services. Furthermore, it establishes a National Clearinghouse to promote evidence-based, trauma-informed practices in these justice reform efforts.

The Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter threats posed by unserialized, privately made firearms, commonly known as "ghost guns." This legislation mandates specific actions across DHS components, including threat assessments on cross-border smuggling and research on preventing targeted violence involving these weapons. Furthermore, the bill requires regular reporting from the TSA on airport firearm violations and mandates intelligence sharing regarding terrorist threats linked to ghost guns.

The Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 aims to strengthen security vetting for international graduate students in STEM fields while creating a new pathway to permanent residency for those who earn advanced STEM degrees in the U.S. The bill mandates pre-admission applications and enhanced background checks for incoming STEM graduate students. Furthermore, it establishes a streamlined green card category for advanced STEM degree holders with qualifying job offers, allowing them to pursue permanent residency without jeopardizing their current student status.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act significantly overhauls federal regulation of gun dealers by mandating enhanced physical security, stricter inventory tracking, and increased record-keeping requirements. The bill repeals outdated restrictions on the ATF, increases licensing fees, and establishes new regulations for online firearm transfer facilitators. Furthermore, it strengthens enforcement by increasing penalties for compliance failures and mandating more frequent inspections for high-risk dealers.