Legislative Activity

The Protect Our Probationary Employees Act resets the probationary period for certain federal employees who were involuntarily separated between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029. If these employees are rehired into a similar role at the same agency, their new probationary period will be reduced by the time they already served previously. This provision is temporary and will expire on January 20, 2029.

The American Teacher Act aims to address critical teacher shortages by establishing federal grants to help states raise the minimum annual salary for full-time teachers to \$60,000, adjusted for inflation. States must submit sustainability plans to ensure these minimums continue after the initial four-year grant period ends. The bill also provides funds for cost-of-living adjustments and a national campaign to enhance the value and diversity of the teaching profession.

This Act authorizes the creation and sale of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The coins will feature designs honoring the victims and first responders, with the phrase "Never Forget" required on at least one design. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins will be donated to support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The Treasury must ensure the entire coin program results in no net cost to the Federal Government.

The Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act ensures that essential federal civilian and military personnel required to work during a government shutdown are immediately eligible for unemployment compensation. This provision treats these "excepted" employees as if they were separated from their jobs solely for the purpose of accessing benefits without any waiting period. This change applies to funding lapses beginning on or after March 14, 2025.

The Feed Our Families Act of 2025 ensures the continuity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the initial phase of a government shutdown. This bill automatically reserves necessary funding to operate SNAP for the first 90 days following a lapse in appropriations at the start of a fiscal year. These funds are held in reserve and released only as needed to maintain essential program services.

The Children's Health Insurance Program Permanency Act (CHIPP Act) permanently extends funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other related programs. It also makes permanent several programs and demonstration projects under the Social Security Act, such as the Pediatric Quality Measures Program and the Express Lane Eligibility Option. Additionally, the act provides states with the option to increase children's eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP by allowing them to cover children whose family income exceeds the state's current maximum income level.

The Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025 significantly overhauls presidential authority to restrict imports based on national security grounds. This bill shifts the primary investigation role to the Secretary of Defense and mandates that any resulting import adjustments require explicit approval by a Congressional joint resolution to take effect. Furthermore, all new trade restrictions will automatically expire after three years unless Congress renews them.

The "Protect Social Security and Medicare Act" mandates a supermajority vote in Congress to pass any legislation that cuts benefits managed by the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This requirement aims to safeguard Social Security and Medicare benefits from being easily reduced. An exception is provided for Medicare Advantage plan payment reductions if offset by equal or greater increases in other Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration's Chief Actuary Office is designated as the sole authority to determine if a proposed bill would reduce Social Security benefits.

The "Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025" aims to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities in underserved communities by providing grants to healthcare providers. These grants will support the expansion and enhancement of maternal health services, including prenatal, postnatal care for infants, and postpartum care for mothers. Priority is given to entities serving minority, low-income, or medically underserved areas, particularly those led by community members. The act allocates necessary funds from 2026 to 2030 to facilitate these improvements.

The End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2025 aims to improve support for homeless and at-risk veterans by prioritizing vulnerable individuals for VA case management services. It mandates detailed annual reporting on the HUD-VASH program's effectiveness, staffing, and voucher utilization. Furthermore, the bill expands eligibility for rental assistance and protects veterans from eviction if they initially refuse case management services. Finally, it requires the GAO to conduct a comprehensive review of HUD-VASH participants and case management quality.

The HERO Act establishes a national system to track suicides among public safety officers to better understand prevention needs. It also creates grant programs to fund peer-support and wellness programs for fire, EMS, and healthcare workers. Finally, the bill mandates the development of educational resources to improve mental health treatment for first responders dealing with trauma and PTSD.

The DELIVER Act of 2025 increases the standard mileage rate for delivering meals to elderly, disabled, frail, and at-risk individuals. This adjustment aligns the rate with the standard mileage rate used for business and medical expenses, providing volunteers with increased reimbursement for their services. This change aims to encourage volunteer engagement and support programs that deliver meals to vulnerable populations.

The "Do No Harm Act" amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to ensure religious freedom is not used to justify discrimination or harm. It clarifies that the Act does not override federal laws protecting against discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity, or safeguarding access to healthcare and other essential services. This amendment confirms that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies only when the government is a party in a judicial proceeding.

The James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to James Earl Jones, honoring his contributions to the United States and his work promoting inclusion in film and theatre. The Secretary of the Treasury will create the gold medal, and bronze duplicates will be made available for sale to the public.

The No Invading Allies Act strictly prohibits the President from using U.S. Armed Forces to invade or occupy territory belonging to Canada, Panama, or Greenland. Any military action against these nations requires prior authorization via a Congressional declaration of war, specific authorization, or in response to an immediate attack on the U.S. or its forces. Furthermore, the bill limits the expenditure of funds for such actions, reinforcing U.S. commitments to international rules and alliances.

The Delphi Retirees Pension Restoration Act aims to restore the full pension benefits to eligible participants and beneficiaries under specific terminated pension plans, such as the Delphi Hourly-Rate Employees Pension Plan. It mandates the recalculation of benefits to match the full vested plan benefit, provides for lump-sum payments to cover past underpayments with interest, and funds these increased benefits through existing resources. The bill also includes provisions for the tax treatment of these payments, allowing recipients to spread the income over three years.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, and to update which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight based on a history of voting rights violations. It broadens the types of violations that allow a court to retain jurisdiction over a case, clarifies the Attorney General's authority to assign observers, and ensures transparency in voting-related changes. The Act also authorizes the Attorney General to demand documents and information to enforce voting rights and provides grants to small jurisdictions to assist with notification requirements.

The Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Conversion Act of 2025 outlines conditions under which the U.S. would pursue ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, contingent upon verifiable global disarmament. Upon confirmation that all nuclear-armed nations have begun dismantling their arsenals, funds currently allocated to nuclear weapons programs will be redirected. These redirected resources must be used to address the climate crisis through clean energy conversion and to meet critical human and infrastructure needs.

The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to include oversight of amusement park rides permanently fixed to a site. It authorizes an additional $11.5 million annually to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, allocating $6.5 million specifically for permanently fixed amusement rides. The Act defines covered devices as mechanical devices carrying passengers for amusement along a fixed route, typically controlled by an employee.

This bill expresses support for designating March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day" to recognize the environmental and economic importance of the Great Lakes region. It highlights the Great Lakes' significance as a vital freshwater resource, economic driver, and ancestral home to Native American Tribes. The bill also supports initiatives like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and encourages efforts to protect Lake St. Clair. Ultimately, it aims to raise awareness about the need to preserve and protect the Great Lakes for future generations.