Legislative Activity

This bill, the Enhancing Financial Stability Research and Oversight Act, aims to strengthen the independence of the Office of Financial Research (OFR) by granting its Director sole control over the office's budget and staffing, with guaranteed minimum funding levels. It also establishes minimum staffing and funding requirements for the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC). The legislation specifically protects the OFR's funding from Congressional appropriations review and Treasury influence.

The Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act requires states and local governments to stop charging the public fees to access or obtain copies of specific law enforcement camera footage, including body-worn and dash camera video. To receive funding from major federal law enforcement grant programs, applicants must certify they comply with this requirement. Non-compliant governments will be ineligible for these federal grants.

The PARK Act, or Protecting Americas Resources from Kings Act, amends existing law to prohibit the waiving or reduction of entrance fees at National Parks and Wildlife Refuges to celebrate a sitting President's birthday. This restriction applies unless the birthday also falls on a recognized Federal holiday.

This resolution initiates impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge her with willfully refusing to comply with Congressional oversight laws and violating the Impoundment Control Act by improperly withholding funds. Further articles allege she directed widespread misconduct by ICE agents that violated federal law and constitutional rights, and misused taxpayer funds for personal gain through improper contracting.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

This resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting, honoring the six lives lost and the thirteen injured. It specifically commends the courage and ongoing advocacy of gun violence survivor and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution also recognizes the resilience of the community and reaffirms a commitment to ending political violence.

This bill officially designates the week of September 15 through September 21, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the significant achievements and goals of these vital institutions across the nation. The resolution encourages public observance with appropriate activities to demonstrate support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The El Salvador Accountability Act of 2025 mandates sanctions, including asset blocking and travel bans, against senior Salvadoran officials and others engaged in corruption or gross human rights violations. The bill also prohibits most U.S. financial support to the Government of El Salvador through international institutions and blocks direct Congressional funding. Furthermore, it requires detailed reporting on sanctioned individuals and an examination of the government's use of cryptocurrency for potential corruption.

The Honoring Family-Friendly Workplaces Act establishes a national certification program, administered by the Secretary of Labor, to recognize employers who support work-life balance. To qualify, employers must meet rigorous standards, including offering at least 12 weeks of paid family leave and providing childcare assistance and flexible work options. This certification aims to encourage and publicly acknowledge businesses that actively help employees manage family responsibilities.

This bill mandates the President to immediately remove all United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has specifically authorized the use of military force. The legislation aims to ensure that military engagement in Venezuela requires explicit Congressional approval.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS globally by supporting critical prevention and treatment efforts. It emphasizes the need to close gaps in care, particularly for women and children in high-burden areas, and supports expanding access to testing, antiretroviral therapy, and new prevention methods. The bill specifically encourages continued U.S. leadership through initiatives like PEPFAR to achieve the goal of eliminating new pediatric HIV infections by 2030.

The Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act of 2025 seeks to combat illegal firearms trafficking to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It transfers regulatory control of certain munitions exports from the Department of Commerce back to the Department of State. The bill also mandates comprehensive reporting, strategy development, and increased tracking of U.S. firearm exports to designated "covered countries."

The People's White House Historic Preservation Act removes the White House and its grounds from a specific list of properties under current preservation law. This action reclassifies the status of the White House regarding federal historic preservation regulations.

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act directs the USDA to reform its food purchasing practices to support a more just, healthy, and sustainable food system. This is achieved by mandating the purchase of foods that prioritize equity, resilient supply chains, worker well-being, and climate mitigation. The bill also establishes reporting requirements, a set-aside for specific producers, and pilot programs to help smaller and targeted producers participate in USDA contracts.

The Protect America's Workforce Act nullifies a specific Executive Order issued in March 2025 concerning exclusions from federal labor-management relations programs. This legislation ensures that any existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and employee unions remain fully in effect until their stated expiration dates. The Act also prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the overturned Executive Order.

This resolution officially honors the lifetime accomplishments and enduring legacy of Rita Moreno, a pioneering Latina artist and cultural icon. It recognizes her historic achievements in the performing arts, including becoming an EGOT winner and the first Latina to win an Academy Award. Furthermore, the bill commends her tireless advocacy for civil rights and her embodiment of the American dream.

The Computer Science for All Act of 2025 establishes a grant program to dramatically expand computer science education across all grade levels in states, local districts, and Tribal schools. These grants aim to ensure universal access to rigorous computer science and STEAM learning, focusing specifically on closing equity gaps for underrepresented students. The Act mandates teacher training, curriculum development, and detailed reporting to track progress toward these national goals.

The Reuniting Families Act is comprehensive legislation designed to significantly reform U.S. immigration by reducing massive visa backlogs and prioritizing family reunification across various categories. It achieves this by recapturing unused visas, reclassifying certain family members as "immediate relatives," and creating new pathways for permanent partners and refugees to join their loved ones. Ultimately, the bill aims to keep families together, speed up legal immigration processes, and address past discrimination in the visa system.

This concurrent resolution commends state and local governments for championing reproductive rights as human rights following the overturning of *Roe v. Wade*. It declares that denying abortion care leads to severe health risks and highlights the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes across the U.S. The resolution urges states to repeal abortion restrictions and affirm that reproductive rights are fundamental human rights.

The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act raises the federal student loan limits for graduate and professional students. Effective July 1, 2026, the annual borrowing limit for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans will increase to \$50,000, and the aggregate limit will rise to \$200,000. This aims to provide greater financial support for advanced degree candidates.