Legislative Activity

The YALI Act of 2025 formally establishes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to invest in emerging African leaders through professional development, training, and networking. The bill directs the Secretary of State to increase participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship and mandates the creation of regional leadership centers across sub-Saharan Africa. Ultimately, the Act aims to strengthen U.S. relationships with future African leaders across business, civic, and public administration sectors.

The Taiwan Allies Fund Act establishes a dedicated fund to support international partners facing pressure from the People's Republic of China due to their relationship with Taiwan. This legislation authorizes funding to help eligible countries strengthen diplomatic ties, counter PRC influence, and diversify economic and technological reliance. The Secretary of State will manage the fund, coordinating with Taiwan and reporting annually to Congress on the program's effectiveness and Taiwan's matching contributions.

This resolution celebrates the 40th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup in September 2025, recognizing its massive global impact since 1986. It highlights the millions of pounds of trash volunteers have removed and the resulting scientific data on ocean pollution. The resolution encourages public participation and emphasizes the critical need to reduce plastic pollution at its source.

This act, the Protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area Act of 2025, amends previous legislation to explicitly prohibit the construction of a golf course at the Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland. It prevents the Secretary of the Navy from using funds for golf course development or restricting public access to the area. The only exception allows for necessary restrictions related to environmental restoration.

The Moving Transit Forward Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to improve public transportation in urbanized areas. These grants can fund operating costs and planning to enhance service quality, frequency, and geographic availability. Additionally, funds are available for capital projects and operating expenses dedicated to increasing system safety and security. Funding is distributed to urban areas based on a ratio of their reported operating expenses.

The Commitment to Aid Workers Act establishes a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers within the State Department to advocate for aid worker security and investigate incidents involving aid workers on U.S.-supported missions. The bill also amends existing law to prohibit certain U.S. security assistance to countries that unlawfully kill or fatally injure humanitarian aid workers. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of an independent inquiry group to assess the death or detention of aid workers and requires regular reporting to Congress on security challenges and coordination efforts.

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and recognizes its transformative impact on ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities. It honors the millions who have benefited from IDEA and reaffirms commitment to its principles. *Note: The provided text also includes details about a separate "Housing for All" program, which is not addressed in this summary as the primary focus of the resolution appears to be IDEA.*

This Act officially designates the Museum of the Blind Peoples Movement in Baltimore, Maryland, as the National Museum of the Blind Peoples Movement. The legislation recognizes the significant, yet often overlooked, history and civil rights struggle of blind Americans. This national museum will serve as the first institution owned and operated by blind Americans to preserve and showcase this vital history.

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on November 29, 2025. It recognizes IDEA's transformative impact by establishing the right to a free, appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. The resolution honors those who have upheld this landmark legislation and reaffirms commitment to its continued success.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney, Maryland, to the "Edward L. Ramsey Olney Post Office Building." This designation ensures all federal records reflect the new name for this specific post office location.

The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act (AIM Act) eliminates numerous existing statutory restrictions that have previously limited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in its use of firearms trace data and its ability to conduct oversight of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). This legislation removes several prohibitions on ATF's record-keeping, inspection frequency, and the processing of certain information requests. Furthermore, it revises the legal standard for FFL revocation and license eligibility from requiring a "willful" violation to only a "knowing" violation.

This resolution commemorates the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It expresses support for ASHA's mission to advance science, education, and professional practice for accessible communication care. The Senate recognizes the vital role ASHA members play in serving millions of Americans affected by communication disorders.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that all federal employees, contract employees, and active service members affected by a lapse in appropriations starting October 1, 2025, receive their full back pay and benefits. It also mandates that agencies adjust contracts to compensate contractors for costs incurred due to work stoppages during the lapse. Furthermore, the bill prohibits agencies from implementing permanent staffing reductions or extended administrative leave during such funding gaps.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees, contractors, and service members affected by a government funding lapse starting October 1, 2025, receive retroactive back pay for the period they worked without funding. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from initiating permanent staffing reductions or furloughs during such a lapse. These provisions are designed to provide financial security and stability to essential government personnel during periods of lapsed appropriations.

The Taiwan International Solidarity Act clarifies that UN Resolution 2758 did not determine Taiwan's sovereignty or representation status. This legislation directs the U.S. to actively oppose efforts by the People's Republic of China to distort Taiwan's status in international organizations. Furthermore, it mandates the U.S. to encourage allies to resist the PRC's attempts to undermine Taiwan's international partnerships. The bill also enhances reporting requirements on these specific PRC interference efforts.

The Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act requires federal financial regulators to issue guidance encouraging banks and lenders to support consumers and businesses impacted by a government shutdown. This guidance must promote flexible loan modifications and prevent negative credit reporting for those experiencing lost income. Furthermore, regulators must quickly inform the public when a shutdown occurs and report on the effectiveness of the guidance afterward.

The Democracy in Design Act mandates that all new federal public building designs must adhere to the historical "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture" established in 1962. This law requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to issue new regulations, following a public comment period, to enforce these specific architectural standards.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week." It recognizes the vital role community school coordinators play in linking school and community resources to improve student outcomes and neighborhood success. The designation aims to celebrate these essential professionals and raise public awareness of their critical contributions.

The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act eliminates the President's long-standing authority to assume emergency control over the Metropolitan Police Department. This legislation amends the D.C. Home Rule Act by striking the section granting the President this power. The bill effectively returns full, non-contingent control of the D.C. police force to local D.C. authorities.

This joint resolution terminates the President's declared crime emergency in the District of Columbia from August 2025. Congress asserts that the emergency is unwarranted given declining crime rates and argues against diverting local Metropolitan Police Department resources for federal tasks. The resolution effectively ends the special conditions established by the Executive Order.