Legislative Activity

This bill, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025, establishes a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Peoples within the Department of State. It codifies U.S. policy to actively combat international criminalization, violence, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide. The legislation also mandates enhanced reporting on these abuses in annual human rights reports and authorizes assistance to support related protection efforts abroad.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress recognizing the strategic value of the long-standing partnership between the United States and India, founded on shared democratic values and mutual interests. It highlights the deep cooperation across defense, technology, counterterrorism, and economic ties. The bill encourages the expansion of this relationship to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Battle of Normandy. The medal will be presented to his next of kin before being permanently displayed at The Citadel Museum. The Treasury Secretary is also authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act establishes a five-year pilot program to expand eligibility for the VA work-study allowance to veterans pursuing certain educational or training programs at a half-time enrollment level. This allows more student veterans to benefit from work-study opportunities without meeting the current three-quarter-time enrollment requirement. Additionally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit annual reports detailing participation and outcomes for veterans in the work-study program.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued to honor the historical contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers. It recognizes their significant service in the U.S. Army following the Civil War and through major conflicts. The bill specifically requests that the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee recommend this stamp to the Postmaster General.

The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act of 2025 establishes strict new standards for the use of non-deadly force by federal immigration personnel, requiring proportionality and de-escalation efforts. The bill mandates identification requirements, restricts the use of certain crowd-control equipment, and imposes new body camera and detailed reporting mandates. Furthermore, it creates affirmative duties for officers to intervene against excessive force and requires annual training on these new policies.

This resolution honors the heroic military service and sacrifices of Texas veterans, who represent the largest veteran population in the nation. It acknowledges the significant challenges they face, such as accessing mental health care and securing employment after service. The document expresses the House's appreciation and commits to ensuring veterans receive timely care and benefits. Ultimately, it reaffirms the commitment to supporting veterans in their successful transition back to civilian life.

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model under Medicare. This legislation specifically blocks the implementation of the prior authorization requirements associated with the WISeR Model. The goal is to prevent the adoption of this particular payment and service delivery model.

This resolution supports designating October 30th as the "International Day of Political Prisoners" to raise global awareness of the estimated one million individuals imprisoned worldwide for their beliefs. It condemns political repression by authoritarian regimes and expresses firm support for those detained for peacefully exercising their rights. The bill urges the U.S. Government to continue efforts to secure the release of these prisoners.

The Save American Democracy Act (SAD Act) asserts Congress's constitutional authority to regulate congressional redistricting. This bill prohibits states from redrawing congressional districts between decennial censuses unless mandated by a court order or specific state legislation. This restriction applies to redistricting efforts following the 2020 census and does not affect state or local elections.

This resolution designates October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to highlight the widespread and devastating impact of intimate partner violence across all demographics. It recognizes the urgent need to eliminate domestic violence and supports increased funding for intervention and prevention programs. The resolution underscores the severe physical, emotional, and economic toll this abuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.

The REPO for Ukrainians Implementation Act of 2025 formally recognizes international calls to repurpose frozen Russian sovereign assets to aid Ukraine. This bill grants the President authority to transfer non-confiscated Russian assets into the Ukraine Support Fund, where they must be invested in U.S. government debt. Furthermore, the Secretary of State is mandated to obligate at least $250 million from the fund to Ukraine every quarter. The Act also requires the President to report on the location of these Russian assets globally and directs diplomatic efforts to encourage allies to contribute quarterly.

This resolution formally recognizes the significant religious and historical importance of the festival of Diwali to Indian-American communities across the nation. Congress acknowledges Diwali as the festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains for its symbolism of knowledge, peace, and the triumph of good over evil. By passing this, the House expresses respect for the Indian diaspora and appreciates the strong partnership between the United States and India.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating a specific week in October 2025 as "Careers in Energy Week." It aims to honor the vital contributions of the energy workforce and highlight the numerous rewarding career opportunities available across the sector. Furthermore, the bill encourages educational partnerships to promote necessary skills and prepare the future workforce for the evolving energy industry.

The Skin Substitute Access and Payment Reform Act establishes a new Medicare Part B payment system for advanced skin substitute products starting in 2026, basing initial payments on 2023 utilization data and subsequent annual updates tied to the Consumer Price Index. The bill also enhances program integrity by identifying high-volume providers for increased scrutiny, including prepayment reviews and mandatory prior authorization requirements starting in 2027. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of a single, consolidated billing code for all skin substitute products by 2026.

This bill, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act, establishes a streamlined process for converting inactive offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs. It defines key terms and outlines steps for applicants to seek approval to leave these structures in place, provided they meet environmental and safety criteria. The legislation also facilitates the transfer of long-term liability for these new reefs to participating state agencies. This process temporarily halts government removal orders while applications are under review.

The Tribal Housing Continuity Act of 2025 ensures continued funding for critical housing programs serving tribal nations during lapses in discretionary appropriations. This Act appropriates \$1.6 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to cover necessary salaries and expenses under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. These funds allow HUD to process essential administrative actions and funding opportunities, maintaining support for tribal housing projects.

This resolution expresses deep concern over the growing trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression in U.S. schools and libraries. It asserts that such censorship undermines democratic values and harms students by restricting access to diverse ideas and histories. The bill urges local entities to follow best practices for book challenges and calls for the immediate reinstatement of books removed from Department of Defense schools. Ultimately, it reaffirms the nation's commitment to First Amendment rights and the freedom to read.

The Voter Purge Protection Act establishes strict new evidence requirements for states before they can remove registered voters from the rolls for federal elections. States must have objective proof that a voter is ineligible and cannot remove someone solely for not voting or failing to respond to a notice unless it was returned as undeliverable. If a voter is removed, the state must notify them within 48 hours with instructions on how to re-register.

The October 7 Gold Medal Act authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the American hostages and victims of the brutal October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel. This medal honors their suffering, sacrifice, and the resilience shown by their families. The Secretary of the Treasury will strike the medal, and bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs. The official gold medal will ultimately be displayed at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.