Legislative Activity

The Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act strengthens protections for small businesses by requiring federal agencies to conduct more rigorous and transparent economic impact analyses for proposed regulations. The bill expands the scope of these reviews to include indirect economic effects, mandates the creation of plain-language compliance guides, and establishes a process for the periodic review of existing rules. Additionally, it empowers the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy to better oversee agency compliance and requires agencies to waive civil fines for most first-time paperwork violations by small businesses.

This resolution formally condemns the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, carried out by an individual who was in the U.S. illegally. It uses this incident to call for stricter vetting of visa applicants and the swift removal of aliens who violate their visa terms. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the critical importance of communication between federal and local law enforcement agencies to prevent future acts of terrorism.

The Baby Changing on Board Act mandates that Amtrak install baby changing tables in at least one restroom on every car of newly acquired covered passenger rail trains. These tables must be placed in ADA-compliant restrooms when available and clearly marked with signage. This ensures essential amenities are available for passengers with infants on applicable Amtrak services.

The ADINA Act mandates that prescription and over-the-counter drugs must clearly label if they contain ingredients derived from major food allergens or gluten-containing grains. This new requirement aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency regarding potential allergens in medications. Drugs failing to include this specific warning will be considered misbranded under federal law.

The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act aims to increase financial support for veterans pursuing education entirely online. This bill eliminates the current 50% cap on the monthly housing stipend for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients enrolled more than half-time in distance learning programs. If enacted, this change would allow these students to receive the full monthly housing allowance rate, effective for terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025.

The BARK Act of 2025 aims to encourage the donation of pet food and supplies during emergencies and for charitable purposes. It provides liability protection to donors and distributing organizations against lawsuits related to the condition of donated items, provided there is no gross negligence or intentional harm. This protection applies to items that appear fit for use, even if they don't meet all commercial sales standards, provided proper disclosure and reconditioning procedures are followed.

This resolution officially designates the Friday before Memorial Day as **National Poppy Day** to honor U.S. veterans. It recognizes the poppy as a long-standing symbol of remembrance for those who died in service, inspired by World War I. The bill encourages all citizens to wear a red poppy on this day to show appreciation for our fallen service members.

The Leveraging Educational Opportunity Networks Act establishes a new federal grant program managed by the Secretary of Labor to fund high-quality, cohort-based career training partnerships. These grants prioritize developing programs that offer living wages during training and comprehensive supportive services for participants from underserved populations. The goal is to rapidly equip low-wage and low-literacy workers with industry-recognized credentials needed to fill critical labor shortages in high-demand sectors. The Act authorizes up to $30 million annually for these initiatives through fiscal year 2029.

The Social Security Access Act mandates that the Social Security Administration (SSA) must provide service through three distinct channels: phone, online, and in-person. This law ensures individuals can complete major tasks, such as applying for benefits, entirely over the phone. The bill also requires regular reporting to Congress on the implementation, effectiveness, and security of these service options.

The Carla Walker Act establishes federal grants to improve forensic activities, specifically by funding the adoption of advanced whole genome sequencing and forensic genetic genealogy technology in public crime labs. These grants aim to help law enforcement generate investigative leads in unsolved cases or identify unknown human remains when standard DNA databases yield no results. The legislation also mandates that the Attorney General report back to Congress on the current use and future implementation needs of this technology.

This resolution strongly condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. It specifically honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were tragically murdered while promoting peace. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and ensuring the vigorous enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom.

The DEFIANCE Act of 2025 establishes a federal civil cause of action against the creation, possession with intent to share, or sharing of nonconsensual intimate digital forgeries, often known as deepfakes. This legislation updates existing law to specifically address image-based sexual abuse created through AI or digital manipulation, regardless of whether the image is labeled as fake. Victims can sue for significant statutory damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief to stop the spread of the harmful content. The Act ensures that this new federal standard does not preempt or limit stronger existing State or Tribal laws.

The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2025 significantly lowers the standard of proof required for employment discrimination claims under major federal laws like the ADEA, Title VII, and the ADA. It establishes that an illegal factor only needs to be a "motivating factor" in an employer's decision, rather than the sole cause. While this makes it easier to prove discrimination, remedies like damages are limited if the employer can prove they would have made the same decision regardless. These new standards apply immediately to all pending claims upon enactment.

The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act of 2025 significantly increases the penalty-free withdrawal limit from retirement accounts for first-time homebuyers. This legislation raises the maximum allowable distribution from $\$10,000$ to $\$50,000$. This change is designed to provide greater financial flexibility for individuals purchasing their first home, taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This resolution strongly condemns former FBI Director James Comey for a social media post interpreted as inciting violence against President Donald J. Trump during his overseas trip. Congress demands that federal authorities investigate Comey's actions and permanently bar him from any future federal employment. The measure asserts that political violence incitement by former high-ranking officials is unacceptable and threatens national security.

This resolution officially recognizes the week of May 18 through May 24, 2025, as the 65th annual National Public Works Week. It serves to thank and honor the dedicated public works professionals and first responders who ensure the safety and functionality of essential community services like roads and water systems. The bill encourages all Americans to acknowledge the vital role these individuals play in daily life and during times of crisis.

The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act reinstates and removes limitations on the federal income tax deduction for personal casualty losses resulting from unexpected events like fires or floods. This legislation also extends the deadline for taxpayers to file claims for refunds related to these casualty loss deductions for past tax years. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.

The COUNTER Act enhances the Department of Defense's authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems targeting U.S. assets. This legislation delegates specific response powers and updates mitigation rules for drone threats. Crucially, it exempts sensitive information regarding these counter-drone technologies and procedures from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also adjusts several deadlines and clarifies the applicability of certain federal laws when operating overseas to counter these threats.

The LEOSA Reform Act updates federal laws to better align concealed carry rights for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers with existing school zone restrictions. This legislation modernizes the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) by expanding qualification standards for retired officers and clarifying where they may carry firearms, including in certain lower-security federal facilities. The bill ensures that LEOSA-authorized carriers are not inadvertently violating federal school zone prohibitions.

This bill officially renames two key locations within the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park to honor Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Specifically, the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Overlook Park will now bear his name. This change ensures all official records and signage reflect the new designations.