Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff deserve fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions. It highlights the critical role these essential workers play in supporting millions of students nationwide. Ultimately, the bill calls for livable wages, job security, safe workplaces, and meaningful input into school policies for these staff members.

The Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter threats posed by unserialized, privately made firearms, commonly known as "ghost guns." This legislation mandates specific actions across DHS components, including threat assessments on cross-border smuggling and research on preventing targeted violence involving these weapons. Furthermore, the bill requires regular reporting from the TSA on airport firearm violations and mandates intelligence sharing regarding terrorist threats linked to ghost guns.

The Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025 aims to simplify school meal programs by eliminating the "reduced-price" meal category for both breakfast and lunch. It significantly expands eligibility for free school meals by raising the federal poverty level threshold to 224% and allowing automatic certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits. Additionally, the bill enhances financial support for schools by allowing retroactive reimbursement claims and increasing the multiplier for the Community Eligibility Program.

The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act dramatically increases federal funding for state child care entitlements and establishes a new \$5 billion annual grant program to address critical shortages in the child care workforce, supply, and quality in identified high-need areas. These funds are intended to supplement existing spending and support providers through facility improvements, workforce training, and ensuring living wages for staff. The legislation also sets specific requirements for planning, reporting, and evaluation to track the impact of these investments.

The Defending American Diplomacy Act prohibits the Secretary of State from implementing any reorganization of the State Department without specific statutory authorization from Congress and the submission of a detailed plan. This plan must thoroughly analyze the impact on foreign policy goals, operations, and personnel. If the Secretary proceeds without authorization, specific funding restrictions against the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel for high-level appointees will take effect.

The Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create and maintain a public list of medications deemed safe for pilots and air traffic controllers to use while maintaining their medical certification. This list must be developed in consultation with relevant industry and labor groups. The FAA is required to update this comprehensive list annually, ensuring airmen and their doctors have clear guidance on medication approval status and necessary waiting periods.

The Reentry Act of 2025 allows incarcerated individuals to receive medical assistance through Medicaid during the 30 days immediately preceding their release. This legislation also mandates a comprehensive report from MACPAC analyzing current healthcare standards within correctional facilities. The report will examine the impact of this coverage change and offer recommendations for improving healthcare access for those transitioning back into the community.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and halt a specific proposed foreign military sale of defense articles and services to Israel. The blocked sale includes various 1,000-pound bomb bodies and associated Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits. This action uses congressional authority to stop the transfer outlined in Transmittal No. 2526.

The Bus Parity and Clarity Act ensures fair and equal access for over-the-road buses, including scheduled and charter services, on federally regulated toll facilities and in HOV lanes. This legislation mandates that these buses receive the same rates and conditions as standard public transportation vehicles, especially in value pricing programs. Furthermore, the Federal Highway Administration must maintain a public database detailing these access terms.

This bill seeks to disapprove and halt a specific proposed foreign military sale of defense articles and services to Israel. Specifically, it blocks the transfer of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers along with associated support equipment and services. Congress is exercising its authority to veto this particular sale as outlined in the Arms Export Control Act.

The Hot Foods Act of 2025 removes the general federal ban on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods. This legislation clarifies that hot foods are now eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, while also setting a new rule that limits SNAP-participating retailers to deriving no more than 50% of their gross sales from these ready-to-eat hot items. The act updates existing statutes to reflect this expanded purchasing power for recipients.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the International Transgender Day of Visibility. Congress acknowledges the achievements of transgender individuals while highlighting the ongoing discrimination and violence they face. The resolution encourages appropriate ceremonies and activities to observe the day and celebrate the community's leadership and fight for equality.

This joint resolution expresses congressional disapproval of an enhancement or upgrade to a previously planned foreign military sale of defense articles and services to the Government of Israel. Specifically, it blocks the proposed increase in the total value of the sale, which was necessitated by recent cost escalations for the equipment. The resolution effectively halts the more expensive, revised version of the defense transfer.

The Transgender Health Care Access Act aims to improve access to gender-affirming care by addressing critical gaps in medical education and provider capacity. The bill establishes grant programs to develop and implement comprehensive training curricula for medical professionals across various settings, including rural areas. Furthermore, it provides funding to expand the ability of community health centers to deliver culturally competent and necessary care to transgender individuals. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to ensure that healthcare providers are adequately trained and equipped to meet the medical needs of the transgender population.

The Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 addresses the critical need for comprehensive eating disorder treatment under Medicare. This bill expands Medicare coverage to include essential medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries diagnosed with an eating disorder, starting January 1, 2026. It establishes initial and ongoing annual coverage limits for these crucial dietitian-led services, requiring a referral from a physician or psychologist. By covering this vital component of care, the Act aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the significant economic burden associated with these serious mental illnesses.

The Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act mandates clearer caffeine labeling for restaurant chains and packaged foods, requiring warnings for items exceeding 150mg of caffeine. It also directs the FDA and NIH to conduct urgent safety reviews concerning caffeine consumption in the general population and vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the bill establishes a public education campaign on safe caffeine use and requires a GAO study on the marketing of caffeinated beverages, particularly toward youth.

The Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025 mandates that any adjustment to the Thrifty Food Plan used for calculating SNAP benefits must not result in an increase in food insecurity. This ensures that updates to the cost of the food plan do not negatively impact households' ability to afford adequate nutrition.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a proposed foreign military sale to Israel. Specifically, it blocks the transfer of 35,529 general-purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I2000 Penetrator warheads. The bill uses congressional authority to prohibit this specific arms transfer that was previously submitted for review.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to significantly expand and modernize energy assistance for low-income families facing high utility costs and extreme weather. It increases funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), streamlines eligibility requirements, and mandates that energy suppliers take steps to prevent shutoffs and eliminate late fees for recipients. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes using funds for weatherization and home retrofitting to reduce fossil fuel dependence and improve climate resilience for vulnerable households.

The Arts Education for All Act aims to elevate the status and accessibility of arts education across the entire educational spectrum. It mandates evidence-based training for early childhood providers, requires states to integrate arts education into core academic planning and public reporting, and authorizes the use of the arts in juvenile and adult offender reentry programs. Furthermore, the bill directs federal research agencies to study the impact of the arts and restores arts assessment to the national testing schedule.