Legislative Activity

The End Junk Fees for Renters Act aims to protect tenants by banning application and screening fees for federally assisted rental units. It also caps late rent fees at 3% and mandates that landlords disclose key rental history and maintenance information before a lease is signed. Furthermore, the bill directs federal agencies to define "junk fees" and prohibits landlords from reporting unpaid junk fees to credit bureaus.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

The Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand healthcare access for immigrants legally residing in the U.S. by ensuring eligibility for federal health programs like Medicaid and CHIP, removing state restrictions for permanent residents, and treating federally authorized presence as lawful presence for coverage purposes. The bill also provides states the option to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage to individuals without lawful status. Furthermore, it removes citizenship barriers preventing certain non-citizens from accessing ACA marketplace subsidies and updates Medicare eligibility rules.

This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall "Major" Taylor, recognizing the pioneering Black cyclist for his historic achievements and his fight against racial prejudice. The medal will be struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and presented to Taylor's great-granddaughter. The Act also authorizes the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

This resolution strongly reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting the safety and well-being of refugees globally. It criticizes recent administrative actions that suspended refugee admissions and travel bans, arguing they violate U.S. and international law. The bill calls for the immediate restoration of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and demands federal agencies uphold due process for asylum seekers. Ultimately, it asserts that welcoming oppressed people is central to American values and legal obligations.

The Wall Street Tax Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax on specific financial trading transactions involving securities and derivatives. This transaction tax begins at a rate of 0.02 percent in 2026 and gradually increases to 0.1 percent by 2030. The tax generally applies to trades executed on U.S. exchanges or those involving a U.S. person, excluding initial security offerings.

This resolution directs the President, under the authority of the War Powers Resolution, to immediately remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that military action must cease unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of force. The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize new military action nor does it impede necessary self-defense against an immediate attack.

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act seeks to significantly expand labor protections for domestic employees by bringing them under standard federal laws, including eligibility for overtime pay and mandated paid sick leave. The bill establishes written employment agreements, sets clear privacy boundaries for workers in private homes, and creates a Standards Board to recommend ongoing improvements to wages and benefits. Furthermore, it establishes enforcement mechanisms and temporarily increases federal Medicaid funding for in-home care services to help offset compliance costs.

The FIGHT Act of 2025 significantly strengthens federal prohibitions against animal fighting ventures, specifically targeting the sponsorship, exhibition, and gambling associated with these events. This legislation clarifies the definition of a rooster for legal purposes and bans the interstate transport of roosters for fighting. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, allowing for civil penalties and the potential seizure of property used to facilitate illegal animal fighting.

This resolution formally commemorates the ninth anniversary of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. It honors the lives lost, recognizes the bravery of first responders, and reaffirms community unity in the face of hate. Furthermore, the resolution calls for continued efforts to reduce gun violence and support those affected by this act of terrorism.

This resolution formally expresses Congressional support for designating June 2025 as "Black Music Month." It recognizes the profound and foundational cultural impact of Black artists across all American music genres, from spirituals to hip-hop. The bill encourages the nation to actively celebrate this rich heritage through educational programs and public acknowledgment. Ultimately, it honors the creators whose work reflects the American experience and promotes diversity through music.

The Protect Black Women and Girls Act establishes a new federal Interagency Task Force, led by the Attorney General, to examine and recommend policy improvements across education, economic development, healthcare, justice, and housing for Black women and girls. Additionally, the bill mandates the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conduct annual studies on critical issues impacting this demographic, including violence, incarceration rates, and health disparities. The legislation aims to coordinate federal efforts and gather data to address systemic challenges and improve outcomes for Black women and girls nationwide.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. This legislation codifies existing federal regulations, known as the "Roadless Rule," which generally prohibits the construction of new roads or the cutting of timber in these sensitive zones. The purpose is to safeguard critical ecological benefits, clean water sources, and wildlife habitats while maintaining the Forest Service's multiple-use management mission.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025 reforms federal firearm background check procedures, establishing a formal petition process for buyers when the system delays a decision beyond 10 business days. This bill removes the previous 10-day time limit on background checks under the Brady Act while mandating extensive reporting from the GAO and FBI on the effectiveness and outcomes of these delayed transfers. Furthermore, the Attorney General must report on the law's impact on domestic violence victims within 150 days of enactment.

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

The Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025 establishes a unified federal approach to mitigating the health and safety risks posed by extreme heat. It creates an Interagency Committee within NOAA to coordinate efforts across numerous federal departments and mandates the development of a National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS). This new system will provide open access to data, forecasts, and science-backed tools to improve national preparedness and response to dangerous heat events. The Act authorizes $5 million annually through fiscal year 2029 to support these initiatives.

The Extreme Heat Economic Study Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study, led by NOAA, to quantify the full financial costs of extreme heat events in the United States. This study must analyze impacts across health, property damage, labor productivity, and critical infrastructure like energy and agriculture. The final report will recommend a national system for tracking and publicly reporting these economic losses within four years of enactment.

The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to combat dangerous urban heat islands, which disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. This program will fund eligible entities for projects like tree planting, installing cool pavements, and establishing cooling centers. At least 75% of the annual funding must target designated low-income census tracts, ensuring resources are directed to the most vulnerable areas. The Act authorizes $30 million annually through fiscal year 2033 to support these essential mitigation efforts.