Legislative Activity

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to mandate that all covered immigration officers, including those from Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, display clear and visible identification on their uniforms during enforcement actions. The identification must include the agency name in a specified size and cannot be obscured by other uniform items. This aims to ensure transparency and accountability during immigration enforcement activities.

The "Improving Diaper Affordability Act of 2025" aims to make diapers more affordable for families by classifying them as qualified medical expenses for tax-advantaged health accounts, such as HSAs and FSAs. Additionally, the bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing sales taxes on diapers. This will reduce the financial burden on families, especially low-income households, and improve the health and well-being of babies and their parents.

The "Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act" amends the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, compelling the disclosure of all federal, state, and local government records related to civil rights cold cases to inform the public. It allows the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board to reimburse state and local governments for expenses related to transmitting civil rights cold case records to the Archivist for inclusion in the Collection. Additionally, it extends the Review Board's tenure from 7 to 11 years.

The WIC Collaboration Study Act directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to Congress on the potential for increased WIC enrollment through data sharing and collaboration between state agencies administering WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid. The study will examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and costs associated with data sharing, simplification of WIC certification, and other collaborative efforts. It also looks at the role of nonprofits and the potential for including WIC certification requirements in online SNAP or Medicaid assessments. Ultimately, the goal is to identify ways to streamline processes and improve enrollment in the WIC program.

The "Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act" aims to improve mental health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority groups by increasing funding for research, training, and outreach programs. It directs the National Institutes of Health to study mental health disparities, promotes culturally competent healthcare practices, and requires the development of a national outreach strategy to raise awareness and improve access to mental health services within these communities. The Act authorizes increased funding for various programs and research initiatives to address mental health disparities.

The Youth Mental Health Research Act directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative. This initiative will promote collaborative research on the social, behavioral, and developmental aspects of youth mental health. The goal is to build resilience and improve mental health interventions for young people in various settings. The Act authorizes $100 million in appropriations each fiscal year from 2025 through 2030 for these efforts.

The Homes for Young Adults Act of 2025 establishes an entitlement program for housing choice vouchers for youth and young adults, ensuring access to tenant-based rental assistance and support services. It also promotes self-sufficiency by incentivizing public housing agencies to coordinate assistance and encourages landlord participation in self-sufficiency programs. The Act further directs HUD to create regulations for housing quality standards and limits screening criteria for applicants to factors directly related to their ability to meet lease obligations. Finally, it requires HUD to improve access to its programs for people with limited English proficiency through translation services, interpretation services, and a housing information resource center.

This bill aims to raise awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Black community. It encourages increased screening, further research, and expanded coverage for at-risk individuals to combat the disproportionately high rates of colorectal cancer and death among Black Americans. The bill also urges further research into why young adults are increasingly contracting and dying from colorectal cancer.

The "Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025" renames the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to the Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act. This change recognizes Jean E. Fairfax's extensive contributions to the program and her advocacy for marginalized communities. The renaming also addresses concerns about the current namesake's opposition to civil rights. All references to the previous name in existing legislation will be updated accordingly.

The "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act" directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule containing items chosen by congressional leaders, including records of important events and a message to the future Congress. The time capsule will be sealed and buried on the West Lawn of the Capitol by July 4, 2026, with a plaque providing information about it. It is to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when it will be presented to the 244th Congress.

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle if that style is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. This protection extends to federally funded programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. The act aims to ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination based on hair, addressing historical biases and stereotypes. It clarifies that existing civil rights laws should be interpreted to include protection against hair-based discrimination.

The Black History Matters Act directs the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study Black history education in public schools. The study will identify which states require Black history education, assess the quality of education, instructional materials, and analyze how schools assess students' knowledge. A report will then be submitted to Congress detailing the findings of the study.

This bill expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a symbolic condemnation of violence against law enforcement and underscores the importance of holding accountable those who perpetrate such acts.

The EITC Modernization Act expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to include all taxpayers with dependents and qualifying students, setting a minimum credit of \$1,200 for these groups. It allows taxpayers eligible for refunds exceeding \$240 to receive the EITC in monthly payments and lowers the minimum age for eligible individuals without dependents to 18. The act also establishes a grant program to support volunteer tax assistance programs for low-income taxpayers, prioritizing programs that reach underserved populations and educate people about income supports like the EITC.

This bill recognizes and honors the vital role of community organizations and individuals in creating safe and supportive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. It acknowledges the historical significance of these spaces in fostering belonging, promoting well-being, and driving social change. The bill also emphasizes the need to protect these spaces and support LGBTQIA+ organizations, particularly in light of the violence and discrimination faced by the community. Finally, it encourages continued congressional support for these essential community builders and resources.

The "Expanding Penalty Free Withdrawal Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free early withdrawals from retirement plans for individuals who have received unemployment compensation for at least 26 consecutive weeks. Withdrawals must be made during the year unemployment benefits are received or the following year. The provision is effective for distributions made after December 31, 2024, and is subject to certain limitations.