Legislative Activity

The WIC Collaboration Study Act mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study on improving coordination between state agencies running WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid. The goal is to determine if better data sharing and collaboration could simplify the WIC application process and increase enrollment among eligible families. The GAO must report its findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days.

The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act aims to reduce mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups through several key actions. It increases funding for existing grant programs and authorizes significant new funding for the NIH and NIMHD to support relevant research and community engagement. Furthermore, the bill mandates a comprehensive study on mental health research gaps and establishes a national strategy for culturally competent mental health outreach and education.

The Youth Mental Health Research Act establishes a new, coordinated research initiative led by the NIMH Director to improve understanding and treatment of youth mental health. This effort will focus on building resilience, improving early identification, and enhancing the accessibility of mental health care in community settings. The Act authorizes $100 million in funding annually through fiscal year 2030 to support this vital research.

The Homes for Young Adults Act of 2025 establishes a new entitlement program guaranteeing housing choice vouchers for eligible young adults aged 18 to 30, aiming to combat youth homelessness. This legislation mandates that recipients be offered crucial support services focused on self-sufficiency and housing stability. Furthermore, the Act tightens rules on screening applicants, enforces housing quality standards, and requires HUD to significantly improve language access for persons with limited English proficiency. Overall, the bill seeks to create stable housing pathways and reduce systemic barriers for vulnerable young people.

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.