Emanuel Cleaver

Washington, D.C. Admission Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States. The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits. The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives. The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services.  The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.

MEGOBARI Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act or the MEGOBARI Act This bill requires the President to impose sanctions on certain foreign persons, including Georgian government officials, who are undermining Georgia's security or stability. Specifically, the bill requires the President to impose visa-blocking sanctions and authorizes the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person the President determines is involved with actions or policies to undermine Georgia's security or stability. Immediate family members of a sanctioned individual are also subject to these sanctions if they benefited from the sanctioned individual's conduct.  The bill also requires the President to impose visa-blocking sanctions on the following foreign persons if the President determines such persons knowingly engaged in significant acts of corruption or acts of violence or intimidation in relation to the blocking of Euro-Atlantic integration in Georgia:  any individual who served as a member of the Georgian parliament or as a senior official of a Georgian political party on or after January 1, 2014; any individual who is serving as an official in a leadership position on behalf of the Georgian government; and any immediate family member of such officials who benefited from their conduct. Additionally, for the purpose of potential imposition of sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the President must determine whether there are foreign persons who, on or after the bill's enactment, have engaged in (1) significant corruption in Georgia, or (2) acts to undermine Georgia's security or stability.

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2025

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring payment from a veteran for any contraceptive item that is required to be covered by health insurance plans without a cost-sharing requirement.

Dental Care for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2025

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2025

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish infertility treatments, standard fertility preservation services, or both to a covered veteran or partner of a covered veteran. A covered veteran is a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and has infertility or is at risk of having infertility, as determined by a licensed physician. The VA may furnish up to three completed in vitro fertilization cycles that result in live birth, or 10 attempted cycles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the VA may furnish in vitro fertilization treatment using donated gametes or embryos. The VA must receive consent to furnish an in vitro fertilization cycle from the covered veteran, the partner of a covered veteran, and the third-party donor (if applicable). For purposes of paying travel expenses for treatment or services to the partner of a covered veteran, the VA must deem the partner to be a veteran receiving treatment or care. The VA must prescribe regulations related to the provision of infertility treatments and standard fertility preservation services as required by this bill. Prior to the enactment of such regulations, the VA must ensure that (1) counseling and treatment furnished under existing authority is available to a veteran and the veteran's partner, regardless of whether they are married; and (2) treatment under existing authority may be furnished using donated gametes or embryos.

Honoring the life, achievements, legacy, and public service of former President James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

This resolution honors the life, achievements, legacy, and distinguished public service of former President Jimmy Carter. The resolution also (1) acknowledges President Carter's contributions to the state of Georgia, the United States, and the world; and (2) establishes his legacy as one of the great leaders and statesmen of the United States. 

To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the Capitol.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to contract for and place a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Capitol. The committee shall place the statue in a permanent public location where it is accessible during a guided tour provided by the Capitol Visitor Center. The contract must be executed by December 31, 2025, and the statue must be placed by December 31, 2026. 

Health Care Affordability Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 This bill makes permanent temporary changes enacted by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) that generally expand eligibility for and increase the amount of the premium tax credit. Currently, eligible taxpayers may be able to claim the premium tax credit, which applies toward the cost of obtaining health insurance through health insurance exchanges. To be eligible for the premium tax credit, a taxpayer’s household income must meet or exceed 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and, after 2025, may not exceed 400% of the FPL (maximum income limit). For 2021-2025, the ARPA and IRA eliminated the maximum income limit, which generally expands eligibility for the premium tax credit. Further, under current law, the amount of the premium tax credit is (1) generally the plan premium (conditions apply), minus (2) the taxpayer’s household income multiplied by the applicable percentage. The applicable percentage is a specific percentage that varies depending on which of six income ranges (adjusted for inflation after 2025) the taxpayer’s household income falls within. For 2021-2025, the ARPA and IRA lowered the applicable percentages and eliminated the adjustment of the applicable percentages for inflation, which generally increases the amount of the premium tax credit. The bill makes permanent the elimination of the 400% maximum income limit, the lower applicable percentages, and the elimination of the inflation adjustment for the applicable percentages.

Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution This resolution authorizes proxy voting in the House of Representatives for a Member who has given birth or whose spouse has given birth and pregnant Members who are unable to travel safely or have a serious medical condition. Under the resolution, a qualifying Member may designate a proxy to cast a vote in a committee, the Committee of the Whole, or on the House floor; however, proxies will not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. The proxy designation is valid for up to 12 weeks. To designate a proxy for House and Committee of the Whole votes, the Member must submit a signed and dated letter to the Clerk stating the Member’s qualifying circumstances and the name and state of the Member who has agreed to be designated as proxy. A Member who has designated a proxy according to these requirements may also designate a proxy for committee votes. To designate a proxy for committee votes, the Member must provide the committee chair and ranking minority member with a signed and dated letter specifying another member of the committee to cast a proxy vote.  The resolution further provides that a Member may revoke the proxy authorization by (1) casting the Member’s own vote; (2) recording the Member’s own presence in the House or in the Committee of the Whole; or (3) in a committee, by submitting a signed letter to the chair and ranking minority member.

Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act This bill prohibits federal officials and employees from taking any action, or expending any federal funds, to recognize or imply U.S. recognition of (1) Bidzina Ivanishvili, or (2) any government of the nation of Georgia that is led by Bidzina Ivanishvili or any proxies. The bill also specifies that the United States must recognize the incumbent president of Georgia prior to the October 26, 2024, elections as the only legitimate leader of Georgia. The President may declare this policy void if the chairman and co-chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission certify that Georgia has held free and fair elections.

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2025

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 This bill expands the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include separate grants to rescue sea turtles for the next seven years. The grants must be used for the recovery, care, or treatment of sick, injured, or entangled sea turtles; responses to rescue stranded sea turtles; the collection of data and samples from living or dead stranded sea turtles for scientific research or health assessments; facility operating costs that are directly related to activities to assist sea turtles; or  development of stranding network capacity where facilities do not exist or are sparse. In addition, the bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund.

Paycheck Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2025

Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.

End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025

End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2025 This bill repeals or limits tax deductions and credits related to oil and gas production; increases the amortization period of geological and geophysical expenses; prohibits the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting method by certain oil companies; and expands the definition of crude oil for certain purposes. The bill repeals the tax credits for producing oil and gas from marginal wells and enhanced oil recovery, tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells, percentage depletion, tax deduction for tertiary injectant expenses, and exception to the passive loss limitations for working interests in oil and gas property. The bill increases the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenses from two years to seven years and prohibits major integrated oil companies from using the LIFO accounting method. The bill excludes from the qualified business income tax deduction items related to oil and gas production, refining, processing, transporting, and distribution. The bill provides statutory authority for Internal Revenue Service regulations that exclude from the definition of a tax for purposes of the foreign tax credit levies imposed by foreign countries or U.S. possessions on persons that receive a specific economic benefit from the country or possession. Finally, the bill defines crude oil for purposes of the excise tax on imported petroleum and crude oil to include bitumen or bituminous mixtures or oil derived from such mixtures (including tar sands) and oil derived from kerogen-bearing sources (including oil shale).

Expressing support for the designation of the month of January, as "Tamil Language and Heritage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025

This resolution recognizes that Tamil Americans enhance the rich diversity of the United States and supports the designation of Tamil Language and Heritage Month.

TRUST in Congress Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025

Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust in Congress Act or the TRUST in Congress Act This bill requires a Member of Congress, as well as any spouse or dependent child of a Member, to place specified investments into a qualified blind trust (i.e., an arrangement in which certain financial holdings are placed in someone else's control to avoid a possible conflict of interest) until 180 days after the end of their tenure as a Member of Congress.

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team in recognition of the team's achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

Department of Education Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Department of Education Protection Act This bill prohibits the use of appropriated funds made available to the Department of Education (ED) to decentralize, reduce the staffing level of, or alter the responsibilities or functionality of ED compared to its organization or operation on January 1, 2025.

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act This bill requires the Architect of the Capitol to create a congressional time capsule in honor of the 250 th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to be buried on the west lawn of the Capitol on or before July 4, 2026. Congressional leadership will determine the contents of the time capsule, and the time capsule shall be sealed until July 4, 2276.

Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in recognition and celebration of the women who contributed to the U.S. home front during World War II. All sales of coins issued under this bill must include a surcharge to be paid to the Rosie the Riveter Trust to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

Pony Up Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Pony Up Act This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to pay a citizen for late payment fees or penalties incurred due to late delivery of mail by USPS. Late delivery of mail means that (1) USPS received a bill or notice of bill at least 12 days prior to the payment due date and delivered such bill or notice of bill less than 6 days prior to the payment due date; or (2) USPS received a payment at least 5 days prior to the payment due date and delivered such payment after the due date.  USPS is not required to pay a citizen for late payment fees or penalties when a bill, notice of bill, or payment is delayed for reasons outside of USPS control (for example, if a major disaster or emergency declared by the President caused the delay).

FAIR Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act or the FAIR Act This bill modifies pay rates for federal employees in 2026. Specifically, the bill increases rates under the statutory pay systems and for prevailing rate employees by 3.3% and increases locality pay by 1%.

Honoring Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., on reaching the historic milestone of 105 years of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

This resolution congratulates and commends Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. on 105 years of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.

Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. There is authorized to be charged against the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck under this bill. Sums received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized by this bill shall be deposited into that fund.

Saving the Civil Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Saving the Civil Service Act This bill generally prohibits changes to the classification of positions in the competitive service and excepted service unless certain conditions are met. (Competitive service positions are subject to competitive examination while excepted service positions are appointed under one of five schedules. Competitive service positions have notice and appeal requirements for adverse actions that are not applicable to most excepted positions, including those of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character under Schedule C.) On October 21, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that placed executive agency positions that are of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, and that are not normally subject to change as a result of a presidential transition, under a new Schedule F in the excepted service. The order was subsequently revoked by President Joe Biden. The bill prohibits executive agency positions in the competitive service from being placed in the excepted service, unless such positions are placed in a schedule in the excepted service as in effect on September 30, 2020. The bill also prohibits positions in the excepted service from being placed in any schedule other than the aforementioned schedules. Additionally, agencies may not (1) transfer occupied positions from the competitive or excepted service into Schedule C without the consent of the Office of Personnel Management, or (2) transfer employees in the excepted service to another schedule or transfer employees in the competitive service to the excepted service without employee consent. 

Equal COLA Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Equal COLA Act This bill applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for annuities paid under the Federal Employees Retirement System that is equal to the increase in inflation, regardless of the amount of the increase. Specifically, for any year in which the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased over the previous year, the COLA amount shall be increased by the change in the CPI from the previous year.  Current law applies an adjustment equal to the change in CPI only if the change is 2% or less. If the change is between 2% and 3%, the adjustment is limited to 2%. If the change is more than 3%, the adjustment is limited to 1% less than the change.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the railroad track maintenance credit.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

This bill increases the annual limit on the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenses (also referred to as the short line railroad tax credit) and expands eligibility for claiming the credit. Under current law, the tax credit is limited each tax year to $3,500 multiplied by the sum of the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer (miles owned or leased) and the number of railroad track miles assigned to the taxpayer by a Class II or III railroad (miles assigned). This bill increases the annual limit to $6,100 multiplied by the sum of miles owned or leased and miles assigned. The $6,100 amount used in the calculation of the tax credit limit is adjusted for inflation for tax years beginning after 2025. The bill also expands eligibility for the tax credit to include gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2024. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2015.

Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by celebrating diversity, promoting tolerance, and condemning hate.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

This resolution celebrates the 96th anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 This bill expands Medicare coverage of chiropractic services to include all services provided by chiropractors, rather than only subluxation corrections through manual manipulation of the spine.

Food Deserts Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Food Deserts Act This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts. Under the program, grants are provided to states for revolving funds that support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities. Underserved communities are communities that have (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger, a high rate of food insecurity, or a high poverty rate. The bill requires states to use such funds for loans that support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for opening a store (excluding new construction), or supporting an existing store. In order to qualify for loans, grocery stores must meet criteria enumerated in the bill. For example, grocery stores must (1) emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; (2) provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; and (3) charge affordable prices at or below market values. Further, states must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria related to hiring workers from the underserved community, providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet, sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, and demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.

Close the Medigap Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Close the Medigap Act of 2025 This bill (1) expands guaranteed issue rights with respect to Medigap policies (Medicare supplemental health insurance policies), (2) eliminates certain limitations on Medigap policies for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and (3) modifies other provisions related to Medigap policies. (Guaranteed issue rights require that a policy be offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status.)

COVER Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.

Expressing support for the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

This resolution supports the designation of Muslim-American Heritage Month and honors the contributions of Muslim Americans in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.

Affirming the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

This resolution reaffirms the importance of the alliance between the United States and South Korea, particularly with regard to security in the Indo-Pacific. The resolution also celebrates the important contributions of Korean Americans to American society and supports the goals of Korean Culture-Kimchi Day.

Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2025

Universal Right To Vote by Mail Act of 2025 This bill expands voting by mail in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from imposing on eligible voters additional conditions or requirements to cast ballots by mail in federal elections, except states may impose a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials and for returning a ballot. The bill also requires states to provide individuals with notice and opportunity to cure discrepancies or defects with their absentee or mail-in ballots.

Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2025

Charitable Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Charitable Act This bill allows an individual taxpayer who does not itemize their tax deductions to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions and eliminates the tax penalty for overstating charitable contributions. (Some limitations apply). Under the bill, for tax years beginning in 2026 or 2027, an individual taxpayer who does not itemize their tax deductions may deduct charitable contributions of up to one-third of the standard deduction allowed to such individual. (Under current law, an individual taxpayer generally must itemize their tax deductions to deduct charitable contributions.) The bill also eliminates the tax penalty for an underpayment of taxes attributable to overstated charitable contributions by taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. (Under current law, taxpayers who claim a deduction under this bill may be assessed a tax penalty in the amount of 50% of the portion of an understatement of tax liability attributable to overstated charitable contributions.)

Federal Firefighters Families First Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025