Suzanne Bonamici

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 This bill expands requirements for addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault involving personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill specifies that NOAA's sexual harassment prevention and response policy applies to personnel such as observers, at-sea monitors, and voting members and staff of regional fishery management councils. The bill removes the requirement that certain acts, such as assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment of an observer or a data collector, be forcible in nature to be unlawful. The bill also requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to establish a policy for reporting to the Coast Guard the names of NOAA personnel involved in a sexual harassment or sexual assault claim. Specifically, such reports must identify employees or contractors who are the subject of such claim, the time and date of the incident, and the location of the vessel when the incident occurred. The bill prohibits a person convicted of certain sexual offenses from enlisting with or being commissioned by NOAA. Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to update its policies to develop a restricted reporting system that allows employees and other personnel to confidentially report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without triggering an investigation. Finally, the bill also expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations".

Congress would reject new federal student loan rules that the Department of Education created to change how the student loan program works. The rejection would prevent these regulations from taking effect, keeping the current student loan system in place instead of allowing the Education Department's changes to go forward. This would affect millions of student loan borrowers and the federal government's management of its lending programs.

Elder Pride Act of 2026

The proposal would create a new grant program to help rural communities provide services and support specifically for LGBTQI older adults, addressing gaps in care and social services in areas where such resources are often limited. The grants would fund organizations working to improve health care access, social engagement, and quality of life for LGBTQI seniors living in rural regions. This affects rural older adults, community organizations, and health care providers serving aging populations in less populated areas.

STORE Act of 2025

The proposal would establish or modify programs related to food storage, agricultural production, or food supply management to address potential shortages or improve food security. It would likely affect farmers, food producers, grocery stores, and consumers by changing how food is stored, distributed, or made available across the country. The bill is currently being reviewed by lawmakers who focus on nutrition and agricultural trade issues.

CHIERS Act of 2026

The federal government would provide grants to help communities improve transportation services for people seeking treatment for substance use disorders or related support services. These grants would be awarded jointly by the health and housing departments to organizations that either develop new transportation programs or expand existing ones. The goal is to remove a major barrier that prevents people from accessing the addiction treatment and support services they need.

Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

The bill would renew federal funding and support for research into water power technologies, including hydroelectric dams and newer systems that generate electricity from ocean waves and tidal currents. This funding would help scientists and engineers develop cleaner, more efficient ways to produce electricity from water sources, potentially benefiting energy companies, researchers, and communities looking for renewable energy options. The bill is currently being reviewed by committees in Congress to determine its details and feasibility.

Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026

Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026 This bill expands and modifies nutrition programs for older adults and adults with disabilities, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Under the bill, a household's eligibility for SNAP benefits may be certified for 36 months if all adult household members are elderly or disabled, an increase from 24 months. The bill also expands the SNAP medical expense deduction and increases the minimum allotment for households with one and two persons. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish an elderly simplified application program that allows a state to implement a streamlined SNAP application and certification process for households where all adult household members are elderly or disabled and have no earned income. The bill also directs USDA to authorize public-private partnerships between USDA, retail food stores participating in SNAP, and community-based organizations to provide free or low-cost food delivery under SNAP, including through the use of private funds. Further, the bill reauthorizes CSFP, provides additional funding for the program, and expands eligibility to include low-income adults with disabilities. CSFP benefits may also be certified for 36 months. Currently, benefits may be certified for not less than one year, but not more than three years. The bill also expands eligibility for the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program to include adults with disabilities, provide a 36-month certification period, and include minimum and maximum benefit amounts. Under the bill, USDA must also establish various related grant programs.

Expressing support for the designation of the weeks of March 29, 2026, through April 11, 2026, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week.

This resolution would officially recognize a two-week period in late March and early April 2026 as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week to highlight the importance of arts education for students. The designation aims to raise awareness about how arts programs help young people learn and develop, though it does not create any new funding or requirements. Schools, arts organizations, and educators could use this official recognition to promote arts learning initiatives during that time.

Expressing support for the designation of the third week of March as "National CACFP Week".

This resolution recognizes the role of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (commonly referred to as CACFP) in improving the health of the country's most vulnerable children and adults in Head Start programs, child care programs, family day care homes, emergency shelters, adult day care programs, and after-school care by providing nutritious meals and snacks. It also supports the designation of National CACFP Week.

Students and Young Consumers Empowerment Act

The bill aims to give students and young people better tools and knowledge to manage their money and understand financial products like credit cards and loans. It likely includes provisions for financial education in schools and protections for young consumers dealing with banks, lenders, and credit companies. The measure would help younger Americans avoid debt traps and make smarter financial decisions early in their lives.

Specialty CROP Act of 2026

Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act of 2026 or the Specialty CROP Act of 2026 This bill expands the annual reporting requirements for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide specific information on the competitiveness of U.S. exports of specialty crops. Specifically, the bill modifies the requirements for a congressionally mandated annual report on U.S. specialty crop trade issues to require USDA to report specific information on acts, policies, and practices of foreign countries that constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of, U.S. exports of specialty crops. Further, USDA must consult with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the report. Before preparing the report, USDA, in coordination with the USTR, must seek comments from the public and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. Under the bill, USDA must submit the report to Congress in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The unclassified portion of the report must be publicly available.

ReSCUE Oceans Act

The ReSCUE Oceans Act would establish new protections and restoration efforts for ocean ecosystems and marine habitats, likely including measures to reduce pollution, protect endangered marine species, and restore damaged coastal and ocean environments. The bill would affect fishing industries, coastal communities, environmental organizations, and federal agencies responsible for managing ocean resources. Congress is currently reviewing the specific provisions to determine which committees should handle different parts of the legislation.

Recognizing the value of the Older Americans Act of 1965 nutrition program in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our Nations seniors each year.

This resolution recognizes the important role that local nutrition programs supported through the Older Americans Act of 1965 play in addressing senior hunger, malnutrition, and isolation.

Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026

This bill aims to address the shortage of nursing instructors by likely providing funding, loan forgiveness, or other incentives to encourage experienced nurses to teach in nursing schools and training programs. The shortage of nursing faculty has made it harder for nursing schools to admit and train new nurses, which ultimately affects how many qualified nurses are available to work in hospitals and other healthcare settings. The bill would help both current and future nurses by making it easier to fill teaching positions and expand nursing education programs.

New Essential Education Discoveries Act of 2025

The bill aims to support educational research and development in areas considered critical to student learning and achievement, though the specific programs and funding mechanisms are not yet detailed in its current form. Based on its title and education focus, it likely directs resources toward discovering or implementing new teaching methods, curriculum approaches, or educational technologies that could improve student outcomes. The bill would primarily affect schools, educators, and potentially students by providing funding or support for these research and discovery initiatives.

No Robot Bosses Act

The bill would restrict employers' use of automated decision-making systems—like AI algorithms—when making significant employment decisions such as hiring, firing, scheduling, or pay determinations, requiring human review and worker notification when such systems are used. It aims to protect workers from unfair or discriminatory outcomes that might result from automated systems making decisions about their jobs without human oversight. The proposal affects employers across industries and gives workers more transparency and control over how technology influences their employment.

CREATIVE Act of 2025

The bill aims to support arts and cultural programs, likely through funding, grants, or tax incentives that help artists, museums, theaters, and cultural organizations operate and reach more people. It may also address how religious institutions and cultural heritage sites receive support or recognition. The measure would primarily affect creative professionals, cultural organizations, and communities that depend on arts and cultural activities.

Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act

This bill would extend and reauthorize federal programs that help remove trash and other debris from oceans and coastal areas, as well as fund infrastructure projects to prevent marine pollution. The legislation would provide funding and support to states, local governments, and organizations working to clean up waterways and reduce the amount of plastic and waste entering the ocean. Coastal communities, environmental groups, and fishing industries would benefit from these cleanup and prevention efforts.

Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025

Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025 This bill generally prohibits the manufacture, process, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos or any mixture or article containing commercial asbestos. The President may, on application, grant exemptions from the prohibition in situations where it is necessary to protect national security interests.

PARTNERS Act

The bill's vague title makes its specific purpose unclear, but based on its referral to committees handling labor, education, and legal matters, it likely addresses workplace partnerships, employee rights, or labor-management relations. Without access to the bill's actual text, the exact provisions cannot be determined, though the dual committee referral suggests it involves both employment law and potentially judicial or regulatory oversight of workplace arrangements.

PRICE Act

The PRICE Act would likely address housing affordability and community development issues, though the specific provisions aren't clear from the title alone. Based on its referral to the Financial Services Committee, it probably involves policies related to housing costs, lending practices, or programs that help communities develop affordable housing. The bill would affect renters, homebuyers, real estate lenders, and local communities working on housing initiatives.

Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act of 2025

Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act of 2025 This bill makes changes to federal programs serving older individuals to facilitate care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals. Under current law, certain services provided to older individuals must be targeted to populations with the greatest social need . The bill adds status as an LGBTQI individual and status as an individual living with HIV as factors contributing to greatest social need. The bill also explicitly allows grants that support the health, independence, and longevity of older individuals to be used for certain activities promoting services for individuals with the greatest social need. The bill establishes an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging (AOA). The office must promote access to services for LGBTQI older individuals and coordinate related activities within the Department of Health and Human Services and among other federal entities. The bill also provides statutory authority for a national resource center on LGBTQI aging. The center must provide organizations that serve older individuals or LGBTQI individuals with information and technical assistance needed to effectively serve LGBTQI older individuals. Finally, the bill requires certain studies and reports on issues affecting LGBTQI older individuals. Specifically, state long-term care ombudsmen must collect and analyze data on discrimination against LGBTQI older individuals in long-term care settings. Further, the AOA must study the services needed by LGBTQI older individuals and collect data on the number of such individuals served by various services and activities.

Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2025

This bill would provide funding and resources to help teachers and school staff address mental health challenges like stress, burnout, and depression. The legislation would likely support programs such as counseling services, mental health training, and wellness initiatives in schools to improve the wellbeing of educators who work directly with students.

Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Act of 2025

This bill would improve how the U.S. prepares for and responds to tsunamis by strengthening warning systems, funding research to better understand tsunami risks, and supporting education programs to help coastal communities know what to do in an emergency. It would affect coastal residents, emergency management agencies, and scientists working to predict and track these dangerous ocean waves. The goal is to give people more time to evacuate and reduce deaths and damage when tsunamis strike.

Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025

This bill would expand federal support and services for runaway and homeless youth, including funding for shelters, counseling, and job training programs. It also aims to prevent human trafficking by helping young people in vulnerable situations access safe housing and resources. The legislation would affect homeless youth, social service organizations, and local governments that run youth assistance programs.

MEALS Act of 2025

Mitigating Electronic Access Losses for Students Act of 2025 or the MEALS Act of 2025 This bill requires the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to prescribe fraud prevention measures for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (or Summer EBT) program and provide for the replacement of the full amount of a student's stolen benefits. Summer EBT provides electronic benefits that can be redeemed for groceries to households with eligible children over the summer months. Specifically, using funds provided by FNS, a participating state agency must provide a household with replacement Summer EBT benefits if the state agency determines that the benefits were stolen, and the agency meets certain requirements. The benefits must be equal to the amount of benefits stolen through card skimming, card cloning, or similar fraudulent methods. Further, for state agencies and Indian tribal organizations that administer the Summer EBT program, FNS must issue guidance on security measures that are effective in detecting and preventing the theft of benefits (e.g., through card skimming or card cloning), and promulgate regulations to require them to take the appropriate security measures and implement procedures for the replacement of benefits. In addition, FNS must coordinate with the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to establish (1) measures to prevent Summer EBT benefits from being stolen, and (2) standard reporting methods. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that examines the risks related to Summer EBT benefit payment system security.

FACTS Act

The FACTS Act would require health care providers and insurers to give patients clear, easy-to-understand information about their medical costs and coverage details before they receive treatment. This would help patients make informed decisions about their health care and understand what they'll owe out of pocket. The bill affects hospitals, doctors' offices, insurance companies, and patients seeking medical services.

Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act

The proposal would expand nutrition assistance programs for young children, likely increasing funding or eligibility for meal programs in schools and childcare settings. It aims to improve access to healthy food for low-income families with children under school age, helping ensure better nutrition during critical early development years. The changes would affect families receiving assistance, childcare providers, schools, and the Department of Agriculture.

Arts Education for All Act

This bill would likely increase funding and support for arts education programs in schools across the country, ensuring that students have access to classes in music, visual arts, theater, and dance. The legislation aims to make arts education available to all students regardless of their school's budget or location, recognizing that arts programs help develop creativity and critical thinking skills. Schools and school districts would be the primary beneficiaries, gaining resources to hire arts teachers and maintain these programs.

Expressing support for the designation of the third week of March 2025 as "National CACFP Week".

This resolution recognizes the role of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (commonly referred to as CACFP) in improving the health of the country's most vulnerable children and adults in Head Start programs, child care programs, family day care homes, emergency shelters, adult day care homes, and after-school care by providing nutritious meals and snacks. It also supports the designation of National CACFP Week.

Expressing support for the Nation's local public K-12 schools and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Education.

This resolution expresses Congress's support for keeping public K-12 schools funded and operating, and opposes efforts to cut education budgets or eliminate the Department of Education. It's a statement of principle rather than a law that changes policy, aimed at signaling that lawmakers support maintaining the current structure and funding of America's public school system.

SAD Act

Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act or the SAD Act This bill prohibits deceptive advertising for reproductive health services. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for a person (i.e., individual, partnership, corporation, association, or organization) to deceptively advertise the reproductive health services they offer, including by misrepresenting that the person (1) offers or provides contraception or abortion services (or referrals for such contraception or abortion services), or (2) employs or offers access to licensed medical personnel. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission. In addition to any other penalty, violations are subject to a civil penalty that may not exceed the greater of $100,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) or 50% of the revenue earned during the preceding 12-month period by the ultimate parent entity of the person who violated the bill.