Lois Frankel

Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act

The legislation would provide support and resources for people who have experienced abuse within religious organizations and faith communities. It aims to help survivors access services like counseling, legal assistance, and other aid while potentially addressing how these cases are handled by both religious institutions and law enforcement. The bill would affect survivors of abuse, religious organizations, and government agencies involved in victim support services.

Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity between wages paid to men and women.

This resolution acknowledges the problem of wage gaps between men and women in the workplace and calls attention to the ongoing pay disparities that affect female workers across different industries and job levels. The measure is intended to highlight the importance of equal pay for equal work and raise awareness about how women often earn less than men in similar positions. It has been sent to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for consideration.

Recognizing community water fluoridation as a safe, effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay and promote oral and physical health.

This resolution expresses support for adding fluoride to community water supplies as a way to prevent tooth decay and improve public health. The measure recognizes water fluoridation as a safe and effective practice that benefits entire communities, particularly children and low-income families who may have limited access to dental care. It has been referred to Congress for consideration but is not a law-making bill—it's a statement of support for this public health approach.

Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025

Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) participating in federal student aid programs to distribute information on how to report alleged violations of civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.) Specifically, the bill requires ED's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to conduct a public awareness campaign regarding the rights of individuals under Title VI. This campaign must be updated annually and distributed to IHEs. The bill requires an IHE to post a link on its website on how to file a Title VI complaint with OCR. Additionally, the IHE must annually post the materials from OCR's public awareness campaign. The information must be posted in high-traffic public places on campus (e.g., student centers) and high-traffic websites (e.g., the website for student services). OCR must give monthly congressional briefings on (1) the number of complaints filed with OCR, (2) how OCR plans to address those complaints and the investigations opened in response to those complaints, and (3) how long those complaints remain open. The bill also requires annual reporting by IHEs on discrimination complaints. Further, the bill directs ED's Office of Inspector General to audit and study discrimination complaints.

Veteran Education Empowerment Act

This bill would likely expand or improve educational benefits and opportunities available to military veterans, such as enhancing GI Bill benefits, making it easier for veterans to transfer credits between schools, or helping veterans access job training programs. The changes would affect millions of veterans transitioning to civilian life and potentially reduce barriers they face when pursuing higher education or career certifications. Educational institutions and veterans' support organizations would also be involved in implementing any new programs or requirements.

Connected MOM Act

Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act or the Connected MOM Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to report, and provide resources for states, on coverage of remote physiologic devices and related services (e.g., blood glucose monitors) under Medicaid, so as to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.

Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity between wages paid to men and women.

This resolution acknowledges the ongoing wage gap between men and women in the workplace and highlights the importance of addressing pay inequality. While it doesn't create new laws or requirements, it expresses Congress's recognition that women often earn less than men in similar jobs and supports the principle that equal work should receive equal compensation. The resolution affects workers, employers, and policymakers by drawing attention to gender-based pay disparities as an issue worthy of legislative attention.

Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act

Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act This bill establishes that a foreign nongovernmental organization shall not be disqualified from receiving certain U.S. international development assistance solely because the organization provides medical services (including counseling and referral services) using non-U.S. government funds if the medical services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided. Such foreign organizations shall not be subject to requirements relating to their use of non-U.S. funds for advocacy or lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance.