Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Democrat · VA · 24 bills sponsored
Crimea Annexation Non-Recognition Act
# Crimea Annexation Non-Recognition Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would formally establish U.S. policy to not recognize Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The legislation reinforces the American government's position that Russia's takeover of the peninsula was illegal under international law and that Crimea remains Ukrainian territory under Russian occupation. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic relations with Russia. It would codify non-recognition into law, potentially restricting certain trade, diplomatic, or other interactions based on Russia's control of Crimea. The measure reflects ongoing support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and aligns with the stance of most Western nations and the United Nations General Assembly, which voted against recognizing the annexation. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1600 is in committee, meaning it has been assigned to a congressional committee for review and discussion but has not yet been brought to a full House vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA) in the 119th Congress.
Lady Liberty Act of 2025
# Lady Liberty Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would establish a minimum floor of 125,000 refugees allowed to enter the United States each fiscal year, starting in 2027. Currently, the President has the authority to set the refugee admission cap each year without a congressional requirement. If passed, this bill would limit presidential power by preventing the cap from going below 125,000, though the President could still set it higher if desired. **Who it affects:** The bill would impact refugees seeking entry to the U.S., immigration agencies that process refugee applications, and the executive branch's ability to control immigration policy. It also represents a shift in congressional power, taking away some of the President's unilateral authority over refugee admissions. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No action has been taken on it as of now.
Defending Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity Act
# Defending Ukraine's Territorial Integrity Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA), would express U.S. congressional support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The legislation addresses the ongoing conflict with Russia and would likely establish congressional positions regarding war crimes and potential crimes against humanity committed during the conflict. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in this summary, bills with this title and subject matter typically support Ukraine's efforts to maintain control over its territory, including areas currently occupied or disputed. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill primarily affects U.S.-Ukraine relations and foreign policy toward Russia. It may also impact international humanitarian law enforcement and war crimes investigations. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't advanced to a full House vote. No further legislative action has occurred at this stage. **Key Note** This is a symbolic resolution rather than appropriations legislation, so passage would represent a policy statement by Congress rather than directly allocating funds or creating new enforcement mechanisms. To understand the bill's specific provisions and potential practical impacts, the full legislative text would need to be reviewed.
Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025
# Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does:** This law improves how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles cases where someone managing a veteran's benefits (called a fiduciary) misuses that money through fraud or negligence. The bill requires the VA to establish clearer procedures and timelines for determining when the VA itself was negligent in overseeing these fiduciaries. It also speeds up reimbursement by preventing the VA from delaying payments while investigating whether the VA made mistakes—those investigations can happen separately from the reimbursement process. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** Veterans and their families who have been victims of fiduciary fraud are the primary beneficiaries. The law also clarifies what happens if a veteran passes away before receiving their reimbursement—the money goes to surviving beneficiaries using the same process as other VA death benefits. Additionally, the VA is not required to investigate its own negligence for every single instance of misuse, reducing bureaucratic delays. **Current Status:** This bill has already been signed into law, so these protections are now in effect.
Postal Employee Appeal Rights Amendment Act of 2025
# Postal Employee Appeal Rights Amendment Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does** This bill would expand the appeal rights available to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees who face disciplinary actions or disputes with their employer. Specifically, it would modify how postal workers can challenge decisions made against them—such as suspensions, demotions, or pay-related disputes—by potentially increasing their access to the Merit Systems Protection Board (an independent agency that hears federal employee grievances) or other appeal processes. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects USPS employees and would give them stronger protections when disputing workplace decisions. Currently, postal workers have different appeal rights than other federal employees, and this legislation would aim to level that playing field. The changes would impact labor-management relations at the postal service and could affect how disputes are resolved between workers and USPS management. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. Sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA), it would need to advance through committee and gain broader support before becoming law.
Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act of 2025
# Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA), aims to address compensation and benefits issues for supervisors and managers who work at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). While the specific details aren't outlined in the basic bill information, the subjects covered indicate it would deal with matters related to employee pay, benefits, pensions, and labor relations for this group of postal workers. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts USPS supervisors and managers—employees who oversee postal operations but aren't covered by the same union contracts as regular mail carriers and postal workers. It may also indirectly affect the USPS budget and postal service operations overall. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced in the House of Representatives but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. To become law, it would need to pass committee review, a House floor vote, Senate approval, and presidential signature.
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
# Federal Firefighters Families First Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Federal Firefighters Families First Act would improve benefits and protections for federal firefighters and their families. Based on its title and subject areas, the bill likely addresses workplace benefits, pension protections, and emergency personnel support systems administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The specific provisions would make changes to how federal firefighters are treated under government employee benefits and compensation policies. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects federal firefighters—those employed by the federal government rather than state or local departments—and their families. It may also impact the federal agencies that employ these firefighters and the OPM, which manages federal employee benefits. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 759) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA) and is currently in committee review. This means it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. For specific details about what provisions the bill contains, you would need to review the full legislative text, as those details are not included in this summary.
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act
# Keep the Watchdogs Running Act - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would ensure that federal Inspectors General can continue their work during a government shutdown. Inspectors General are independent watchdog offices within federal agencies responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse of government funds. Currently, when Congress fails to pass a budget and the government shuts down, these offices often must stop work. This bill would allow them to keep operating at normal levels using funds from the most recent budget that was passed, so they can continue monitoring federal agencies even when the rest of government is partially closed. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects federal oversight operations and the agencies they monitor. It applies to all Inspector General offices across the government. The measure is straightforward: it allows these watchdog offices to spend money and perform their investigative duties for any government programs that remain active during a shutdown. This ensures continuity of oversight of federal spending and employee conduct during budget gaps. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (HR 2180), meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia.
Equal COLA Act
# Equal COLA Act Summary **What the bill does:** The Equal COLA Act would change how federal government employees' retirement benefits are adjusted each year to account for inflation. Currently, federal pensions receive cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that are capped—meaning if inflation rises sharply, retirees don't get the full adjustment. This bill would remove those caps and give federal retirees a COLA that matches the actual inflation rate, no matter how high it goes. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily impacts current and future federal government retirees who receive pensions under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). For example, under current rules, if inflation jumps 5%, retirees only get a 4% raise; this bill would give them the full 5%. The change could also affect federal budgets since higher pension payments mean higher government costs. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet gone to a full vote in the House. It was sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-Virginia).
Saving the Civil Service Act
# Saving the Civil Service Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would prevent federal agencies from easily reclassifying civil service jobs without meeting specific conditions. It directly addresses a 2020 executive order by President Trump that created "Schedule F," which would have moved certain policy-focused federal positions from the competitive civil service (where employees have job protections and appeal rights) to the excepted service (where they have fewer protections). President Biden later reversed that order, but this bill would make such changes permanently harder to implement in the future. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects federal employees in positions involving policy work, particularly those who currently have competitive service protections like notice and appeal rights if they're fired or demoted. It also affects federal agencies' ability to reorganize their workforces and future administrations' flexibility in staffing decisions. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. No action has been taken since introduction.
FAIR Act
# FAIR Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act would increase pay for federal employees starting in 2026. Specifically, it would raise base salaries by 3.3% for most federal workers and boost additional locality pay (extra compensation for high cost-of-living areas) by 1%. The bill also applies to prevailing wage employees, typically those in trades and manual labor positions. **Who It Affects** This legislation would impact federal government employees across all agencies and departments—from office workers to maintenance staff. The increases would apply to employees covered by standard federal pay systems as well as those earning prevailing wages. The bill does not appear to affect private sector workers, retirees, or the general public directly, though taxpayers fund federal payroll. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia.
Family Building FEHB Fairness Act
# Family Building FEHB Fairness Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Family Building FEHB Fairness Act would expand fertility and family-building benefits for federal employees and their families under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Specifically, the bill aims to ensure that FEHB health plans cover fertility treatments, family planning services, and related reproductive health services. This would standardize coverage across federal employee health insurance plans to provide more consistent access to these services. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects federal employees and retirees who receive health insurance through the FEHB program, as well as their family members who depend on these benefits. The legislation would require FEHB plans to cover fertility treatments and family-building services, which could include services like in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and other assisted reproductive technologies, along with family planning and counseling services. The goal is to ensure federal employees have comparable reproductive health coverage to what many private sector workers receive. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced in the 119th Congress and remains under review by the appropriate congressional committees.
Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act
# Summary of HR 1558: Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act **What the bill does:** This bill aims to improve how the federal government manages and tracks its money. It requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to create a four-year financial management plan and submit it to Congress, along with annual progress reports. The bill also expands the duties of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) at federal agencies, requiring them to implement these plans and help improve financial systems government-wide. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects federal agencies and their leadership, particularly CFOs responsible for financial management. It also impacts Congress and oversight bodies like the Government Accountability Office, which would receive reports on the government's financial management progress. Indirectly, it affects taxpayers by aiming to improve how federal funds are managed and accounted for. **Key provisions:** The bill focuses on three main areas: improving financial management systems across agencies, strengthening the workforce that handles federal finances, and better reporting of performance and costs. Each agency's CFO would be responsible for developing plans to carry out these improvements within their organization. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House.
Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025
# Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025 - Summary ## What the Bill Would Do The Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections for federal inspectors general and other government oversight officials who investigate misconduct and corruption. Based on its subject categories, the bill would likely restrict the ability of the President or other high-ranking officials to fire or retaliate against these watchdog employees, require certain procedures be followed before removal, and potentially enhance their job security and benefits. ## Who It Affects and Key Provisions The bill primarily affects federal inspectors general (independent auditors within government agencies), other ethics officers, and employees in oversight roles. It also relates to broader government personnel and ethics policies. The legislation appears designed to make it harder for presidents to dismiss these officials for political reasons and to protect employees who report government wrongdoing from retaliation. ## Current Status As of now, HR 2181 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full floor vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia.
Federal Retirement Fairness Act
# Federal Retirement Fairness Act (HR 1522) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Federal Retirement Fairness Act would change retirement benefits for federal government employees, particularly focusing on how temporary and part-time workers are treated. While the full details depend on the specific provisions in the bill text, legislation with this title typically addresses fairness issues in how federal workers accrue retirement credits and benefits, especially for those who move between temporary, part-time, and permanent positions during their careers. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact federal government employees—both current workers and retirees. It would likely affect temporary and part-time federal workers most significantly, as well as employees who transition between different employment statuses during their careers. Federal agencies that manage employee benefits and payroll would also need to implement any changes. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1522 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full floor vote in the House. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA). To understand the specific provisions and current legislative progress, you can check Congress.gov for the most up-to-date information and any amendments proposed.
Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025
# Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 — Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan congressional watchdog agency, to study and report on esophageal cancer within the federal employee health insurance system. Specifically, it requires two investigations: how much money is being spent on healthcare for federal employees and retirees diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and how frequently high-risk federal employees are getting screened for the disease according to medical guidelines. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** The bill primarily affects federal employees and retirees who participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers about 9 million people. By studying screening rates and healthcare costs, the bill aims to identify gaps in prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer. The information gathered could help improve awareness, screening practices, and healthcare outcomes for this population. There are no direct costs to implement the bill itself—it simply requires the GAO to conduct and report on the research. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate.
Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act
# Summary of HR 3317: Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act **What the Bill Does:** This bill, sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA), would establish a way to formally honor and commemorate federal civil servants—government employees who work in non-military roles—who have died while performing their duties. Based on its title, the bill appears designed to create a recognition or memorial process for these individuals, though specific details about the exact mechanism (such as whether it establishes a monument, annual observance, or registry) are not available in the basic bill information. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects federal employees in civilian government roles and their families. It may also impact federal agencies responsible for maintaining any commemoration established by the law. The broader public would be affected to the extent the bill creates a public memorial or observance. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 3317 is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate congressional committee for review and discussion but has not yet been brought to a full vote in the House of Representatives. This is an early stage in the legislative process.
Taiwan International Solidarity Act
# Taiwan International Solidarity Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill increases U.S. diplomatic support for Taiwan on the international stage. It authorizes the State Department to help Taiwan participate in international organizations where statehood isn't required (such as the World Health Organization), directs the U.S. government to oppose efforts to exclude Taiwan from these groups, and calls for strengthening Taiwan's diplomatic relationships globally. The bill also encourages U.S. officials to meet with Taiwanese counterparts and promotes coordination between the U.S. and other democracies on Taiwan-related issues. **Who it affects:** Taiwan and its citizens would benefit from increased international visibility and participation. The bill primarily directs actions by U.S. State Department officials and Congress. It indirectly involves China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes Taiwan's independent international representation. Other countries participating in international organizations could also be affected by these diplomatic initiatives. **Current status:** The bill passed the House of Representatives and awaits action in the Senate. As written, it doesn't require changes to existing U.S. law regarding Taiwan's official status but rather directs the executive branch to take specific diplomatic actions to support Taiwan's international engagement within existing legal frameworks.
Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act
# Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would authorize the U.S. government to impose economic sanctions against Russia and North Korea for cooperating with each other militarily and economically. The legislation targets individuals, companies, and entities that facilitate collaboration between these two countries, with the aim of disrupting their partnership and penalizing those involved in the relationship. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact Russian and North Korean government officials, military personnel, and businesses involved in cross-border cooperation. It could also affect third-party companies and financial institutions that conduct business with sanctioned entities. Secondary impacts might extend to countries or companies that trade with Russia or North Korea, depending on how strictly the sanctions are enforced. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (HR 2622) remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA) in the 119th Congress. No further action has been taken at this time, so it has not become law.
Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act
# Summary of HR 2417: Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act **What It Does:** This bill would require federal agencies and intelligence organizations to take inventory of all the software they purchase and use, then create management plans to control costs. Specifically, agencies would need to assess what software they own, review their contracts and spending (including hidden fees), and check whether different software systems work together. Based on these findings, they'd develop strategies to reduce unnecessary software purchases, streamline how they buy software, and require approval before any department uses a software license. **Who It Affects:** The bill targets federal agencies and Intelligence Community elements (like the CIA, NSA, etc.). Indirectly, it could affect software vendors who sell to the government and taxpayers who fund these agencies. The goal is to prevent waste and ensure agencies aren't paying for redundant or underutilized software. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full House vote yet. The bill focuses on practical government management—accounting, auditing, and procurement oversight—rather than partisan issues.
Cameras in the Courtroom Act
# Cameras in the Courtroom Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Cameras in the Courtroom Act would allow television cameras and digital broadcasting equipment in federal courtrooms, including the Supreme Court. Currently, federal courts have strict rules limiting cameras and photography. If passed, this bill would enable live or recorded broadcasts of court proceedings, making trials more accessible to the public through television and online platforms. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects federal courts, judges, and legal proceedings at all levels of the federal judicial system. It would allow media outlets and the public to watch trials as they happen rather than relying on written transcripts or secondhand reports. The legislation addresses concerns about transparency and equal access to the justice system, allowing citizens to observe proceedings without being physically present in the courtroom. **Current Status** As of now, HR 2361 is in committee and has not advanced to a full House vote. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Gerald Connolly (D-Virginia). No action has been taken to move it forward for consideration.
Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2025
# Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does** This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to create a system for collecting, tracking, and publicly sharing information about deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents involving mail delivery vehicles. Currently, there's no requirement for USPS to systematically report these incidents, so the public has limited visibility into how often mail carriers are injured or killed in vehicle crashes. **Key Requirements** The bill mandates that postal employees and contractors report any traffic crash involving a mail vehicle that causes injury or death within three days. USPS would maintain a database with details about these incidents and publish an annual public report summarizing the data. This creates transparency and allows the agency to identify safety patterns and potential improvements. **Current Status & Impact** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate. It primarily affects the USPS, mail carriers, contractors, and the public, who would gain access to safety data that's currently not systematized. The measure is relatively non-controversial, focusing on transparency and safety reporting rather than imposing major regulatory changes.
Vital Documents Access for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Act of 2025
# Vital Documents Access for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Act of 2025 (HR 671) **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to help unaccompanied homeless youth obtain important identity and legal documents, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and state IDs. These documents are often difficult for homeless young people to access because they may lack a permanent address, money for fees, or knowledge of how to navigate the application process. The bill would establish federal support to help remove these barriers and make it easier for homeless youth to get the paperwork they need. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The legislation primarily targets unaccompanied young people experiencing homelessness—typically those under 18 without a parent or guardian present. Based on the bill's listed subjects, it likely creates advisory bodies or coordination mechanisms to oversee the effort and requires government agencies to work together. The bill may also involve congressional oversight of how the program operates and how government records agencies help fulfill these requests. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Gerald Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia.
To amend the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 to make improvements to the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program, and for other purposes.
# HR 494 Summary: Cybersecurity Scholarship Program Expansion **What the Bill Does:** HR 494 would expand the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program by increasing scholarship coverage from three years to five years of college tuition. The program helps students pay for education in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace fields. In exchange for receiving a scholarship, recipients must work for a government agency or university in a cybersecurity role for a period matching how long they received the scholarship. If they don't fulfill this work requirement, they must repay the scholarship or have it converted to a loan. **Who It Affects:** This bill would benefit college students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity and related technology fields, as well as federal agencies and educational institutions that need skilled cybersecurity workers. By extending scholarships to cover five years instead of three, more students could pursue advanced degrees or doctoral programs in these high-demand fields. The National Science Foundation, which manages the program, would gain clearer authority to convert unpaid scholarships into federal student loans. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.