Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14]
Democrat · NY · 6 bills sponsored
Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025
# Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does** This bill would allow the Department of the Interior to charge fees to companies that apply for or hold geothermal leases on federal land. These fees would cover the government's costs for reviewing lease applications, issuing drilling permits, and monitoring ongoing geothermal development and cleanup activities. The authority would last until September 2032. The department could reduce or waive fees if paying them would cause economic hardship or if doing so would encourage greater use of geothermal energy resources. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects geothermal energy companies seeking to develop geothermal resources on public lands. The fees would be used to fund Interior Department operations related to geothermal leasing and oversight, potentially reducing the need for other government funding sources. Ultimately, costs could be passed along to consumers through energy prices, though the bill aims to keep the requirement reasonable. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress (2025) by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025
# Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** The Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 would renew and update the federal Healthy Start program, which focuses on reducing infant and maternal mortality and improving health outcomes for pregnant women, mothers, and infants. The bill would reauthorize funding for this existing program, allowing it to continue operations and potentially expand its services related to prenatal care, women's health, and child health initiatives. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect pregnant women, new mothers, and infants—particularly in underserved communities where maternal and infant health outcomes lag behind national averages. It addresses topics including reproductive health, preventive care, and community health organization. The exact funding amounts and specific program changes aren't detailed in this summary, but reauthorization bills typically extend federal funding and may update eligibility requirements or services offered. **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 by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The bill would need to pass committee review, then receive approval from the House and Senate before being sent to the President for signature.
9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act
# 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act (HR 5333) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would provide immigration relief to workers who were present in the United States on September 11, 2001, and worked in lower Manhattan during the recovery and cleanup efforts following the terrorist attacks. Specifically, it would allow eligible 9/11 recovery workers to adjust their immigration status and potentially obtain legal permanent residency (green cards), regardless of how they initially entered the country or their current immigration classification. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets undocumented immigrants and other non-citizens who participated in 9/11 recovery work in lower Manhattan. These workers often risked their health and safety during the cleanup efforts but have faced deportation risks or legal status uncertainty for over two decades. The bill recognizes their contributions during a critical national emergency. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 5333 is in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
DEFIANCE Act of 2025
# DEFIANCE Act of 2025 Summary The DEFIANCE Act of 2025 (HR 3562) is a proposed federal law sponsored by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that would create legal protections and remedies related to non-consensual intimate imagery—commonly known as "deepfake" pornography or revenge porn. While the full bill text details aren't provided here, based on the subject matter listed, the bill would likely establish criminal penalties and civil liability for people who create, distribute, or possess intimate images or videos of others without consent, particularly those created or manipulated using artificial intelligence and digital technology. The bill would affect anyone who creates or shares such content online, as well as technology platforms that host it. It could also benefit victims by allowing them to pursue legal action against perpetrators and potentially receive damages. The broad subject categories suggest the bill addresses multiple dimensions of the problem, from criminal fraud and harassment charges to privacy rights and identity protection. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It would need to pass the House and Senate before being sent to the President for signature to become law.
10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act
# 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent annually. Currently, credit card companies can charge interest rates that often exceed 20-30% or higher, depending on market conditions and a borrower's creditworthiness. The legislation would set a federal maximum limit, preventing card issuers from charging above that threshold. **Who It Affects** The bill would directly impact credit card holders, particularly those who carry balances and pay interest. It would also affect credit card companies and lenders. Supporters argue it would help consumers struggling with debt, while opponents raise concerns about how card issuers might respond—such as reducing available credit, charging higher fees, or tightening approval standards. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full House vote. It was sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). For a bill to become law, it must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President.
Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025
# Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025 would establish a federal program focused on restoring and protecting oyster reef ecosystems in U.S. waters. The bill authorizes funding for research, environmental monitoring, mapping of oyster populations, and conservation efforts related to oyster reefs and their surrounding marine habitats. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect coastal communities, fisheries, environmental agencies, and research institutions. Oyster reefs support commercial and recreational fishing industries, provide coastal protection, and improve water quality. The legislation would involve federal coordination with state and local governments and potentially impact regulated activities in marine and coastal areas. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee (HR 360, 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The bill remains in the early legislative stage and would need to pass committee review and full House approval before advancing further.