Legislation

The RIPPLE Act of 2025 authorizes the Attorney General to reimburse state and local governments for the wages, including overtime, spent by their personnel performing immigration enforcement functions under federal agreements. This legislation establishes a mechanism for the federal government to financially support local jurisdictions that assist with immigration duties.

This resolution formally condemns the violent antisemitic attack that occurred during a peaceful march in Boulder, Colorado, and expresses unwavering support for the survivors and their families. It highlights the alarming national surge in antisemitism and affirms the Senate's commitment to combating hate and protecting the rights of all targeted communities. The measure calls for continued federal vigilance and support for those demanding justice and safety.

The Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must use formal rulemaking procedures when issuing new or updated water quality standards. This ensures that all criteria are established through a transparent process. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that these newly established criteria are subject to judicial review under specific conditions.

The Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2025 immediately raises the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting the year after enactment. Subsequently, the minimum wage will be automatically adjusted each year based on the preceding 12-month increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). All provisions of the Act will take effect on January 1st of the year following its passage into law.

The Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act introduces a new energy-efficient home improvement tax credit for qualifying expenditures on U.S.-grown and processed hardwood materials like flooring and millwork. This bill also extends the availability of this new credit through 2035. Additionally, it terminates the temporarily increased tax credit for carbon oxide sequestration for projects beginning construction after the Act's enactment.

This resolution formally recognizes the foundational and ongoing contributions of Black Americans to the musical heritage of the United States across all genres. It highlights the need to celebrate these achievements while also addressing significant disparities in music education access for Black students. Finally, the resolution officially designates June 2025 as "Black Music Month."

This resolution commends federal, state, and local law enforcement for their dedicated efforts in combating dangerous drug trafficking and agroterrorism threats across the nation. It specifically recognizes recent major operations in Kansas and elsewhere that successfully seized illicit narcotics and thwarted attempts to introduce harmful agricultural pathogens. The bill serves as a formal expression of gratitude for the bravery and tireless work of these agencies in protecting American communities and the nation's food supply.

The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issue clear guidance ensuring that qualifying special districts are recognized as eligible local government units for federal financial assistance. Federal agencies must then update their procedures to comply with this new guidance within one year. The OMB Director will report to Congress on agency compliance two years after enactment.

The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act aims to remove annual numerical caps on employment-based visas specifically for special immigrant juveniles. This change ensures that these vulnerable youths are no longer subject to the same yearly visa limitations as other categories. By updating relevant sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill prioritizes their access to available visas.

This concurrent resolution urges the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. It formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing harm caused by centuries of systemic racism and discriminatory government policies against various groups. The proposed Commission would be tasked with recognizing this history, promoting racial healing, and working to eliminate persistent racial inequalities in the nation.

This resolution supports designating June as "Fidelity Month" to encourage the United States to rededicate itself to the core values of faith, family, and patriotism. Congress believes these traditional values are essential for national cohesion and addressing current societal challenges. The designation serves as an annual call for citizens to recommit to these foundational bonds.

This resolution officially commemorates June 11, 2025, as "World Franchise Day" to recognize the significant contributions of the franchising industry to the U.S. economy. It highlights franchising's role in job creation, supporting nearly 8.8 million jobs and contributing almost 3% of the nation's GDP. The measure also celebrates franchising as a pathway to business ownership for many Americans, including veterans and minorities.

The Rural Upgrades for Road Access and Local Growth Act of 2025 aims to boost infrastructure in mid-sized rural communities. It mandates setting aside 30% of Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program funds specifically for towns with populations between 10,000 and 75,000. Additionally, the bill drastically shortens procedural review timelines within the grant program from 60 days to just 3 days to expedite project approval.

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting Congress the explicit authority to prohibit the physical desecration or destruction of the American flag. If ratified by three-fourths of the states within seven years, this amendment would empower Congress to enact federal laws banning flag burning or defacement.

The PROTECT Florida Act mandates that the Army Corps of Engineers prioritize public health—specifically preventing toxic cyanobacteria blooms—above all other water management purposes in Central and Southern Florida. This requires updating operational manuals to treat the water system as a unified entity focused on toxin elimination and Everglades restoration. The bill also requires a new study on the sources of nutrient pollution impacting these efforts.

The Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025 aims to significantly speed up the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and appeals process through increased reporting and new procedural tools. This legislation mandates annual transparency on decision times and empowers the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) to group similar cases for faster resolution. Furthermore, it expands the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and requires studies to explore issuing precedential BVA decisions to streamline common legal issues.

The Dependent Income Exclusion Act of 2025 modifies how household income is calculated for the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) by excluding certain wages earned by qualifying dependents. This exclusion applies to dependents under 18, or those under 24 participating in job training or apprenticeships for at least five months. However, the total excluded income is capped at 15% of the taxpayer's own Modified Adjusted Gross Income.

The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act mandates that essential health benefits under the ACA must comprehensively cover prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum care for one full year. This legislation explicitly bans all cost-sharing, including copays and deductibles, for these essential maternity and newborn health services. The bill ensures robust coverage, including specific requirements like mandatory ultrasounds and mental health services for new parents.

The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 aims to bolster the security of the nation's critical health infrastructure against rising cyber threats. It mandates increased coordination between CISA and HHS to implement a sector-specific risk management plan and provide necessary training to healthcare operators. The bill also establishes a process for identifying and prioritizing "high-risk" healthcare assets requiring focused federal resources.

This Act establishes the Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Forecast Improvement Program to enhance the accuracy and communication of coastal flood warnings, aiming to reduce loss of life and property. It also mandates efforts to identify and fill critical gaps in national weather observation data, particularly in vulnerable areas. The legislation directs the development of better forecasting models and improved interagency coordination for emergency response and infrastructure planning.