Legislation

The SALT Act, or the "Start Applying Labor Transparency Act," amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to require increased transparency in labor organization activities. It mandates labor organizations and individuals to report payments, agreements, and activities aimed at influencing employees' organizing rights or gathering information during labor disputes. The Act directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations for implementation within 6 months.

The "Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act" prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from conducting or funding biomedical research involving vertebrate animal testing in facilities located in or controlled by China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify specific congressional committees when adding a country to the list.

The Climate Change Financial Risk Act of 2025 requires the Federal Reserve to develop climate change risk scenarios and assess the ability of large financial institutions to withstand these risks. It establishes a technical group of climate scientists and economists to advise on these scenarios and mandates that financial institutions create climate risk resolution plans. The bill also directs the Federal Reserve to conduct surveys of smaller financial institutions to evaluate their climate change preparedness and adaptation strategies. Ultimately, this act aims to ensure the stability of the financial system in the face of climate-related financial risks.

The "Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act" modifies the clean fuel production credit to require that qualifying fuels are derived from feedstocks grown in the U.S. and extends the credit through 2034. It also changes how emissions rates are determined by excluding indirect land use changes and refines the emissions factor for the credit. These changes aim to incentivize the use of domestically produced agricultural products for clean fuel production.

The "Helene Small Business Recovery Act" allows the President to waive certain restrictions on receiving multiple forms of disaster relief for businesses and individuals impacted by major disasters or emergencies declared in 2023 and 2024. The President can waive duplication of benefit rules under the Stafford Act if it's in the public interest, without income-based restrictions. The President must decide on waiver requests within 45 days. All federal assistance is allowed if it covers losses from a major disaster or emergency.

The Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 (COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025) prohibits the Department of Interior from issuing leases for oil, natural gas, or mineral exploration in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida Planning Areas. This prohibition applies to activities outlined in the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. This act amends Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

The "PROTECT the Second Amendment Act" ensures that residents of federally assisted rental housing are not prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms within their dwelling or while transporting them in common areas. This applies to housing programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture. The bill aims to protect the Second Amendment rights of tenants in federally subsidized housing.

The "Safe SHORES Act of 2025" reauthorizes and amends a pilot program supporting stable housing for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders. The bill allocates funds, extends the program through 2030, and updates requirements for fund distribution, data collection, and reporting. It also allows funds to be used for furniture and encourages states to prioritize facilities with workforce development and financial literacy programs.

The "Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025" amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow landlords, utility, and telecommunication companies to report consumers' payment history to credit reporting agencies, potentially boosting credit scores. It defines which entities are covered and limits the type of utility information that can be reported. The bill also protects consumers on payment plans with energy utility firms from being reported as late and requires a report to Congress on the law's impact.

The Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Defense from entering into or extending long-term concession agreements with retailers controlled by countries that pose a national security risk, with a waiver option if the retailer provides vital goods or services and mitigates risks. It mandates a review of existing agreements with retailers connected to these countries, requiring termination unless a waiver is granted or the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determines no harm to national security. Covered retailers must disclose relationships with covered nations to CFIUS, who will then assess national security implications. The Secretary of Defense must terminate agreements for non-compliance or misrepresentation of ownership.

The BOOST for Engines Act aims to modernize NASA's rocket propulsion test facilities, enhancing their capabilities and safety to support advancements in both government and commercial space transport. It prioritizes investments in projects that improve testing and certification for large thrust engines and integrated engine systems. The Act also ensures continued commercial access to underutilized test facilities and safeguards against disruptions to government programs like the Space Launch System.

The "Oligarch Act of 2025" introduces a wealth tax on individuals and trusts with substantial assets, setting tiered tax rates based on the value of net taxable assets. It establishes valuation rules, special considerations for trusts and non-resident aliens, and mandates annual audits for a significant percentage of taxpayers subject to the tax. The act also includes provisions for information reporting, payment extensions under specific circumstances, and penalties for wealth tax valuation understatements. This tax is not deductible from income taxes and takes effect for calendar years following the bill's enactment.

The "ABC-ED Act of 2025" aims to address emergency department boarding and crowding by allowing public health data modernization grants to track hospital bed capacity in real-time, implementing pilot programs to improve emergency care for older adults and individuals in acute psychiatric crisis, and studying best practices for public health data systems that track hospital capacity.

This bill mandates the United States Postal Service to establish a unique ZIP Code specifically for Wheatfield, New York. The Postal Service must implement this change within 270 days of the bill's enactment.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for Romania and Moldova's efforts to strengthen democracy and sovereignty in Eastern Europe amidst Russian interference. It applauds their energy partnership and encourages international support, particularly from the EU, to counter Russian influence before their upcoming elections. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to increase engagement with both nations to bolster their security and election integrity.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2025 retroactively reauthorizes trade adjustment assistance programs for workers, firms, and farmers that expired on June 30, 2021, through December 31, 2031. It directs the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Commerce to reconsider and certify certain groups of workers and firms who were previously denied certification between July 1, 2021 and the enactment date, if they meet the eligibility requirements as of the enactment date. The bill also outlines eligibility for benefits and extends funding for training and reemployment programs.

This bill repeals the Open Meetings Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. The repeal effectively reverses any changes made by the Act, restoring previous regulations and laws to their original form.

The "Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act" aims to enhance international cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements through memorandums of understanding with partner countries. This collaboration seeks to improve global supply chains, ensure U.S. and allied companies have priority in resource development, and encourage private investment in sustainable resource management. The Act prioritizes projects that process minerals in the U.S. or allied countries and protects mapping data from unauthorized access. It also mandates congressional notification and private sector consultation to facilitate private sector interest in developing critical minerals and rare earth elements.

The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 establishes a new National Recreation Area in Maryland and Virginia to protect and enhance public access to the Chesapeake Bay's natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for the recreation area through various means, develop a comprehensive management plan, and coordinate with existing Chesapeake Bay programs. It also creates an Advisory Commission to advise the Secretary on the management and development of the National Recreation Area. This act aims to improve conservation and public enjoyment of the Chesapeake Bay.

The Clean Energy Victory Bond Act of 2025 directs the Treasury Secretary to issue Clean Energy Victory Bonds to fund clean energy projects. These bonds, available in small denominations, will offer a competitive interest rate, with a portion of funds being prioritized for disadvantaged communities. The revenue generated will be deposited into a Clean Energy Victory Bonds Trust Fund to support federal, state, and local clean energy initiatives without further appropriation. This act aims to boost clean energy production, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil, all while allowing Americans to contribute to a sustainable future.