Legislation

The Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General to assess the data used in allocating disaster recovery grants in Puerto Rico following major events. This report must detail the grants awarded, the statistical tools employed by agencies, and identify critical data gaps that hindered recovery efforts. Ultimately, the Act aims to improve future federal data products and processes to ensure more effective oversight and distribution of aid to the territory.

The Promoting Permanency Through Kinship Families Act aims to prioritize placing children in the care of relatives and close family friends (kinship care) as a primary path to permanency. This legislation mandates that states actively seek and support kinship placements by removing barriers like age limits for caregivers and ensuring access to necessary resources. Furthermore, the bill strengthens support programs and makes participation in the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program mandatory for all states.

The Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act aims to address the epidemic of child sexual abuse by eliminating state statutes of limitations for civil and criminal cases involving child sexual abuse, exploitation, and sex trafficking. The bill incentivizes states to adopt these reforms by offering federal grants to those that eliminate time limits for filing lawsuits or reopen previously time-barred claims. This legislation is designed to ensure survivors have a meaningful opportunity to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of how long it took them to come forward.

The CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act updates federal law to expand mental health and substance use disorder services to include area career and technical education (CTE) schools alongside traditional institutions of higher education. This is achieved by replacing the term "institution of higher education" with the broader term "covered institution" throughout relevant sections of the Public Health Service Act. Essentially, the bill broadens the scope of federal support for student mental health programs to cover CTE students.

The Choice Arrangement Act of 2025 establishes new rules for employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) integrated with individual health insurance, creating a "CHOICE arrangement." This legislation outlines specific nondiscrimination, substantiation, and notice requirements for employers offering these plans. Furthermore, the Act allows participants to use pre-tax cafeteria plan funds for their coverage and introduces a new, temporary tax credit for eligible small and medium-sized employers who offer these arrangements.

This resolution formally recognizes October 2025 as Filipino American History Month to celebrate the rich history and culture of Filipino Americans. It highlights their significant and long-standing contributions across all sectors of American life, including military service, healthcare, and public office. The measure encourages all Americans to observe the month with appropriate programs to promote the study of this vital community's heritage.

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2025 aims to significantly upgrade and expand the national weather alert system to ensure reliable, uninterrupted access for all Americans, regardless of location. This legislation mandates the modernization of existing infrastructure, including transitioning to newer communication technologies and expanding transmitter coverage to underserved rural and tribal areas. Furthermore, the Act requires a comprehensive assessment to improve data dissemination and ensure the system remains resilient against various threats.

The Stop CMV Act of 2025 establishes a framework for voluntary newborn screening for congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) across the United States. It tasks states with developing testing procedures, while authorizing federal funding through HRSA grants to support implementation and CDC grants for data collection and education. The bill also directs the NIH to expand research into CMV screening, prevention, and treatment.

The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2025 allows investment companies to voluntarily adopt rules enabling them to postpone the redemption of shares for vulnerable investors suspected of being financially exploited. If a company opts in, it can delay payouts for up to 25 business days while investigating potential exploitation of an older or impaired adult. Companies must also establish internal procedures and notify customers that such delays are possible under these specific circumstances.

The **Protecting Our Democracy Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to increase transparency, accountability, and oversight across the Executive Branch. It strengthens restrictions on presidential pardon power, closes loopholes in emoluments clauses, and enhances Congress's ability to enforce subpoenas. Furthermore, the Act bolsters whistleblower protections, tightens ethics rules for acting officials and appointees, and mandates public disclosure of presidential tax returns.

This resolution officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It celebrates the immense and vital contributions of Latinos to the United States across culture, the economy, and civic life. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities honoring this heritage.

The Service Starts At Home Act establishes federal grant programs to support paid internships in local government offices for students. It also creates a scholarship program rewarding K-12 and college students based on the number of hours they dedicate to approved volunteer service. Finally, the Act mandates a system to recognize educational institutions for their significant community service achievements.

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month to raise national awareness about the issue. It supports increased efforts to educate the public and reduce infant mortality rates, low birth weights, and preterm births. The bill recognizes the importance of integrating these reduction strategies into broader public health and wellness initiatives.

The Restoring American Mineral Security Act of 2025 aims to bolster U.S. supply chains for critical minerals by countering unfair trade practices, particularly those from China. The bill establishes the Critical Minerals Security Alliance to coordinate with trusted partners on trade and supply goals. Furthermore, it creates a dedicated trust fund, financed by import duties on minerals from adversarial nations, to directly support domestic mining, processing, and related manufacturing projects.

The Federal Reserve Accountability for Major Expenditures Act (FRAME Act) establishes a fast-track process allowing Congress to disapprove Federal Reserve capital expenditures exceeding $100 million. If Congress passes a specific joint resolution of disapproval within 60 days of the request, the major spending is blocked. This legislation imposes strict, expedited timelines for consideration and voting in both the House and the Senate to ensure quick oversight of significant Fed spending.

This resolution formally condemns the tragic act of violence at Evergreen High School on September 10, 2025, and extends condolences to the victims, survivors, and their families. It specifically recognizes the swift and heroic response of law enforcement, school personnel, medical teams, and community members. Ultimately, this measure affirms the profound impact of the event and honors the resilience shown by the entire Evergreen community.

This resolution officially designates October 8, 2025, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." It recognizes the critical role hydrogen technology plays in achieving future energy independence and environmental goals. The designation aims to promote awareness of the benefits of clean, efficient hydrogen fuel cells for transportation and power generation.

This resolution officially designates the week of October 5–11, 2025, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate the importance of religious education in the United States. It affirms that religious instruction is vital for developing moral and civic citizens, citing historical precedent and Supreme Court rulings that protect parental rights in education. Furthermore, the resolution calls upon states and territories to accommodate students who wish to be released from public school for religious instruction.

This Senate resolution strongly reaffirms the unwavering commitment to the First Amendment, emphasizing that freedom of speech and the press are essential foundations of American democracy. It explicitly warns against government officials using regulatory power to coerce or censor protected speech, citing key Supreme Court precedents. Furthermore, the resolution directs federal agencies, including the FCC, to uphold these constitutional rights and condemns any threats or violence against those exercising free expression.

The CIVICS Act of 2025 updates federal funding criteria for national history and civics education programs. It mandates that any approved activity must demonstrate measurable improvements in student achievement across history, civics, and geography. Furthermore, funded programs must incorporate innovative, scalable methods, accountability measures, and practical, hands-on civic engagement focused on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.