Legislation

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes penalties on foreign individuals and entities that facilitate the transfer of North Korean weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. This legislation mandates asset freezes and visa bans against those involved in arms deals, logistics, or related financial transactions. Furthermore, the Act requires the President to report regularly to Congress on sanctions enforcement and the U.S. strategy to counter this cooperation.

The TRICARE Equality Act aims to ensure military health coverage in Puerto Rico is administered consistently with the 50 states. This includes standardizing TRICARE Prime Area designations and expanding travel and transportation allowances for beneficiaries on the island. The bill also mandates improved coordination for sharing health data between federal and Puerto Rico health agencies.

The Youth Suicide Prevention Research Act updates the National Science Foundation's research priorities to better address childhood suicide. This legislation specifically mandates the NSF to focus new research efforts on understanding the roles of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress in youth suicide risk.

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act primarily restructures and updates the existing Marine Debris Act to improve how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages cleanup projects, including new authority for in-kind contributions. The bill also makes significant structural and operational changes to the Marine Debris Foundation, expanding its focus to include explicit outreach to Indian Tribes. Finally, the legislation cleans up numerous cross-references, renumbers sections, and updates official titles throughout the relevant laws to align with the new framework.

The PIGS Act of 2025 aims to improve animal welfare by prohibiting the confinement of breeding pigs in spaces too small for them to fully stand, lie down, or turn around. This legislation establishes minimum space requirements for breeding pigs one year after enactment, with specific rules taking effect by the end of 2025. The Act includes exceptions for necessary transport or veterinary care and mandates financial assistance for producers transitioning to the new housing standards.

The Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2025 ensures the continuous payment of Coast Guard retiree and survivor benefits by authorizing interim appropriations based on the most recent full-year funding levels. This provision guarantees that benefits remain funded starting after fiscal year 2024 until a new, full-year budget is enacted. Any funds spent under this interim measure will be covered by the subsequent official appropriation.

This resolution is an official request from the House of Representatives demanding the President transmit specific documents regarding federal personnel actions taken since January 20, 2025. It seeks records related to the termination, removal, or reassignment of federal employees and Inspectors General that may have been influenced by outside parties, including Elon Musk and Trump-related groups. The request also specifically targets communications concerning the layoff guidance for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) staff.

This resolution is an official request from the House of Representatives demanding the President promptly transmit all documents related to Elon Musk's potential conflicts of interest and his involvement with the Federal Government. The information must be unredacted and cover his roles, business holdings, and any related government contracts. The President is required to provide these materials within 14 days of the resolution's passage.

The Free Speech On Campus Act requires public colleges and universities to enhance protections for free expression as a condition of receiving federal student aid. This legislation mandates that institutions provide new students with a written statement outlining their First Amendment rights and commitment to free speech during orientation. Furthermore, schools must offer educational programming on free speech policies and respectfully engage with diverse viewpoints.

The Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 aims to strengthen security vetting for international graduate students in STEM fields while creating a new pathway to permanent residency for those who earn advanced STEM degrees in the U.S. The bill mandates pre-admission applications and enhanced background checks for incoming STEM graduate students. Furthermore, it establishes a streamlined green card category for advanced STEM degree holders with qualifying job offers, allowing them to pursue permanent residency without jeopardizing their current student status.

This bill, the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act, aims to combat criminal organizations by significantly increasing security measures for traffic leaving the U.S. across the Southern Border. It authorizes the purchase of new inspection technology and mandates the hiring of hundreds of new Homeland Security Investigations agents to target outbound smuggling of weapons and currency. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a minimum mandatory inspection rate for southbound vehicles and requires regular reporting on seizures of illegal exports.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to remove silencers from special regulation under federal tax law, treating them similarly to standard firearms components. This bill preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners and establishes new serial number marking requirements for manufacturers.

The Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 significantly expands the pool of qualified experts available to assist farmers with conservation work under the Food Security Act. This is achieved by creating new pathways for non-Federal entities and State agencies to certify third-party technical assistance providers. The bill also mandates streamlined processes, fair payment rates for external consultants, and increased transparency regarding the use of these private sector resources.

The SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2025 significantly expands protections for individuals who report securities violations, including internal reporting to supervisors or coworkers. This legislation strengthens whistleblower rights by ensuring protections apply post-employment and invalidating mandatory arbitration clauses for related claims. Furthermore, the Act mandates the SEC to issue decisions on whistleblower award claims more promptly, generally within one year of claim finalization.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of the Honorable Mia Bourdeau Love, former Representative for the State of Utah. It recognizes her historic achievements, including being the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, and celebrates her dedication to faith, family, and public service. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to her family and concludes by noting the Senate will adjourn for the day in her memory.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 mandates the Department of Agriculture to immediately honor and pay all existing, unfrozen contracts with farmers and related entities. This legislation prevents the cancellation of signed agreements unless the terms have been violated by the recipient. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 60 days' notice to Congress before closing any local Farm Service Agency, NRCS, or Rural Development offices.

The Cultural Trade Promotion Act aims to boost exports for creative industries, occupations, and microenterprises by expanding federal trade promotion assistance. It mandates that key government agencies update their strategic plans to specifically focus on promoting goods and services from these creative sectors. Furthermore, the bill ensures that Native American and Native Hawaiian businesses receive explicit consideration in export and trade development efforts. Finally, it improves access to reliable international shipping for small businesses and adds a dedicated representative for creative industries to the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act permanently reauthorizes and mandates the use of the E-Verify system for nearly all U.S. employers, phasing in requirements over one year. The bill significantly increases penalties for non-compliance and establishes new procedures for reverification and information sharing between federal agencies. Furthermore, it offers liability protection to employers who use the system in good faith and directs the creation of a demonstration program for small businesses in rural areas.

The HOPE for Heroes Act of 2025 modifies and reauthorizes the VA's suicide prevention grant program, increasing maximum funding amounts and setting stricter spending limits for grantees. It enhances coordination requirements between grant recipients and local VA facilities, mandates specific training on suicide risk assessment tools, and ensures veterans receive emergent care if the VA delays services past 72 hours. The program is officially extended through September 30, 2030.

The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA program to enhance security and information sharing for water systems. This initiative focuses on supporting community water systems and treatment works in joining and utilizing the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WISA Center). The goal is to improve the sector's ability to detect, defend against, and recover from cyber threats and natural hazards. The Act authorizes $20 million in funding across fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these efforts.