Legislation

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act repeals key liability protections for gun manufacturers found in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation also mandates that records from the federal Firearms Trace System database must be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil proceedings. The bill aims to allow victims of gun violence greater access to information for civil lawsuits.

The Energy Choice Act aims to prevent state and local governments from enacting regulations that restrict consumer access to various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity, if those sources are transported across state lines. This legislation ensures that local codes cannot ban or limit the connection or expansion of services based on the energy type or source. In essence, it protects the ability of residents and businesses to choose from energy options available through interstate commerce.

The Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act aims to provide small businesses with greater clarity when the government cancels a federal contract solicitation they bid on. The bill mandates that federal agencies must publicly disclose the reasons for cancellation and any plans to reissue the opportunity. Furthermore, it establishes a process where small businesses whose bids are cancelled without reissue will be referred to an agency director to help them find alternative contracting opportunities.

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 modifies the Department of Defense's authority to sell surplus aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression. This update explicitly allows the sale of equipment capable of dropping water, in addition to fire retardant. This authority for sales strictly limited to firefighting purposes is extended through October 1, 2035.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month to highlight the serious and progressive nature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It recognizes the challenges faced by the tens of thousands affected, including long diagnosis times and the burden on caregivers. The Senate commits to supporting research, improving access to treatment and support services, and honoring those working to combat the disease.

The BARK Act of 2025 aims to encourage the donation of pet food and supplies by providing liability protection to good-faith donors. This protection shields individuals and organizations from civil or criminal lawsuits regarding the condition of donated items intended for qualified animals. However, these shields are voided in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the donor or recipient.

The No Place for LGBTQ Hate Act immediately repeals specific Executive Orders that targeted LGBTQI individuals, preventing any federal funds from being used to enforce them. This legislation specifically cancels orders known for mandating discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The bill also includes a provision to ensure it does not infringe upon the President's existing constitutional authority.

The Protecting Seniors' Data Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive security audit of the Social Security Administration's computer systems, specifically focusing on access points used by the DOGE Service and its personnel. The Comptroller General must report any identified security weaknesses or privacy violations to Congress within one year. Following the report, the SSA Commissioner is required to promptly fix all identified vulnerabilities and report on the completion of those fixes.

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the specific challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities. This report must analyze current SBA resources, outreach efforts, and identify gaps in support for this community. Ultimately, the Act aims to uncover necessary improvements and suggest legislative actions to better support disabled business owners.

The Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act establishes a new grazing management program in Malheur County, Oregon, designed to give ranchers greater operational flexibility while prioritizing long-term ecological health. The bill also designates over one million acres of Bureau of Land Management land as new wilderness areas and transfers specific lands into trust for the Burns Paiute Tribe. Furthermore, it creates the Malheur C.E.O. Group, a diverse body tasked with proposing and managing local resource projects through consensus.

The POST GRAD Act aims to reinstate the government's authority to issue Federal Direct Stafford Loans specifically to graduate and professional students. This extension of loan-making authority is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2023. Furthermore, the Act exempts these changes from certain standard rulemaking and review requirements under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

This resolution formally supports the naming of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers after notable civil rights leaders. It celebrates the Navy's decision to honor figures like John Lewis, Harvey Milk, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg through these vital vessels. Furthermore, the resolution strongly encourages the Department of Defense to maintain these established names across the entire class of ships.

The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act establishes a new five-year pilot program for community-based palliative care managed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. This model aims to improve quality of life and coordinate care for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries outside of traditional hospital settings. The program will offer comprehensive support, including pain and symptom management, while coordinating with existing providers. Success will be measured by comparing participant outcomes, such as emergency room use and hospital admissions, against non-participants.

This resolution condemns Russia's devastating use of advanced ballistic missiles against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. It expresses strong support for immediately increasing U.S. military aid to Ukraine, specifically demanding the rapid transfer of sophisticated air defense systems like PATRIOTs. The bill urges the President to expedite these transfers to protect Ukrainian lives and sovereignty.

The Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act makes it illegal to publicly release the name of a federal law enforcement officer involved in an investigation or immigration enforcement with the intent to obstruct that official action. This new provision adds specific protections for federal agents actively engaged in criminal or immigration enforcement duties. Violators of this law face federal fines and potential imprisonment of up to five years.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify how federal excise taxes collected on distilled spirits shipped from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are transferred back to those territories. It removes previous limitations on these tax transfers. Additionally, the bill establishes a new requirement mandating that Puerto Rico dedicate a portion of these transferred funds to its Conservation Trust Fund.

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act establishes a partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Council on Disability to significantly increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, particularly within small businesses. This collaboration focuses on supporting entrepreneurship, assisting small businesses with hiring and accessibility, and coordinating efforts through formal agreements. The SBA is required to report on the progress and future plans for expanding these opportunities two years after enactment, utilizing existing budgets for implementation.

This bill aims to renew and significantly enhance the Opportunity Zone program by updating community qualification standards and authorizing a new round of designations starting in 2027, with a strong focus on rural investments. It extends the deadline for making qualifying investments until the end of 2033 and introduces new, tiered basis increase incentives for long-term holders. Furthermore, the legislation establishes comprehensive new annual reporting requirements for Opportunity Funds and mandates detailed public impact assessments by the Treasury Department.

The Social Security Access Act mandates that the Social Security Administration (SSA) must provide service through three distinct channels: phone, online, and in-person. This law ensures individuals can complete major tasks, such as applying for benefits, entirely over the phone. The bill also requires regular reporting to Congress on the implementation, effectiveness, and security of these service options.

The Extreme Heat Economic Study Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study, led by NOAA, to quantify the full financial costs of extreme heat events in the United States. This study must analyze impacts across health, property damage, labor productivity, and critical infrastructure like energy and agriculture. The final report will recommend a national system for tracking and publicly reporting these economic losses within four years of enactment.