Legislation

The "Security First Act" aims to bolster border security by increasing funding for the Operation Stonegarden grant program, designating funds for technology and equipment procurement, and establishing a trust fund. It mandates a report assessing whether Mexican drug cartels and criminal gangs should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations, and requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to analyze and update technology needs for border security along the Southwest border. Additionally, the Act requires a report on the Department of Homeland Security's hiring practices from 2018 to 2024.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to spend money from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, to support its functions, including hiring staff and conducting investigations. It sets specific spending limits for various periods, including caps on expenses for consultants, organizations, and staff training. The resolution also outlines how the committee's expenses will be paid and specifies exceptions for when vouchers are not required, as well as authorizing payments from the Senate's Inquiries and Investigations expense account for agency contributions related to committee employee compensation.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The "Fair Representation Amendment" requires congressional committees to propose changes that limit the Executive Branch's discretionary power. These proposals are then submitted to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, who must create and report the "Article One Restoration Act" based on the committee's suggestions. This act aims to reassert congressional authority.

The Justice for 9/11 Act aims to ensure trials for individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay—specifically, Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi—in relation to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. It clarifies that plea agreements or judgments do not prevent trials under existing laws and allows for the consideration of a death sentence. If convicted, these individuals must be held in solitary confinement at Guantanamo Bay, with strict limitations on communication and transfer.

The "Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act" aims to reduce drug costs by clarifying that generic drug manufacturers are not infringing on patents when seeking FDA approval for a use of a drug that is no longer covered by patent ("skinny label"). The bill amends patent law to create a safe harbor for generic drug manufacturers who seek FDA approval for a drug with a label that excludes any uses still covered by patents. This exemption extends to the promotion and marketing of the drug, as long as it does not reference the patented condition of use. The bill also includes similar provisions for biosimilar biological products.

The "CBP Relocation Act" mandates the relocation of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters to Texas by January 1, 2026. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with Texas's General Land Office to strategically position the headquarters for border crisis management. The Act also enables the Secretary to acquire land in Texas for this purpose, adhering to federal land acquisition standards.

The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 aims to strengthen antitrust enforcement by updating the Clayton Act to address harmful mergers and exclusionary conduct, enabling civil monetary penalties for Sherman Act violations, and increasing resources for antitrust enforcement agencies. The bill seeks to promote competition by revising standards for unlawful acquisitions, protecting whistleblowers who report anti-competitive behavior, and ensuring fair compensation for those harmed by antitrust violations. It also establishes new offices within the Federal Trade Commission to enhance market analysis and advocate for competition. Finally, the act increases funding for antitrust enforcement and ensures that collected fees are used to further these efforts.

This resolution formally elects Gary B. Myrick of Virginia to serve as the Secretary for the Minority of the Senate.

The Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025 expands the Department of Veterans Affairs' Foreign Medical Program by removing the requirement that care and services must be for a service-connected disability. It also mandates updating the payment system to allow for reimbursements through electronic fund transfer. Finally, it requires an assessment of contracting with a non-Department entity to create a network for providing care under this program.

The "Low Income Housing for Defense Communities Act" aims to increase affordable housing options for military personnel and their families by modifying income calculations for low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, excluding military basic housing allowances from income evaluations. It further incentivizes construction near large military installations by classifying buildings within 15 miles as located in a difficult development area, thereby increasing the available Low-Income Housing Credit. This act intends to support military communities by making housing more accessible and affordable.

The Border Wall Waste Accountability Act mandates a study by the Comptroller General to assess the financial cost of unused construction materials acquired for the U.S.-Mexico border wall between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025, with a report due to Congress within 90 days.

The "Reliability for Ratepayers Act" modifies employee compensation and hiring rules at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to address retention and hiring issues. It requires the BPA administrator to create a compensation plan based on surveys of similar jobs in the electric industry, and allows the BPA to hire physicians and experts without regard to certain civil service laws. The goal is to ensure that total compensation for BPA employees is comparable to similar positions at consumer-owned utilities to attract and retain qualified staff.

The "Repeal the NFA Act" aims to eliminate the National Firearms Act (NFA). This bill would remove all regulations, taxes, and registration requirements imposed by the NFA on certain firearms and devices. By repealing the NFA, the bill seeks to deregulate the ownership and transfer of items currently covered under the NFA.

The Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act prohibits members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading stocks, bonds, commodities, futures, and other covered investments, with exceptions for widely held investment funds and U.S. Treasury bills. It mandates that covered individuals sell or place prohibited financial instruments in a qualified blind trust and submit a compliance pledge. Non-compliance may result in civil penalties and referral to the Attorney General. The bill also amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow for deferral of capital gains taxes on divested assets.

This bill amends House rules to limit when resolutions concerning impeachment, censure, or expulsion of a member can be immediately considered. Such resolutions will only be privileged if based on a committee investigation and report, or if offered by a party caucus or conference. This change affects resolutions that could lead to a vacancy in the Speaker's office or a committee leadership position.

This bill disapproves a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have automatically extended expiring work permits and related documents for certain applicants. By disapproving this rule, the bill prevents the extension from taking effect.

This bill disapproves and nullifies the Department of the Interior's rule updating regulations for oil, gas, and sulfur operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. The rule, which addresses high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, will not go into effect.

The RACE Act sets deadlines for states to count ballots by 10 p.m. on election day and certify election results within 48 hours after election day for Federal offices, unless there is a legitimate emergency or technical difficulty. This act aims to ensure timely election results.

The BRAVE Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a patient outreach system. This system will inform veterans, particularly those who have experienced traumatic events, about available mental health resources and care services. The goal is to ensure veterans are aware of and can access the mental health support they may need.