Legislation

The VA Employee Fairness Act of 2025 modifies the collective bargaining rules for employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by streamlining existing statutes. This act removes outdated subsections related to bargaining and renumbers the remaining relevant section. Importantly, these changes do not affect the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' existing authority regarding incentive pay or expedited hiring processes.

The International Financial Institution Improvements Act of 2025 aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. engagement with the World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral development banks. It mandates clearer public reporting, requires consultation with civil society organizations on lending decisions, and directs U.S. representatives to advocate for stronger human rights, anti-corruption, and climate-related policies. The bill also authorizes increased U.S. financial commitments to development funds focused on Africa and Europe, contingent upon future Congressional appropriations.

The Constitutional Hearing Protection Act aims to treat firearm silencers equally under federal tax law by updating definitions and removing certain registration requirements if existing firearm laws are followed. The bill also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration burdens on silencers. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners within one year of enactment.

Violet's Law mandates that federal research facilities establish procedures to place retired research animals, including dogs, cats, and primates, into new homes. These facilities must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act standards and ensure animals are certified healthy by a veterinarian before adoption. Eligible placements include registered animal rescue organizations, sanctuaries, shelters, or private individuals.

The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025 aims to restore clarity and consistency to patent eligibility by eliminating judicial exceptions to the current law. It establishes that any useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter is eligible for patent protection unless specifically excluded. While the Act broadens eligibility, it maintains exclusions for purely abstract ideas, unmodified natural materials, and mental processes, while clarifying the role of computers in patentable inventions.

The Disaster Housing Flexibility Act of 2025 establishes an optional Alternative Block Grant Program allowing states to receive a lump sum of federal funds for temporary disaster housing instead of the standard individual application process. This program requires FEMA to estimate the total assistance cost, which states can then manage directly. If funds remain after recovery, states may repurpose the surplus for eligible preparedness or mitigation activities. States accepting the grant must adhere to strict reporting requirements detailing fund usage and effectiveness.

This resolution officially commends and congratulates the Trinity College men's basketball team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. It recognizes their historic 30-and-3 season and the team's overall success. The bill also honors Head Coach James Cosgrove and acknowledges the broader achievements of Trinity College. Finally, official copies of this recognition will be sent to the college president and the head coach.

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 officially recognizes the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, confirming their status as a federally recognized tribe. This Act makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to recognized tribes. Furthermore, it mandates the Secretary of the Interior to take specified lands in western Michigan into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. The legislation ensures that this recognition does not diminish any existing rights the Tribe may hold.

The Defense Workforce Integration Act of 2025 aims to streamline the transition of separating service members into civilian Department of Defense (DoD) roles, particularly for those medically disqualified from service. It also establishes a new program to connect medically ineligible individuals with career opportunities in the defense industrial base and related national security sectors. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Navy inform separating personnel about career opportunities within the Military Sealift Command. The DoD must report to Congress within one year on the implementation of these integration and information-sharing provisions.

The Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act of 2025 significantly increases prison sentences for non-citizens who commit crimes after entering the U.S. illegally or after being previously removed. This legislation mandates substantial minimum prison terms—including an additional five years for illegal entry followed by a felony conviction and a new ten-year minimum for re-entry after deportation coupled with a crime. The bill aims to impose much harsher penalties on undocumented immigrants who commit serious offenses.

The Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025 expands the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children program to cover periods when schools are closed or operating remotely. This ensures children receive benefits covering breakfast, lunch, and a snack for every day during these closures, starting in 2025. The bill also updates federal cost-sharing for state administrative expenses and establishes new grants to help states upgrade their data systems for the expanded program.

The Lieutenant General Carey Runway Act of 2025 officially renames Runway 5L/23R at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. This designation honors the distinguished and decorated service career of the late Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey. The Act ensures all official records reflect the new name, the "Lieutenant General Carey Runway."

This Act prohibits the issuance of F and M student visas to individuals planning to attend educational institutions located within designated "sanctuary jurisdictions." A sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as any state or local government that actively obstructs federal immigration enforcement efforts, such as refusing to comply with ICE detainers. The visa restrictions remain in place until the Secretary of Homeland Security determines the jurisdiction is no longer impeding immigration enforcement.

The Post Quantum Cybersecurity Standards Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to promote the voluntary adoption of new post-quantum cryptography standards resistant to quantum computer attacks. The bill also authorizes NIST to establish a grant program to help high-risk entities cover the costs of transitioning to these new standards. Furthermore, it updates the National Science Foundation's research priorities to explicitly include post-quantum cryptography.

The HABLA Act of 2025 mandates that all federal agencies develop and implement detailed plans to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) can access federally conducted programs. Furthermore, the bill requires agencies distributing federal funds to issue specific guidance to their recipients on providing language access to avoid national origin discrimination. Throughout this process, agencies must consult with LEP individuals and stakeholders to create practical, fiscally responsible implementation strategies.

The American Privacy Restoration Act is a straightforward bill designed to completely repeal the USA PATRIOT Act. This action will erase all amendments made by the PATRIOT Act, reverting relevant sections of law to their original text as it existed before October 26, 2001. In essence, this legislation seeks to undo the legal changes enacted by the PATRIOT Act.

This resolution condemns the acceptance of substantial gifts, such as presidential aircraft, from foreign governments, citing serious national security and foreign influence concerns. It asserts that accepting such gifts violates the Constitution's Emoluments Clause and undermines public trust. The measure demands that the President must receive explicit Congressional approval before accepting any significant foreign gift.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." It recognizes the importance of motorcycles in transportation while highlighting the increased safety risks riders face. The bill encourages all road users to practice increased awareness and supports efforts promoting rider education and the use of protective gear.

This bill modifies existing law to allow the construction of certain Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards under strict conditions. The President can grant exceptions to the general ban only if it is deemed necessary for U.S. national security. Any such exception requires Congressional notification and certification that the foreign shipyard meets specific criteria related to alliance, cost savings, and expedited timelines.

The American Energy Act streamlines the process for handling drilling permit applications, requiring the Secretary to continue processing them even when litigation is pending, unless the underlying lease is vacated. It also establishes a four-year validity period for new drilling permits. Furthermore, the Act places significant limitations on the ability of courts to halt oil and gas lease sales or stop the awarding of leases once bidding has commenced.