Legislation

The Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025 aims to significantly update how the Forest Service tracks the health and resources of U.S. forests. This legislation mandates the inclusion of forest carbon data in inventory and analysis programs and requires the strategic integration of modern technologies like remote sensing. The goal is to produce more precise, accessible, and current forest statistics for both national and sub-state levels.

The Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2025 voids specific past and proposed HUD rules related to "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" (AFFH). The bill prohibits the use of federal funds for creating or maintaining federal databases that map racial or housing disparities. Finally, it mandates a consultation process between HUD and local officials to develop recommendations on meeting Fair Housing Act goals without new federal regulations.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense of Congress that paraprofessionals and essential education support staff deserve fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions. It highlights the critical role these millions of workers play in schools while addressing current issues like low wages, benefit gaps, and job instability. The resolution calls for stable employment, living wages, affordable healthcare, and greater inclusion in school decision-making. Ultimately, it affirms that respecting support staff is vital for student success.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

The AID Youth Employment Act overhauls youth job training by establishing competitive grant programs for subsidized summer and year-round employment opportunities. It defines eligible youth (ages 14-24) and allocates billions in funding for these programs, prioritizing partnerships with local agencies and employers. The Act mandates performance evaluations focused on long-term employment and education outcomes for participants.

The United States Automobile Consumer Assistance and Relief Act (USA CAR Act) introduces a new tax deduction for interest paid on specific car loans taken out after January 1, 2025. This deduction applies only to loans used to purchase a "qualified automobile," defined as a vehicle whose final assembly was completed within the United States. This provision aims to provide financial assistance to consumers purchasing domestically assembled vehicles.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month by encouraging all Americans to call 811 before breaking ground. It highlights the ongoing danger of striking underground utility lines when excavation occurs without prior notification. The bill urges homeowners and professionals alike to utilize the 811 service to ensure utility lines are marked, preventing service outages, injuries, and fatalities.

The America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act seeks to permanently protect hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands across Utah by designating them as official wilderness areas. This designation ensures the preservation of unique ecological, geological, and cultural resources under the highest level of federal protection. The bill also establishes administrative rules, including securing water rights and managing state inholdings, while explicitly safeguarding existing livestock grazing and Tribal rights.

The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act aims to prevent private health insurance plans from unfairly shifting the cost of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) care onto Medicare. This legislation clarifies existing rules to ensure group health plans provide equal benefits for dialysis treatments compared to other medical services. It specifically prohibits plans from imposing discriminatory limits or restrictions solely because a patient has ESRD. The bill preserves a plan's ability to manage its provider network while mandating equitable coverage terms.

The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025 establishes clear pathways for federal employees, applicants, and contractors to seek redress when their rights are violated. Covered individuals can pursue administrative remedies through existing personnel practice procedures or escalate their case directly to federal court after a delay or final adverse decision. If successful in court, whistleblowers are eligible for significant relief, including double back pay, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

The Taxpayer-Funded Union Time Transparency Act mandates that federal agencies annually report detailed information regarding the costs and time spent on union-related activities. This includes itemizing employee time spent on official union business, negotiation costs, and the value of government property provided to labor organizations. The goal is to increase public accountability for how taxpayer resources are utilized in connection with federal labor relations.

The Defining Male and Female Act of 2025 establishes fixed, biological definitions for "male" and "female" based on reproductive function at conception for all federal law interpretations. This Act mandates that the federal government must use these biological definitions when defining sex, man, woman, and parental roles. Furthermore, it explicitly states that "gender identity" shall not be recognized as a substitute for biological sex in federal statutes or regulations.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulation. By disapproving the rule, Congress immediately cancels the EPA's submission, preventing it from taking legal effect. This action effectively rejects the EPA's attempt to implement those specific California standards.

The Health ACCESS Act amends anti-kickback laws to create a specific exception for payments made by healthcare providers to certain online health information service providers. This change allows for payments related to consumer-facing scheduling and search tools, provided strict conditions are met to ensure consumer protection and prevent steering. The goal is to facilitate easier access to care by allowing transparent, fair-market-value payments for these digital services.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit state and federal correctional facilities from using signal jamming systems within their housing areas. This legislation permits prisons to deploy jammers specifically to block communications involving contraband devices or incarcerated individuals. Any facility choosing to use this technology must adhere to strict operational rules, including location limitations and pre-approval notification to local public safety officials and the Bureau of Prisons.

The FIGHTING for America Act of 2025 aims to enhance trade enforcement by increasing transparency and scrutiny over low-value shipments entering the U.S. under the *de minimis* exemption. The bill designates fentanyl smuggling via these shipments as a priority trade issue and imposes new documentation requirements, limitations on duty exemptions, and civil penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, it establishes a \$2 customs user fee for shipments processed under this expedited entry system.

This resolution formally honors the memory of Jereima "Jeri" Bustamante on the seventh anniversary of her passing. It recognizes her inspiring life, from her move to Miami to her career in public service. Furthermore, the resolution establishes the Jereima Bustamante Memorial Scholarship to support graduates of Miami Beach Senior High School in pursuing higher education.

The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act prohibits state and local governments from imposing excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or related parts when those sales involve interstate or foreign commerce. This measure specifically targets state-level taxation on the initial distribution of these items across state lines. Importantly, this Act does not affect the existing federal funding mechanism established by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

The Disaster Reforestation Act establishes new rules for calculating tax deductions related to the loss of uncut timber due to natural disasters like fires or storms. This special casualty loss deduction is available only if the taxpayer agrees to replant the affected area within five years. The Act sets specific appraisal standards and allows taxpayers to use an estimate initially, provided an official appraisal is completed within one year.

The College Employment Accountability Act mandates that institutions receiving federal funds must use the E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. Any finding that a college has hired unauthorized aliens or failed to participate in E-Verify will result in the immediate loss of all federal student and institutional aid. The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting violations to the Department of Education.