Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes and reforms the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to increase affordable housing options by providing more funding and adjusting administrative processes. It modifies eligibility criteria, streamlines fund allocation, and allows community land trusts to acquire housing. The bill also introduces a home loan guarantee program and makes technical corrections to improve the clarity and effectiveness of existing housing legislation.

The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act of 2025 aims to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed through various initiatives. It establishes partnerships to support agricultural producers in implementing conservation activities, expands the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and creates a pilot program for landowners to establish and manage conservation practices. The act also invests in workforce development for food and agricultural sciences and streamlines the hiring process for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Finally, it transfers regulatory oversight of invasive catfish species to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs.

The "Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act" amends the Highway Safety Improvement Program to include projects that connect bicycle or pedestrian paths and reduce safety risks for vulnerable road users. It allows the federal government to cover up to 100% of the cost for these highway safety projects and broadens the types of safety plans that qualify for funding. Additionally, the bill allows funds for highway safety to count towards the non-federal share of project costs under certain conditions.

The "Protect Our Probationary Employees Act" allows certain federal employees who were involuntarily separated from their positions between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029, while serving a probationary period, to resume that probationary period if reappointed to a similar position within their former agency. The resumed probationary period will last for the remaining duration of the original probationary period. This provision is set to expire on January 20, 2029.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 aims to maintain and modernize the Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet by setting minimum inventory levels, requiring regular reports on the status of the fleet, prioritizing the assignment of new aircraft to existing squadrons, and preserving the Air National Guard's fighter capabilities. It mandates the Air Force to retain a minimum number of fighter aircraft, with allowances for temporary reductions during unit recapitalizations, and ensures the Air National Guard maintains a specific number of fighter squadrons while receiving modern aircraft. The Act also includes provisions for annual recapitalization plans for the Air National Guard and defines key terms related to fighter aircraft.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 amends the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for employees engaging in labor disputes and collective bargaining. It redefines employer and employee status, addresses unfair labor practices, streamlines collective bargaining, and increases penalties for employers who violate labor laws. The Act also updates strike/lockout notification procedures and clarifies reporting requirements for employer-employee communication. Finally, it ensures the law's provisions are severable and authorizes necessary appropriations for implementation and enforcement.

The Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025 establishes the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site at Public School 103 in Baltimore, Maryland, where Marshall attended elementary school. The Beloved Community Services Corporation will continue to own and manage the School and serve as the management entity for the Historic Site, with the National Park Service providing technical and financial assistance. This act aims to preserve and interpret Justice Marshall's historic contributions as an affiliated area of the National Park System, without authorizing the Secretary of Interior to acquire the School or assume financial responsibility for its operation.

This resolution affirms the Senate's position that the NIH's operations and funding should not be disrupted, as they are crucial for medical advancements and addressing public health challenges. It emphasizes that the NIH workforce is essential for sustaining medical progress and protecting national health, security, and the economy. Any interference with NIH operations or its workforce undermines biomedical research and the nation's ability to respond to public health issues.

The "Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025" amends the Animal Health Protection Act to provide compensation to poultry growers and layers in areas under federal control due to animal health concerns. It mandates payments based on lost income, ensuring producers are compensated for flocks they were unable to raise during the control period. The compensation is capped to avoid duplication of benefits from other sources and must be paid within 60 days of request. This act aims to support poultry farmers affected by disease control measures.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" aims to lower prescription drug costs by setting annual cost-sharing limits. Starting in 2026, individual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000, and family expenses at $4,000 under qualified health plans. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The act also ensures that group health plans adhere to cost-sharing limits set by the Affordable Care Act.

The "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, requiring supervisor consultation and discreet conduct. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of national security or public safety threats or medical emergencies. The Act mandates annual training, detailed reporting of enforcement actions, and evidence suppression for violations, enhancing oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The "Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025" modifies regulations for 403(b) plans under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These modifications broaden exemptions from registration provisions for certain interests, participations, or securities related to 403(b) plans, especially those subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or where the employer acts as a fiduciary, or are governmental plans as defined in section 414. The goal is to expand the types of trusts, plans, and accounts that are excluded from being defined as investment companies. It also updates a section regarding exemptions from registration requirements for securities, adding a reference to plans described in section 3(a)(12)(C)(iv) of the Act.

The "Keep Our PACT Act" aims to increase funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) over the next decade. It mandates specific funding increases for these programs each year from 2026 to 2035, with the goal of fully funding IDEA at 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students with disabilities by 2035. This bill designates these funding increases as emergency spending.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act seeks to ensure that foreign non-governmental organizations are eligible for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, regardless of the health or medical services they provide, as long as those services adhere to specific guidelines. It ensures that these organizations are not subject to more restrictive requirements for using non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying compared to U.S. non-governmental organizations.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

The "Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act of 2025" limits the President's power under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It prevents the President from using this Act to impose or raise tariffs or tariff-rate quotas on imported goods. The President retains the authority to block specific goods or all goods from a particular country.

The Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program providing grants to organizations for whole-home repair programs benefiting eligible homeowners and landlords. These programs will fund modifications, repairs, or updates addressing accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency. Landlords receiving assistance must adhere to affordability and tenant protection requirements. The program prioritizes states with comprehensive implementation plans and aims for diverse geographic representation, with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development overseeing the program and reporting to Congress.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals to qualify for financial assistance. It also adjusts the premium tax credit calculation to provide more support based on income level. These changes aim to make health coverage more affordable for a broader range of Americans, starting in 2026.