Legislative Activity

This resolution declares racism a public health crisis, citing significant racial inequities in health outcomes and the impact of historical and contemporary racism. It commits to establishing a nationwide strategy to address health disparities, dismantle systemic practices that perpetuate racism, and promote efforts to improve social determinants of health for racial and ethnic minorities. The resolution supports similar declarations at the local level and calls for reforms to address policies leading to poor health outcomes. It also charges the people of the United States to ensure the country honors its moral purpose of advancing the truths that all people are created equal with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

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 "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" requires that all new vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States include AM radio receivers as standard equipment, ensuring continued access to AM radio for drivers. The Act directs the Comptroller General to study the role of vehicles and AM radio in emergency alert dissemination and requires the Secretary of Transportation to regularly review the rule's impact. Penalties will be enforced for violations, and states are prohibited from enacting their own laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles.

The "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025" amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to enhance the national response to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. It directs the creation of a national monitoring and forecasting network, promotes research and technology development for prevention and control, and ensures collaboration among federal, state, and local entities. The Act also authorizes appropriations for these activities and allows for waivers of non-federal share requirements under certain conditions, as well as providing definitions for Indian tribes and other organizations.

The "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act" aims to discourage companies from shifting profits and operations overseas to avoid U.S. taxes. It achieves this by amending the tax code to calculate foreign income on a country-by-country basis, limiting interest deductions for domestic corporations in international financial reporting groups, modifying rules related to inverted corporations, and treating certain foreign corporations managed and controlled in the U.S. as domestic corporations for tax purposes. The bill also repeals the reduced tax rate on net CFC tested income and foreign-derived intangible income, increases the deemed paid credit for taxes related to tested income, and eliminates the carryback of foreign tax credits. These changes are intended to level the playing field and ensure that multinational corporations pay their fair share of taxes on income earned abroad.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

This resolution designates January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month" to recognize the positive impact of mentoring on youth development. It highlights mentoring's role in improving academic achievement, fostering leadership skills, and supporting at-risk youth. The resolution encourages expanding mentoring opportunities to address the significant need for mentors among young people nationwide. It also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of mentoring program staff and volunteers.

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

This resolution recognizes the critical role of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in advancing U.S. national security interests. It emphasizes USAID's importance in reducing global threats, promoting stability, addressing migration and extremism, and maintaining U.S. leadership against China. The resolution also references the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which requires USAID to consult with Congress on significant organizational changes.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These tests, which use genomic sequencing to detect multiple cancer types, will be covered for eligible beneficiaries with age and frequency limitations. The payment amount for these tests will initially align with that of multi-target stool screening DNA tests. This new coverage aims to improve early cancer detection without affecting existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

This resolution designates the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role of TCUs in providing culturally relevant education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. TCUs serve over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes by offering high-quality postsecondary education and workforce preparation. The resolution encourages the public to participate in activities and programs that support these institutions.

The "Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025" authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his civil rights contributions, loyalty, patriotism, and dedication to justice and equality. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution after the award presentation. Additionally, the Act allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs.

This resolution designates January 30, 2025, as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. It recognizes Fred Korematsu's resistance to the unjust incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The resolution encourages reflection on the importance of political leadership, vigilance, justice, and civil rights.

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 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 emphasizes the importance of the Department of Health and Human Services' role in providing timely and accurate health information to the public. It recognizes the value of resources like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and the Health Alert Network in protecting public health. The resolution expresses the Senate's belief that Americans should have continuous access to this vital information.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The "Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act" (CURD Act) defines "natural cheese" to differentiate it from processed cheese, setting specific criteria for its production and composition. It restricts the use of "natural cheese" on labels to products meeting these standards, while allowing "natural" or "all-natural" claims as per existing regulations. The Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include this new definition in labeling regulations.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making them eligible for federal services and benefits. It designates specific counties in North Carolina as the Tribe's service area and requires a needs assessment report to Congress. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe and addresses jurisdictional matters, while clarifying the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The "Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act" aims to enhance support for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) through increased research, prevention, and service programs. This act amends the Public Health Service Act to expand training, integrate a case definition for FASD, and build state and tribal capacity for identification, treatment, and support. It also establishes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Centers for Excellence to expand diagnostic capacity, develop public awareness campaigns, and serve as clearinghouses for evidence-based resources. Finally, the act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to carry out these provisions and requires a report on efforts to advance public awareness and identify best practices related to FASD.