Legislative Activity

This resolution celebrates the Blinded Veterans Association's 80th anniversary and its advocacy for blind and low-vision veterans. It recognizes the BVA's contributions to healthcare, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities for these veterans, while also highlighting ongoing needs such as equal access to services, safe environments for guide dogs, and addressing the impact of new technologies. The resolution urges the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure accessibility for guide dogs and expresses the Senate's commitment to supporting all veterans with disabilities.

This resolution designates May 10, 2025, as "World Migratory Bird Day" to recognize the ecological and economic importance of migratory birds. It aims to raise awareness about the threats these birds face and promote conservation efforts through education, community engagement, and international cooperation. The resolution encourages U.S. residents to participate in activities that support migratory bird conservation.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends funding for research on preterm labor and delivery through fiscal year 2029. It mandates the establishment of an interagency working group by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to address preterm birth issues. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the National Academies to conduct a comprehensive study on premature births in the United States, with a report due within 24 months.

This resolution designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to highlight the critical role of personal financial education and the repercussions of financial illiteracy. It acknowledges the significant number of unbanked and underbanked households, the struggles faced by people with disabilities, and the growing household debt in the U.S. The resolution encourages the government, schools, organizations, and individuals to promote financial literacy through various programs and activities during this month. It also emphasizes the positive impact of financial education on credit scores, retirement planning, and overall financial well-being.

This resolution supports designating April 2025 as the "Month of the Military Child" to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of children connected to the military. It acknowledges the commitment and struggles of military children and encourages the nation to provide support to military families. The resolution urges the United States to honor military children through events and activities during the designated month.

The Stand with Israel Act amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to prohibit U.S. funds from going to the United Nations or any of its entities that discriminate against Israel. Discrimination includes actions such as expelling or suspending Israel's membership or restricting its participation in a way that is not on par with other member states. The Act ensures that no funds from the Department of State or any other federal agency can be used for contributions that violate this prohibition.

**Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 Summary:** This bill aims to expand and improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program by updating state allocation formulas, reforming tenant eligibility requirements, and modifying credit eligibility rules. It also focuses on increasing affordable housing opportunities for Native Americans and in rural areas. Additionally, the bill updates terminology in the Internal Revenue Code to replace "low-income" with "affordable" when referring to housing tax credits, and promotes data sharing and discourages discriminatory land use policies to enhance transparency and effectiveness.

The "LOCAL Infrastructure Act" reinstates advance refunding bonds, reversing changes made by Public Law 115-97. This allows state and local governments to refinance municipal bonds at lower interest rates, reducing borrowing costs. The change is effective immediately upon the Act's enactment.

This resolution designates April 5, 2025, as "Gold Star Wives Day" to honor the sacrifices and contributions of the surviving spouses and families of fallen U.S. Armed Forces members. It recognizes the 80th anniversary of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., an organization that has supported these families since 1945. The resolution encourages the public to observe this day to promote awareness of the organization's important role.

This joint resolution nullifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding overdraft lending practices specifically for very large financial institutions. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the rule from taking effect.

The Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act amends the Social Security Act to revise physician self-referral exemptions, particularly for physician-owned hospitals. It defines and exempts "covered rural hospitals" from certain restrictions, focusing on hospitals located in rural areas and meeting specific criteria. The act also lifts the prohibition on the expansion of existing physician-owned hospitals, effective from the date of enactment.

The "Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025" aims to increase access to higher education by providing grants to institutions that partner with local education agencies to create or expand dual enrollment and early college high school programs. These programs allow high school students to earn college credits, with priority given to students from low-income families, rural schools, or those who are first-generation college students. Grant funds can be used for various support activities, including professional development, course design, and covering the costs of tuition, fees, and materials. The act also mandates program evaluations and reports to Congress to ensure effectiveness and accountability.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

The "Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025" directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and report to Congress on the practices of pharmacy benefit managers and other intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain, including their impact on drug prices and competition. The FTC is required to identify any legal or regulatory barriers hindering antitrust enforcement in the pharmaceutical industry and suggest improvements for transparency and competition. Additionally, the FTC must report on complaints of anticompetitive behavior by sole-source drug manufacturers and recommend policies to enhance enforcement.

The Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act aims to protect public health by setting contamination limits for morphine and other illicit compounds in poppy seeds sold in interstate commerce. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish these contamination levels, classifying poppy seeds exceeding these limits as adulterated and therefore illegal. The Act clarifies that contaminated poppy seeds remain subject to regulation under the Controlled Substances Act, ensuring continued oversight. This legislation seeks to prevent overdoses and protect consumers from unknowingly ingesting dangerous levels of opiates from contaminated poppy seeds.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

The "RIFLE Act" repeals the existing tax on firearm transfers outlined in Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code, and makes corresponding technical corrections. This change removes the tax burden on the transfer of firearms. Additionally, the act clarifies that the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have authority over firearms regulated by the Internal Revenue Code.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.