Legislative Activity

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the misuse of xylazine by classifying it as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, mandating its tracking, and directing the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. It also requires reports to Congress on the prevalence, trafficking, and misuse of illicit xylazine. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to accommodate legitimate animal uses of xylazine.

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 SBA Disaster Transparency Act mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publicly disclose disaster assistance reports on its website. This ensures transparency by making information accessible to the public after it has been submitted to Congress.

The "Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act" amends the Veterans Community Care Program to prioritize continuity of care for veterans. This ensures veterans can maintain consistent relationships with healthcare providers and receive uninterrupted treatment through the program.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

This bill transfers the responsibilities of the Food for Peace Act from the United States Agency for International Development to the Department of Agriculture. It ensures program continuity by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to implement immediate regulation amendments and utilize existing statutory authorities. The Department of Agriculture will also continue the Famine Early Warning Systems Network to monitor and mitigate food insecurity. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to consult regularly with the Secretary of State when implementing title II of the Food for Peace Act.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" aims to improve access to non-opioid pain management for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2026. It eliminates the standard deductible and places qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs on the lowest cost-sharing tier. The bill also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring quicker access to alternative pain relief options.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. State legislatures must ratify the amendment within seven years, with a three-fourths majority required for approval.

The PLCAA Federal Jurisdiction Act allows firearm manufacturers, sellers, or trade associations to move civil lawsuits from state to federal court if they believe the case qualifies as a "qualified civil liability action." The federal court then determines if the case meets this definition and has the power to dismiss it.

The Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025 aims to revise sentencing guidelines for fentanyl-related offenses by reducing the quantity thresholds that trigger mandatory minimum sentences for flunitrazepam and its analogues. It directs the Sentencing Commission to update its guidelines to align with these changes. Additionally, it mandates increased resources for the USPS, including chemical screening devices and personnel, to enhance the detection and interdiction of illegally imported fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

The "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal agency rulemaking by requiring congressional approval for major rules with significant economic impact (over $100 million). It establishes procedures for congressional review and approval or disapproval of both major and non-major rules, mandates the publication of guidance documents, and sets expiration dates for major rules. The Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews of existing rules and includes a regulatory budget to control the costs of regulations. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study the number and economic impact of existing rules.

This resolution expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025. It also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the first responders and the support from the community and nation.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

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 "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

The BOWSER Act repeals the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which currently grants a limited form of self-government to the District of Columbia. This repeal would take effect one year after the BOWSER Act is enacted. Effectively, this would end the current system of local governance in DC.

The She DRIVES Act mandates immediate updates to federal motor vehicle safety standards by requiring the use of new crash test dummies, specifically incorporating both male and female dummies in front and side impact tests. This legislation aims to improve vehicle crashworthiness by basing new injury criteria on real-world data that better reflects diverse body types. Furthermore, the bill establishes a roadmap for the Department of Transportation to continuously review and adopt more advanced testing devices used internationally.