Legislative Activity

The ECCHO Act establishes a new federal crime for intentionally coercing a minor under 18 to commit harmful acts, including self-harm, violence against others or animals, arson, or specific online offenses like swatting. This legislation defines coercion broadly to include manipulation, threats, and intimidation used to force a child into these prohibited actions. Penalties vary based on the severity of the coerced act, with life imprisonment possible for coercing suicide or homicide. The Act also updates existing federal laws to incorporate this new offense and ensure comprehensive enforcement.

The SAFE Act directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and update federal sentencing guidelines for offenses involving child sexual abuse material. This update must account for the actual harm to victims, modern technology, and the spectrum of offender culpability. The Commission is required to develop new guidelines that specifically address factors like the use of multiple online channels, involvement in prohibited sexual conduct against a child, and the impact on the victim. Importantly, the Act prohibits lowering the existing base offense level for these crimes.

This resolution officially designates December 2, 2025, as "World Nuclear Energy Day." It recognizes the historical milestones and significant contributions of nuclear energy to the U.S. economy, national security, and carbon-free electricity generation. The resolution celebrates the innovators in the field and encourages continued global cooperation in advancing safe nuclear technology.

The Back the Blue Act of 2025 establishes new federal crimes and harsher penalties for killing or assaulting law enforcement officers and other public safety officials. The bill also creates specific aggravating factors for the federal death penalty in such cases and places new restrictions on federal habeas corpus relief for related state convictions. Finally, it expands federal protections allowing active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms in various federal locations.

The PBM Price Transparency and Accountability Act aims to increase fairness and oversight in prescription drug pricing across Medicaid and Medicare Part D. It mandates transparent payment models for Medicaid, prohibiting abusive spread pricing by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Additionally, the bill establishes new network access standards for Medicare pharmacies and imposes strict compensation and reporting requirements on PBMs to ensure accountability to Medicare plans.

This bill, the Written Informed Consent Act, expands existing Veterans Health Administration requirements for informed consent. It mandates that the VA update its directive to include five additional classes of medications—antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics—under the informed consent process. This ensures veterans receive comprehensive information before starting these treatments.

The Chip EQUIP Act aims to protect U.S. semiconductor manufacturing by restricting the use of federal funding for certain foreign-made equipment. Specifically, it prohibits using federal semiconductor assistance funds to procure or install "ineligible semiconductor manufacturing equipment" made by entities of concern for a period of ten years. The Secretary of Commerce retains limited waiver authority under specific national security or supply chain conditions.

The Quantum Readiness and Innovation Act of 2025 mandates the creation of guidance for upgrading computer systems to post-quantum cryptography to defend against future quantum attacks. It requires the development of a national strategy outlining how federal agencies should assess and execute their transition to quantum-safe security measures. Furthermore, the Act establishes a voluntary pilot program to assist high-risk entities in upgrading critical systems.

The ADOPT Act of 2025 aims to protect families involved in private domestic interstate adoptions by preventing exploitation by unlicensed intermediaries. It establishes new federal crimes for unlawful adoption practices, such as brokering adoptions for compensation or making unauthorized payments to birth parents. The goal is to ensure access to licensed providers and stop the commodification of children in adoption.

This resolution officially designates November 22, 2025, as National Adoption Day and November 2025 as National Adoption Month. The measure aims to raise national awareness about the children awaiting adoption and celebrate those involved in adoption. It encourages all Americans to promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children across the nation.

The JAIL Act establishes a civil right of action allowing individuals harmed by repeat violent offenders released on bail to sue the judge or government entity responsible for that release. This legislation specifically removes judicial immunity as a defense in such cases. The bill targets harm caused by defendants charged with a crime of violence who have a prior conviction for a crime of violence.

This bill officially designates November 2nd through November 8th as "Anti-Communism Week." The designation serves to remember the devastation caused by communist ideology and honor its victims worldwide. The President is requested to issue an annual proclamation calling for appropriate observance of this week.

The Rural Hospital Flexibility Act of 2025 aims to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure by expanding the uses of Medicare rural hospital flexibility program grants. This includes supporting the transition of critical access hospitals to rural emergency hospitals and providing assistance for graduate medical education recruitment. The bill also establishes new technical assistance grants and modifies the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant Program to streamline funding for eligible small rural hospitals.

This Act amends immigration law to explicitly designate officials and members of Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS as inadmissible due to terrorist activity. It also bars individuals who endorse or espouse terrorist activities conducted by these specified groups.

This resolution officially designates November 20, 2025, as "National Rural Health Day." It recognizes the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities, including provider shortages and hospital vulnerability. The Senate expresses support for rural health providers and commits to advancing policies that improve healthcare access and affordability in these areas.

The Flight Risk Reduction Act amends federal law to establish a new presumption against pretrial release for non-citizens who are not lawful permanent residents. This change mandates a detention hearing for these individuals and requires courts to presume detention is necessary. Crucially, defendants cannot use ties to family or employment in the U.S. to overcome this presumption.

The VISIT USA Act transfers \$160 million from the Travel Promotion Fund to Brand USA to support international tourism promotion. This funding is specifically allocated from existing unobligated balances collected through certain travel-related fees. The transfer is made within 30 days of the law's enactment.

This bill mandates the Secretaries of HUD and Agriculture to withdraw their recent final determination on energy efficiency standards for federally financed housing. It prohibits the implementation of these withdrawn standards or any substantially similar ones across HUD, USDA, and VA programs. Furthermore, the legislation restricts the Federal Housing Finance Agency from finalizing new energy efficiency rules and requires consideration of existing state-level energy codes.

The Halo Act establishes new federal criminal penalties for individuals who obstruct immigration enforcement activities. Specifically, it prohibits knowingly approaching or remaining near a federal immigration enforcement officer after being warned, threatening the officer with physical harm, or harassing the officer while they are performing a lawful duty. Violators of this new offense could face fines or imprisonment for up to five years.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." The day honors first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents lack a bachelor's degree, recognizing the unique challenges they face. This date commemorates the anniversary of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to increase access to postsecondary education. The resolution urges nationwide recognition of these students' vital contributions to the future workforce.