Legislative Activity

The State Accountability for Federal Deployment Costs Act of 2025 holds states financially responsible when their non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement leads to civil unrest requiring military intervention. If a state's obstruction causes the need for federal troop deployment, the Department of Defense will bill that state for the associated military costs. States will have 180 days to reimburse these expenses or face potential reductions in federal discretionary grants.

This bill, the National Education Association Charter Repeal Act, officially revokes the federal charter previously granted to the National Education Association (NEA). It achieves this by repealing the specific section of U.S. Code that established the NEA's federal recognition. The legislation also updates the U.S. Code to remove the outdated reference to the repealed charter.

The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act updates the criteria for applying enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act for individuals with prior serious felony convictions who illegally possess a firearm. This bill establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years for repeat offenders who knowingly violate federal firearm possession laws after having three or more qualifying serious felony convictions. The changes only apply to offenses committed on or after the date the Act becomes law.

The Control Tower Continuity Act eliminates the mandatory retirement age of 61 for federal air traffic controllers. While removing this cap, the bill institutes new, more frequent medical clearance requirements for controllers aged 61 and older. These changes aim to retain experienced controllers while ensuring continued safety standards.

This resolution formally honors the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx. It recognizes his pioneering role in revolutionizing global logistics and his significant contributions to entrepreneurship and community service in Memphis. The Senate passes this tribute to celebrate his remarkable career and dedication to innovation.

The United Nations Voting Accountability Act of 2025 prohibits U.S. foreign assistance to countries that vote against the U.S. position at the United Nations more than 50% of the time. The Secretary of State can grant exceptions for countries demonstrating fundamental policy changes, subject to Congressional notification. This restriction specifically targets various forms of U.S. aid, including military financing and funds routed through international organizations.

The "Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act of 2025" aims to ensure the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has a credible, independent governance model and fully implements governance reforms. It requires the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to evaluate WADA's compliance with these standards, promote fair U.S. representation, and counter doping in all forms. If WADA does not meet the criteria, the ONDCP may withhold membership dues and must report on barriers to U.S. participation. The ONDCP must submit a spending plan to Congress before providing funds to WADA.

The Open App Markets Act aims to foster competition by prohibiting large companies that control both an operating system and an app store from unfairly favoring their own services. This bill prevents these "covered companies" from forcing developers to use their in-app payment systems or from leveraging sensitive business data to benefit their own competing apps. Furthermore, it mandates that these companies allow users greater choice in setting default apps and installing software from alternative sources, while preserving necessary security and privacy exceptions. Enforcement will be handled by the FTC, State Attorneys General, and developers who suffer harm will have the right to sue for damages.

The FAIR Act, or Free Americans from Ideological Reporting Act, prohibits the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) from providing any direct or indirect federal funding to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). This legislation also mandates that all federal agencies cease current and future funding to these specified organizations. Furthermore, the bill includes technical amendments to existing communications law and a severability clause to ensure the rest of the law remains valid if one part is struck down.

The Rapid Expulsion of Migrant Offenders who Violate and Evade (REMOVE) Act mandates the swift removal of immigrants who have been ordered to leave the country, particularly those convicted of deportable offenses. This legislation requires the Attorney General to complete all necessary immigration court proceedings for these individuals within a strict 15-day timeframe after they begin. The goal is to significantly speed up the deportation process for migrant offenders.

The Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act makes it illegal to publicly release the name of a federal law enforcement officer involved in an investigation or immigration enforcement with the intent to obstruct that official action. This new provision adds specific protections for federal agents actively engaged in criminal or immigration enforcement duties. Violators of this law face federal fines and potential imprisonment of up to five years.

The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act amends federal highway funding rules to allow states to use funds for installing human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops. The bill also modifies the Department of Transportation's advisory committee on human trafficking by increasing its membership and adding a required representative from State departments of transportation. This legislation aims to enhance public awareness and coordination regarding human trafficking within the transportation sector.

The Leadership in CET Act establishes a pilot program to expedite the patent examination process for inventions in critical and emerging technologies, specifically Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Quantum Science. This initiative aims to accelerate U.S. innovation leadership in these vital sectors by prioritizing relevant patent applications. The program will run for five years or until 15,000 applications are accepted, with provisions for potential renewal. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including not being a "foreign entity of concern," to qualify for this expedited review.

The Ban Birth Tourism Act aims to prevent foreign nationals from entering the United States solely for the purpose of obtaining automatic U.S. citizenship for their children by giving birth on American soil. This legislation specifically renders temporary visitors inadmissible if their primary intent for entry is to secure citizenship for a child through birth in the U.S. The bill carves out an exception for those entering for legitimate medical care related to childbirth.

The Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) submit an annual public report detailing its efforts to combat national security threats and espionage from the Chinese Communist Party. This report must outline specific operations, resource allocation against these threats, and measures taken to protect civil liberties. The requirement ensures transparency regarding the DOJ's activities countering intellectual property theft and threats from non-traditional collectors over the next seven years.

The American Music Tourism Act of 2025 directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to actively promote domestic and international travel focused on U.S. music destinations and events. This legislation mandates the identification and promotion of key music tourism sites to boost both domestic visitation and international competitiveness. The Assistant Secretary must also report on the progress of these music tourism initiatives to Congress.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy Act of 2025 establishes the Commission on American Quantum Information Science and Technology Dominance. This independent body is tasked with reviewing the nation's standing in quantum science and technology to ensure U.S. national and economic security. The Commission will analyze global competition, investment strategies, workforce needs, and commercialization barriers before delivering comprehensive recommendations to Congress and the President.

The Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act modifies requirements for tracking the use of clinical decision support tools when ordering applicable imaging services, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates that qualified decision support mechanisms report detailed data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services upon request. The bill also establishes compliance rules for ordering professionals, outlines specific exemptions to these rules, and updates the process for identifying "low compliant" ordering professionals.

This resolution officially celebrates the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, recognizing its profound history since its start in 1925. It commemorates the Opry's legacy as the longest-running radio show in U.S. history and its massive cultural impact on country music. The bill honors the artists and the institution for cementing Nashville as the capital of country music.