Legislative Activity

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.

This bill grants the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) new authority to ensure the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has credible governance, fair U.S. representation, and strong anti-doping standards. ONDCP must review WADA's compliance with key governance reforms, including athlete representation. If WADA fails to meet these standards, ONDCP may withhold U.S. membership dues.

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 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.

The Safe and Private Rides Act establishes clear rules for ride-sharing companies regarding cameras in drivers' vehicles. This legislation mandates that drivers must register cameras, and companies must notify passengers and provide an easy in-app option to opt out of riding in vehicles equipped with recording devices. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits how long ride-sharing companies can retain passenger video recordings. Violations of these new requirements will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The SEMI Investment Act clarifies and expands the definition of an "advanced manufacturing facility" eligible for the existing investment tax credit. This change specifically targets property used to manufacture semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, or essential semiconductor materials. The legislation provides detailed definitions for both direct and indirect production materials that qualify for this credit. Furthermore, it mandates the Treasury and Commerce Departments to publish and annually update a definitive list of qualifying materials.

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.

The AFTER SCHOOL Act establishes a grant program, managed by the Attorney General, to fund after-school programs in high-need areas. These grants are available to local school districts and non-profits located in counties with a juvenile offense rate of 10% or higher. Funds must be used to provide educational and skill-building activities for students in grades 6 through 12 when school is not in session. Grantees must report annually on program participation and outcomes to Congress.

The MAIN Event Ticketing Act significantly strengthens the BOTS Act by explicitly banning the use of automated software to bypass ticket purchasing rules and controls. It imposes new mandatory security and reporting requirements on ticket sellers to protect their systems and customer data. The bill also establishes clear penalties for violations and mandates coordination between federal agencies to combat ticket circumvention.