Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The LOCAL Infrastructure Act reinstates the availability of advance refunding bonds, effectively undoing a change made by the 2017 tax law. This action immediately restores the previous rules regarding these bonds. By bringing back advance refunding, the bill aims to provide greater financial flexibility for infrastructure projects.

The New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2025 updates federal law to allow meat and poultry inspected under approved state programs to be sold across state lines. This legislation grants the Secretary authority to permit interstate commerce for these state-inspected products. Furthermore, it prevents individual states or localities from blocking the entry or sale of products already deemed compliant for interstate commerce.

The LIABLE Act creates a new exception to the general immunity shielding international organizations from lawsuits in U.S. courts when terrorism is involved. This allows individuals to sue an international organization if an employee caused death or injury through specific terrorist acts while working for the organization. Lawsuits are permitted only if the organization materially supported a designated foreign terrorist organization and the claimant or victim had a connection to the U.S. or if the organization has a significant U.S. presence. Claims must be filed within 20 years of the injury or death.

The Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act revises federal physician self-referral rules to create specific exemptions for certain physician-owned hospitals located in rural areas. This legislation allows these designated "covered rural hospitals" to be exempt from general referral prohibitions. Furthermore, the bill eliminates the existing ban that prevented these physician-owned hospitals from expanding their operations.

The SNOOP Act of 2025 aims to adjust the reporting requirements for third-party payment processors regarding transactions sent to the IRS. This bill reinstates the higher reporting threshold of over $20,000 in payments across more than 200 transactions for issuing 1099-K forms. Furthermore, it clarifies that backup withholding on network payments only applies if both the transaction count and dollar amount thresholds are met for the year.

The Bolstering Research And Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act aims to significantly advance the fight against devastating brain tumors, which currently have low survival rates. This legislation focuses on boosting research by establishing new networks for glioblastoma treatment and supporting cellular immunotherapy studies. Furthermore, the Act mandates a national awareness campaign about clinical trials and biomarker testing, while also funding pilot programs to improve long-term care for survivors. Finally, it directs the FDA to issue guidance ensuring brain tumor patients have fair access to relevant clinical trials.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

This bill mandates the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue the final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife within 60 days of enactment. The purpose is to finalize the gray wolf's delisting based on the previously published rule. Furthermore, this reissuance cannot be challenged or reviewed in federal court.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility. The bill also enhances program integrity by dedicating new funding to oversight and establishing educational outreach for providers with unusual billing patterns. Finally, it mandates new resources, training, and public data reporting to ensure the quality and accessibility of virtual care for all beneficiaries.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 generally restricts federal courts from issuing orders that affect non-parties to a lawsuit or granting emergency relief in certain state/federal disputes under diversity jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies language regarding who can seek declaratory judgments and limits the scope of judicial review over agency actions. Overall, this legislation aims to narrow the scope of judicial authority in issuing certain types of relief and clarifying participation in specific legal challenges.

The SHORT Act aims to revise federal firearms tax definitions and eliminate disparate federal treatment of short-barreled rifles and shotguns used for lawful purposes. It also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons if they are involved in interstate commerce. Finally, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal records related to the registration and transfer of these firearms.

This resolution officially recognizes the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 113th birthday, celebrating its enduring legacy of empowering girls. It honors founder Juliette Gordon Low and highlights the organization's role in preparing girls for leadership through experiences in STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. The resolution also commemorates the upcoming release of the Juliette Gordon Low commemorative quarter.

This resolution celebrates the 204th anniversary of Greek independence and reaffirms the deep, shared commitment to democracy between the United States and Greece. It recognizes the historical ties, ongoing strategic partnership in security and energy, and the contributions of the Greek-American community. The bill ultimately honors Greece as a vital NATO ally and friend.

The No Dollars for Dictators Act of 2025 prohibits the U.S. from supporting the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through the IMF to any member country that has committed genocide in the last decade or is currently designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. This restriction remains in place unless Congress explicitly authorizes the vote through new legislation. The bill ensures that U.S. financial influence is not used to benefit regimes engaged in genocide or terrorism.

The PARC Act, or Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act, mandates that all units of the National Park System that charge an entrance fee must accept cash payments. This ensures visitors have an option beyond electronic or credit card payments to access national parks.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.