Track Richard's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This Senate resolution urges the Department of Agriculture to immediately use its contingency funds to finance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through November.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This Senate resolution urges the Department of Agriculture to immediately use its contingency funds and interchange authority to ensure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is fully financed. The Senate asserts the administration has a legal obligation to use these existing resources to support millions of vulnerable Americans through November. This measure expresses a position and does not enact new law.
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, 2025, to promote drug prevention education and drug-free communities in the face of the ongoing overdose crisis.
John Cornyn
Senator
TX
John Cornyn
Senator
TX
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week, observed annually from October 23rd through 31st, to promote drug prevention education. It recognizes the ongoing national drug crisis, particularly the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The bill encourages all Americans to wear red ribbons and participate in activities that promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
This bill provides continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of Armed Forces members and certain intelligence community civilian employees for Fiscal Year 2026 if regular appropriations are not enacted.
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
The Armed Forces Pay Act of 2025 ensures continued funding for the pay and allowances of members of the Armed Forces and certain civilian intelligence employees through fiscal year 2026, should full appropriations bills not be enacted. This temporary measure provides necessary financial continuity until regular appropriations legislation is passed or until September 30, 2026. The Act also authorizes intelligence-related funds for FY 2026 until the relevant Intelligence Authorization Act is signed into law.
This bill suspends federal student loan payments, stops interest accrual, and counts payments toward forgiveness for federal employees affected by a government shutdown lasting at least 14 days.
Angela Alsobrooks
Senator
MD
Angela Alsobrooks
Senator
MD
The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act provides relief for federal employees and certain contractors affected by government shutdowns lasting 14 days or more, starting in fiscal year 2026. During these lapses in appropriations, federal student loan payments must be suspended, and no interest will accrue on those loans. Furthermore, suspended payment periods will count toward loan forgiveness requirements and be reported positively to credit agencies.
This bill ensures uninterrupted funding for SNAP and WIC benefits through fiscal year 2026, covering any missed payments during a funding lapse.
Ben Luján
Senator
NM
Ben Luján
Senator
NM
The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 ensures that essential nutrition programs, including SNAP and WIC, continue to provide benefits without interruption if full appropriations for the Department of Agriculture are not enacted for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation immediately makes funds available to cover benefits and state operating costs during any funding lapse, retroactive to September 30, 2025. These special appropriations terminate once the standard FY 2026 funding bill is passed or by September 30, 2026.
This Act ensures back pay for federal employees, contractors, and service members affected by a government shutdown beginning October 1, 2025, and prohibits agency staffing reductions during such lapses.
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees, contractors, and service members affected by a government funding lapse starting October 1, 2025, receive retroactive back pay for the period they worked without funding. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from initiating permanent staffing reductions or furloughs during such a lapse. These provisions are designed to provide financial security and stability to essential government personnel during periods of lapsed appropriations.
This resolution condemns President Trump's pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao for violating anti-money laundering laws and calls on Congress to prevent such corruption.
Elizabeth Warren
Senator
MA
Elizabeth Warren
Senator
MA
This resolution formally condemns President Trump's pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who previously pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. The measure expresses strong disapproval of the pardon, citing potential conflicts of interest related to the Trump family's financial dealings with Binance. Finally, it calls upon Congress to utilize its authority to prevent similar acts of corruption in the pardon process moving forward.
This bill appropriates funds to ensure military and federal employees and contractors receive full compensation for work performed or time furloughed during a lapse in government appropriations between October 1, 2025, and the date of enactment.
Gary Peters
Senator
MI
Gary Peters
Senator
MI
The Military and Federal Employee Protection Act ensures that federal employees, military members, and covered contractors receive their full standard compensation for work performed or time furloughed during a lapse in government appropriations occurring after September 30, 2025. This bill appropriates necessary funds for agencies to make these retroactive payments. Payments must be made promptly, generally within seven days of enactment for furloughed individuals. This legislation guarantees that no covered individual loses pay due to a government shutdown during the specified period.
This Act implements the transfer, investment, and quarterly obligation of frozen Russian sovereign assets into a Ukraine Support Fund to provide timely financial assistance to Ukraine.
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
The REPO for Ukrainians Implementation Act of 2025 builds upon existing law to facilitate the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine's benefit. It formally recognizes the Porto Declaration urging the repurposing of these assets and grants the President authority to transfer non-confiscated Russian assets into an interest-bearing Ukraine Support Fund. Furthermore, the bill mandates the investment of these funds and requires the quarterly obligation of at least $250 million to provide assistance to Ukraine. Finally, it requires the executive branch to report on the location of Russian sovereign assets globally and engage diplomatically with key allies to encourage asset repurposing.
This Act mandates the designation of the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism if the Secretary of State cannot certify the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainian children abducted since the 2022 invasion.
Lindsey Graham
Senator
SC
Lindsey Graham
Senator
SC
This Act mandates the Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism if they fail to certify the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainian children abducted since the 2022 invasion. The designation becomes immediate if the required certifications are not met within 60 days of the Act's enactment. The designation can only be rescinded after Russia meets strict conditions, including reuniting all forcibly transferred children.
This Act mandates annual reporting on the links between Haitian criminal gangs and political/economic elites, leading to targeted U.S. sanctions against those identified.
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of State to report annually on the links between Haitian criminal gangs, political elites, and economic elites. Based on these findings, the President must impose targeted sanctions, including property blocking and visa restrictions, against those identified as colluding with criminal organizations. This legislation aims to counter threats to U.S. national interests stemming from corruption and criminal activity in Haiti. The Act will automatically expire five years after enactment.
This joint resolution directs the President to immediately remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
This joint resolution directs the President to immediately remove United States Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Venezuela that lack explicit authorization from Congress. It asserts that only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war or approve such military actions. The bill ensures that U.S. forces can only remain if acting in self-defense against an armed attack.
This resolution designates the week beginning October 12, 2025, as National Wildlife Refuge Week to recognize the critical conservation, economic, and recreational value of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
This resolution officially designates the week beginning October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week." It recognizes the critical role of the National Wildlife Refuge System in conserving over 850 million acres of vital habitat for threatened and endangered species. The resolution also highlights the refuges' significant contributions to local economies, public recreation, and community access to nature. Ultimately, it reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the conservation mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This resolution officially recognizes the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, celebrating its history, vital role in national security and global affairs, and expressing profound gratitude to all who have served.
Roger Wicker
Senator
MS
Roger Wicker
Senator
MS
This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, honoring its long history since the Continental Navy. It expresses deep appreciation for the courage and service of all Navy personnel, past and present, who have defended the nation. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian aid, and technological advancement.
The Voter Purge Protection Act establishes strict federal standards for removing registered voters, prohibits purging based solely on moving within a state, and allows voters to update their address on Election Day.
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
The Voter Purge Protection Act aims to safeguard voter registration by preventing states from removing individuals from voter rolls solely because they moved within the state. This legislation establishes strict standards for voter list maintenance, requiring objective proof before removal and allowing registered voters to update their address up to Election Day. Furthermore, it ensures that voters who move within a state can easily cast their ballot by updating their address at the polls.
This bill mandates policies ensuring healthcare providers retain final judgment over AI clinical support systems while establishing strong federal and state enforcement mechanisms and worker protections against retaliation for overriding AI recommendations.
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
The Right to Override Act establishes mandatory policies requiring healthcare providers to ensure Artificial Intelligence Clinical Decision Support Systems (AICDSS) support, rather than replace, professional medical judgment. It provides robust whistleblower protections and prohibits retaliation against staff who correctly override AI recommendations or report concerns. The bill assigns enforcement authority to HHS and the Department of Labor, imposing significant civil penalties for non-compliance.
This resolution designates October 1, 2025, as "Energy Efficiency Day" to celebrate the significant economic and environmental benefits driven by energy efficiency achievements.
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
This resolution officially designates October 1, 2025, as "Energy Efficiency Day" to celebrate the significant economic and environmental benefits driven by energy efficiency efforts. It recognizes decades of bipartisan support, major legislative achievements, and the resulting savings for consumers and taxpayers. The resolution encourages all Americans to observe the day with appropriate activities recognizing the importance of energy efficiency.
This resolution recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, honoring its history, vital role in connecting the nation, and the service of its employees.
Gary Peters
Senator
MI
Gary Peters
Senator
MI
This resolution formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, acknowledging its vital role in American history and infrastructure since 1775. Congress celebrates the USPS for connecting communities and commerce across the nation for two and a half centuries. The resolution honors current and past postal employees and encourages the public to celebrate this historic milestone.
This resolution expresses Congress's strong opposition to the growing trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
Brian Schatz
Senator
HI
Brian Schatz
Senator
HI
This resolution expresses deep concern over the rising trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression across the United States. It strongly opposes censorship in schools and libraries, citing constitutional rights and the harm done to democratic discourse. The measure urges local entities to protect students' access to diverse viewpoints and calls for the reversal of restrictive orders impacting educational materials.
This Act restricts healthcare entities from entering into risky property deals with Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) subject to HHS review and modifies tax rules for REITs receiving rent from qualified healthcare properties.
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
The Stop Medical Profiteering and Theft Act (Stop MPT Act) aims to protect healthcare stability and patient care by regulating property transactions between healthcare entities and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). This bill requires the Secretary of HHS to review and approve such deals to prevent long-term financial harm or public health risks, imposing penalties for violations. Additionally, it modifies tax code provisions to favorably treat rental income REITs receive from qualified healthcare properties.