Legislative Activity

The Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act recommends a nationwide moratorium on electric and natural gas utility disconnections when the federal government experiences a funding lapse affecting the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill specifically prohibits electric utilities from terminating service during these funding gaps. It also outlines procedures for how utilities can recover costs incurred from maintaining service during the shutdown period.

The Anti-Cash Grab Act repeals a specific provision (Section 213 of division C of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026). This repeal effectively restores a previous law, Section 10 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005. The legislation is designed to take effect retroactively as if the repealed section had never been enacted.

This resolution officially recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month. It celebrates the rich cultures, histories, and significant contributions of Native Americans to the United States across various fields. The resolution also reaffirms the government's commitment to tribal self-governance and the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes.

The Stop Ballroom Bribery Act establishes strict rules and prohibitions on accepting donations for projects connected to the President or Vice President, including property near the White House. It bars donations from individuals or entities currently involved in litigation, seeking federal contracts, or lobbying the executive branch. The bill mandates public disclosure of donor meetings and imposes significant civil and criminal penalties for violations, including straw donations and coercion.

The "No Torts for Trump Act" amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to prohibit lawsuits against the federal government brought by the sitting President or any individual who subsequently becomes President. This new exception bars such claims from being heard in federal court, regardless of when the underlying incident occurred.

This resolution temporarily authorizes the collection of nonmonetary donations, such as clothing, toys, food, and housewares, within Senate buildings during the holiday season for charitable purposes. These collections must benefit those in need or members of the Armed Forces and their families. The authority granted by this resolution will expire after the first session of the 119th Congress concludes.

The No Troops in Our Streets Act of 2025 grants Congress expedited authority to terminate exceptions that allow the military to be used for domestic law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act. It establishes specific, fast-tracked procedures for Congress to pass a "joint resolution of disapproval" to end such deployments. Additionally, the Act appropriates significant funding for various State and local law enforcement assistance programs for Fiscal Year 2026.

The Fisher House Availability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for temporary lodging at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Fisher Houses and similar facilities. This expansion specifically includes family members and support persons accompanying veterans or eligible individuals who must travel significant distances for care. The bill also clarifies definitions for "Eligible Individual" and "Fisher House."

This bill, the Restoring Access for Detainees Act, mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provide detained individuals with free, limited telephone and electronic communication services. It aims to ensure detainees can consult with legal counsel and maintain essential family ties at no cost. The legislation specifies minimum free calling minutes, required access for legal consultation, and prohibits monitoring of confidential communications with attorneys.

The Keep Head Start Funded Act of 2025 ensures the uninterrupted continuation of all Head Start projects and activities throughout fiscal year 2026, even if full appropriations are delayed. This legislation provides necessary continuing funding based on the terms of existing 2025 continuing resolutions. Funding authority under this Act will terminate upon the enactment of regular 2026 appropriations or by September 30, 2026.

The Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System (IVETS) Act mandates that the Department of Homeland Security identify and record the military service of any alien applying for an immigration benefit or facing enforcement proceedings. This ensures that records clearly reflect military service, though this information cannot be used by the government for removal purposes. The goal is to better track the immigration outcomes for veterans and service members.

The Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2025 establishes a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for noncitizen veterans and service members removed or facing removal from the U.S. It protects eligible veterans and service members from deportation unless convicted of a crime of violence. Furthermore, the Act ensures that eligible veterans who adjust their status gain full access to military and veterans benefits.

The Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act grants the Secretary of Homeland Security the discretionary authority to parole certain veterans currently outside the U.S. into the country. This parole is specifically for the purpose of allowing them to receive necessary healthcare from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility is restricted for those inadmissible due to serious violent or national security-related criminal convictions.

The Securing Assurance for Federal Employees Act (SAFE Act) prohibits Executive agencies from initiating or carrying out any reduction in force (RIF) during a government shutdown caused by a lapse in funding. Any RIF action taken during such a period will be considered legally void. This provision is designed to protect federal employees from job loss during funding crises.

This resolution officially designates the week of November 3 through November 7, 2025, as National Veterans Small Business Week. It recognizes the significant contributions of the over 1.65 million veteran-owned small businesses to the U.S. economy. The bill supports creating a business-friendly environment and expresses appreciation for veterans' continued service through entrepreneurship.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.