Legislative Activity

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to significantly speed up the process for newly unionized employees to secure their first collective bargaining agreement. It establishes mandatory timelines for negotiations, requiring mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration if a deal is not reached within a set period. This legislation is designed to prevent lengthy delays that often undermine the unionization process.

The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act of 2025 immediately repeals four specific Executive Orders issued on January 20, 2025, concerning energy policy and international agreements. This action prevents federal funds from being used to enforce those canceled directives. The bill also includes a savings provision to ensure it does not limit any existing authority of the President.

The End Tobacco Loopholes Act dramatically increases federal excise taxes across nearly all tobacco products to establish standardized, higher rates, including doubling the tax on cigarettes. This legislation introduces a new excise tax specifically targeting nicotine used in vaping products, treating it similarly to cigarette taxation. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual automatic tax adjustments based on the cost of living starting in 2026. Finally, it imposes a floor stocks tax on existing inventory when the new rates take effect.

The "Invest to Protect Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to support local law enforcement by providing resources for training, mental health services, recruitment, and retention. These grants prioritize de-escalation training, victim-centered approaches, and officer well-being. The program emphasizes accountability through audits, reporting requirements, and transparency in officer recruitment and retention incentives. It allocates \$50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to facilitate these improvements in law enforcement practices and community safety.

The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive practices in electronic and small-dollar lending. It requires small-dollar lenders to register with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, ensures state laws apply to online and national bank loans, and restricts the distribution of sensitive financial information. The Act also expands consumer control over bank accounts by limiting remotely created checks and overdraft fees on prepaid accounts. Finally, the Act mandates a study on the impact of small-dollar lending on economic opportunity for Native American tribes.

The Keep Americans Safe Act generally bans the sale, transfer, and possession of ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement, government use, and existing lawful possession. The bill mandates serial numbers and manufacturing dates on newly produced devices. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs targeting these large-capacity magazines.

The "Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes key programs dedicated to the Long Island Sound's health. It extends the Long Island Sound Grants program and the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006 through 2029, ensuring continued support for restoration and conservation efforts. The bill also corrects a technical error in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act related to the Long Island Sound.

This resolution designates February 27, 2025, as "Rare Disease Day" to raise awareness for the more than 30 million Americans living with rare conditions. It highlights the ongoing need for improved diagnostic support, increased research funding, and the development of life-saving treatments. By observing this day, the resolution reaffirms a national commitment to supporting patients and accelerating the search for cures.

The Pay Our Coast Guard Act ensures that Coast Guard members receive equitable pay and benefits compared to other Armed Forces. Crucially, it establishes automatic appropriations to continue paying active and essential civilian personnel during a funding lapse that specifically affects only the Coast Guard while the Department of Defense remains funded. This measure guarantees essential operational continuity and support for service members and their families during such shutdowns.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by honoring the profound contributions and resilience of African Americans throughout United States history. It acknowledges both the struggles of the past and the significant achievements of individuals who have shaped the nation’s progress. By recognizing this history, the resolution encourages all Americans to reflect on our shared past and continue working toward a future of unity and justice.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 expands access to mental health evaluations, refines the criteria for healthcare provider credentialing, and clarifies enrollment calculations for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. It also adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026-2090, ensuring adequate resources for the program by considering enrollment numbers and increasing funding by 7% annually, with a possible 25% increase in 2026. Finally, the Act mandates a report to Congress on the program's long-term budget needs and potential funding adjustments.

The "Kids Access to Primary Care Act of 2025" extends and expands a provision requiring Medicaid to pay primary care providers at least the same rate as Medicare, ensuring more healthcare professionals are adequately compensated for their services. It broadens the types of providers covered and mandates that managed care entities meet these payment standards. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study comparing the number of children enrolled in Medicaid before and after the change, the number of healthcare providers receiving Medicaid payments for primary care before and after the same change in the law, and healthcare provider payment rates for primary care services under Medicaid across states after the change.

This resolution formally condemns the United States delegation’s February 24, 2025, vote against a United Nations resolution supporting peace in Ukraine. It criticizes the delegation for failing to identify Russia as the aggressor and calls for a return to bipartisan policy that reaffirms support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act aims to increase financial support for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by transferring forfeited funds and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates the distribution of these funds to eligible claimants through additional, pro-rata payments, and requires regular reporting on the Fund's activities and balances. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to assist with the administration of the fund, and ensures remaining funds from prior payments are used for additional compensation.

This resolution designates February 24–28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week" to celebrate the essential role public education plays in our society. It calls on lawmakers to prioritize funding and support for educators, students, and school services to ensure every child has access to a high-quality, inclusive learning environment.

This resolution affirms the Senate's commitment to ensuring the National Institutes of Health (NIH) remains fully funded and operational without interruption. It recognizes the NIH workforce as essential to medical progress and emphasizes that protecting these operations is vital to national health, economic stability, and security.

The "Helping Heroes Act" establishes a Veteran Family Resource Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide personalized support to veterans and their families by connecting them with VA benefits and community resources. It mandates the appointment of family coordinators in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to assist veterans and their families in accessing needed resources. The Act also requires regular surveys of disabled veterans and their families to identify their needs and ensures that all programs and activities funded by the Act adhere to federal nondiscrimination laws.

The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to address environmental injustices by establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, which will be responsible for developing strategies, coordinating efforts, and administering grants to support environmental justice initiatives. It also establishes a grant program to assist state, local, and tribal governments in enforcing environmental laws in communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm. The act defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.