Legislative Activity

The Fair Play for Women Act aims to address sex-based discrimination in athletics by improving data collection and transparency, ensuring understanding of Title IX rights, and guaranteeing equal access to quality athletic opportunities for all students. It prohibits discrimination based on sex in athletics by State and intercollegiate athletic associations, local educational agencies, and covered institutions of higher education. The Act also expands athletic disclosure requirements for colleges and universities, as well as elementary and secondary schools, and mandates annual Title IX training for specific individuals. Finally, it allows the Secretary of Education to identify and penalize institutions that did not comply with Section 7 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 in the previous year.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" aims to lower prescription drug costs by setting annual cost-sharing limits. Starting in 2026, individual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000, and family expenses at $4,000 under qualified health plans. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The act also ensures that group health plans adhere to cost-sharing limits set by the Affordable Care Act.

The "National Plan for Epilepsy Act" aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by epilepsy by establishing a comprehensive national plan. This plan will focus on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy through coordinated federal efforts and increased collaboration. An Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services will be created to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Congress on epilepsy-related issues and to provide recommendations for improving federal programs and supporting people with epilepsy. The Act requires regular assessments and reports to track progress and ensure accountability in addressing epilepsy.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

The "End Double Taxation of Successful Consumer Claims Act" allows taxpayers to deduct attorney fees and court costs related to claims of consumer protection violations. This deduction applies to a broad range of violations under federal, state, and local laws, including those related to real estate, lending, credit, debt collection, product safety, and more. This change applies to attorney fees and court costs paid in taxable years ending after the enactment date of this Act, for judgments or settlements occurring in those taxable years.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025, exempts individuals from immigrant visa limits if they are eligible for visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act and have a parent who naturalized under specific sections of past immigration laws related to Filipino veterans. This act aims to facilitate the reunification of families of Filipino veterans who served during World War II.

The "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, requiring supervisor consultation and discreet conduct. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of national security or public safety threats or medical emergencies. The Act mandates annual training, detailed reporting of enforcement actions, and evidence suppression for violations, enhancing oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.

The "Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act" establishes a Director of Foreign Assistance within the State Department to optimize the impact of foreign assistance by aligning resources with foreign policy goals, measuring effectiveness, and promoting transparency. This director will lead strategic planning, budget processes, and program evaluations, ensuring resources are obligated in a timely manner. The act also affirms USAID's status as an independent agency and emphasizes the importance of congressional oversight in foreign assistance management.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" aims to improve access to non-opioid pain management for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2026. It eliminates the standard deductible and places qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs on the lowest cost-sharing tier. The bill also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring quicker access to alternative pain relief options.

The "Carried Interest Fairness Act of 2025" changes the tax treatment of certain partnership interests, especially those related to investment management services. It reclassifies certain capital gains as ordinary income for partners providing these services, modifies the valuation and tax implications of partnership interests transferred for services, and introduces stricter rules to prevent tax avoidance. This act aims to ensure that income derived from investment management is taxed at ordinary income rates rather than more favorable capital gains rates. It also includes provisions addressing qualified dividend income, gains from qualified small business stock, and the treatment of income from special purpose acquisition companies.

The SECURE Firearm Storage Act aims to reduce gun theft from federally licensed firearms businesses by requiring them to secure firearms with hardened steel rods or locked safes/vaults when the premises are closed. It also mandates secure storage for paper records of firearm inventory and transactions and allows the Attorney General to set additional security requirements. Non-compliant licensees will face civil penalties, license suspension, or revocation.

This resolution supports the continuation of arms control agreements, particularly with Russia and China, to reduce nuclear threats and prevent nuclear war. It condemns nuclear threats, urges compliance with the New START Treaty, and encourages diplomatic talks for future arms control agreements. The resolution emphasizes the importance of U.S. leadership in reducing nuclear risks and promoting international stability through arms control.

The "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act" aims to discourage companies from shifting profits and operations overseas to avoid U.S. taxes. It achieves this by amending the tax code to calculate foreign income on a country-by-country basis, limiting interest deductions for domestic corporations in international financial reporting groups, modifying rules related to inverted corporations, and treating certain foreign corporations managed and controlled in the U.S. as domestic corporations for tax purposes. The bill also repeals the reduced tax rate on net CFC tested income and foreign-derived intangible income, increases the deemed paid credit for taxes related to tested income, and eliminates the carryback of foreign tax credits. These changes are intended to level the playing field and ensure that multinational corporations pay their fair share of taxes on income earned abroad.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

The American Beef Labeling Act of 2025 amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to mandate country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and ground beef. It requires the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to find a way to reinstate MCOOL for beef in compliance with World Trade Organization rules. The changes to beef labeling will take effect within one year of enactment.

The "Access to Counsel Act of 2025" ensures individuals at ports of entry and during deferred inspection can access legal counsel and assistance. It allows consultations with counsel and interested parties, enabling them to advocate for the individual by providing information to examining officers. The bill also protects lawful permanent residents by ensuring they have the opportunity to seek legal advice before signing Form I-407, unless they knowingly waive that right. This act aims to provide due process and protect the rights of individuals seeking entry into the United States.

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

This resolution designates January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month" to recognize the positive impact of mentoring on youth development. It highlights mentoring's role in improving academic achievement, fostering leadership skills, and supporting at-risk youth. The resolution encourages expanding mentoring opportunities to address the significant need for mentors among young people nationwide. It also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of mentoring program staff and volunteers.