Legislative Activity

The Safeguarding Charity Act clarifies that an organization's federal income tax exemption will not automatically be considered "Federal financial assistance" under federal law. This change applies to tax-exempt organizations and retirement plans unless another specific law explicitly states otherwise. The Act ensures that tax benefits are not automatically counted as federal aid moving forward.

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 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 Abortion Funding Awareness Act of 2025 requires states to report detailed information annually regarding any federal Medicaid payments made to abortion providers. These state reports must specify payment amounts, the number of abortions performed by the provider, and the gestational age and method used for each procedure. The Secretary of HHS will then compile these state submissions into a summary report for Congress and the public.

This resolution supports the goals of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week by formally recognizing the critical, life-saving work performed by 911 dispatchers and other public safety telecommunications professionals. It highlights the immense emotional toll of their round-the-clock shifts, where their initial actions often set the entire emergency response in motion. The bill encourages all Americans to acknowledge the vital role these professionals play in public safety and emergency situations.

The Food Security and Farm Protection Act prohibits state and local governments from imposing new regulations on how agricultural products are grown in other states for interstate commerce. It establishes a federal right for affected parties to sue governments over such regulations that interfere with the flow of agricultural goods across state lines. Successful plaintiffs can seek to overturn the regulation and recover economic damages.

The Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act strengthens reporting requirements for colleges and universities regarding gifts and contracts received from foreign sources. It mandates stricter, more frequent disclosures, especially for institutions connected to "covered nations," where any amount must be reported. The Secretary of Education must then promptly share all received information with the FBI and the Director of National Intelligence.

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.

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 (VETS Opportunity Act of 2025) updates how independent study programs qualify for VA educational assistance. This legislation mandates that eligible programs must feature regular and meaningful communication between students and instructors after the course begins. This clarification applies to institutions already participating in federal student financial aid programs, with the changes taking effect for terms starting on or after August 1, 2025.

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 Act authorizes the minting and issuance of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins must be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations.

The Down East Remembrance Act officially designates six specific creeks in the region with new names, such as Noah Styron Creek and Hunter Parks Creek, based on their precise geographic coordinates. This legislation ensures that all federal laws, maps, and official records must use these newly assigned names for these waterways.

The College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025 establishes an independent Special Inspector General within the Department of Education to investigate complaints of unlawful racial discrimination in college admissions and financial aid. This office will enforce compliance with the Supreme Court's ruling against race-based preferences and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Institutions found to violate these standards face potential ineligibility for federal funding.

The FEMA Independence Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President. This act separates FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and outlines the transfer of all existing FEMA functions, staff, and assets to the newly independent agency. It also updates leadership titles and makes conforming amendments across various federal laws to reflect FEMA's new status.

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 Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act eliminates the federal transfer tax previously imposed on certain firearms. This legislation repeals Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code and updates related tax provisions accordingly. The Act explicitly clarifies that it does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any new oversight authority over firearms.

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 Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program allowing parents of eligible military dependents to receive funds for private educational expenses. These Military Education Savings Accounts can be used for tuition, tutoring, materials, and other approved educational services. The program is federally funded, tax-exempt, and designed to support educational choice without government control over private providers.

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 Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2025 updates the tax deduction available for volunteer driving. This bill requires the charitable mileage rate to be set at a minimum equal to the standard business mileage rate, ensuring volunteer drivers receive fair compensation for vehicle use. This change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.