Legislative Activity

The "Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act" aims to increase transparency in higher education by amending disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts. It mandates institutions to report gifts or contracts from foreign sources to the Secretary of Education, who then transmits these reports to the FBI and Director of National Intelligence. The threshold for reporting is set at $250,000 for sources not associated with a covered nation, while any amount from a covered nation must be reported. The Act also requires the Secretary to transmit all past and present records related to Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the FBI and Director of National Intelligence.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025, or VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, amends existing law regarding educational assistance programs for veterans. It mandates regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors in independent study programs at higher education institutions participating in federal student aid programs. This change applies to academic terms starting on or after August 1, 2025.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

The Down East Remembrance Act designates six creeks in North Carolina with specific names to honor Noah Styron, Hunter Parks, Kole McInnis, Stephanie Fulcher, Jacob Taylor, and Daily Shepherd. Official references to these creeks in any U.S. documents will now reflect these designated names.

The College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025 establishes a Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education within the Department of Education to investigate allegations of discrimination in college admissions, financial aid, and academic programs. The Special Inspector General will review policies, recommend corrective actions, and report findings to Congress, with the goal of ensuring compliance with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The act authorizes $25,000,000 to carry out these activities and stipulates that institutions found to have discriminated on the basis of race will be ineligible for federal funding. The office of the Special Inspector General will terminate 12 years after the enactment of this law.

The FEMA Independence Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency, led by a Director who reports directly to the President. This act transfers all FEMA functions from the Department of Homeland Security to the newly independent agency, aiming to enhance FEMA's ability to lead and support the nation's emergency management system. The act also outlines leadership roles, responsibilities, and the transfer of personnel and resources to ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, the act requires the director to submit a report to congress recommending legislation for technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this act.

The "RIFLE Act" repeals the existing tax on firearm transfers outlined in Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code, and makes corresponding technical corrections. This change removes the tax burden on the transfer of firearms. Additionally, the act clarifies that the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have authority over firearms regulated by the Internal Revenue Code.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 limits the scope of court-ordered relief, such as injunctions and declaratory judgements, to only the parties directly involved in a case. It modifies the rules for temporary restraining orders and clarifies the scope of judicial review. The act ensures that courts cannot grant relief to non-parties unless those parties are represented.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The "Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2025" increases the standard mileage rate that volunteer drivers can deduct for charitable contributions. The new rate will be determined by the Secretary but will not be less than the standard mileage rate used for business and medical expenses. This change aims to provide greater tax relief for individuals who use their personal vehicles for charitable purposes, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The College Employment Accountability Act aims to ensure that institutions of higher education do not employ unauthorized aliens. It mandates that these institutions participate in the E-Verify Program and makes them ineligible for federal student and institutional aid if they violate employment laws related to unauthorized aliens. The Department of Homeland Security will monitor institutions' compliance and notify the Department of Education of any violations.

The Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Streamline the Code of Federal Regulations Act of 2025 mandates an annual review of federal regulations using AI to identify and eliminate outdated or redundant rules. This review is overseen by the Office of Management and Budget, utilizing AI systems that meet specific standards for accuracy and security. Agencies are required to act on the AI's findings by rescinding or updating regulations, with all determinations published for transparency. This act also amends existing law to expedite the removal or modification of these identified regulations.

The "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act" prohibits Federal Reserve Banks from offering services directly to individuals, maintaining accounts for individuals, or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). It also prevents the Federal Reserve from testing, creating, or implementing a CBDC, or using it to implement monetary policy. The bill clarifies that it does not apply to digital currencies that preserve the privacy protections of physical currency.

The "Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act" restricts U.S. funds from being used in Gaza if they would benefit members of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any foreign terrorist organization. It also restricts funds from being used through any United Nations entity that promotes anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas. These restrictions will be in place unless the President certifies to Congress that these conditions are not met.

The "Protecting Americans Right To Silence Act" or "PARTS Act of 2025" amends title 18 of the United States Code to redefine firearm silencers and mufflers. The new definition includes any device designed to diminish the sound of a portable firearm and any single part that serves as the primary housing for sound-reduction components.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act" seeks to ensure open competition on federal and federally funded construction projects by preventing requirements or prohibitions related to agreements with labor organizations. It promotes federal government neutrality in labor relations, aims to reduce construction costs, and expands job opportunities, especially for small and disadvantaged businesses. The Act allows exemptions only in special circumstances, such as threats to public health or national security, but not based on labor disputes.

The "Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act" amends title 49 of the United States Code to broaden criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities. It expands the scope of prohibited actions to include vandalizing, tampering, disrupting the operation or construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of pipelines.

The "Freedom to Haul Act of 2025" prevents the EPA from enforcing the Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. It also amends the Clean Air Act to ensure that vehicle emission regulations do not mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must revise existing regulations to comply with these changes within two years.