Legislative Activity

This resolution outlines acceptable terms for a nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, including the disclosure and elimination of all nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons programs. It insists on Iran adopting the IAEA's additional protocols for nuclear safeguards verification, forgoing domestic uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, and granting unconditional access for international inspectors. The resolution also addresses Iran's past non-compliance and the need to consider its regional behavior during negotiations.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

This resolution designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to highlight the critical role of personal financial education and the repercussions of financial illiteracy. It acknowledges the significant number of unbanked and underbanked households, the struggles faced by people with disabilities, and the growing household debt in the U.S. The resolution encourages the government, schools, organizations, and individuals to promote financial literacy through various programs and activities during this month. It also emphasizes the positive impact of financial education on credit scores, retirement planning, and overall financial well-being.

The Stand with Israel Act amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to prohibit U.S. funds from going to the United Nations or any of its entities that discriminate against Israel. Discrimination includes actions such as expelling or suspending Israel's membership or restricting its participation in a way that is not on par with other member states. The Act ensures that no funds from the Department of State or any other federal agency can be used for contributions that violate this prohibition.

The "Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025" amends federal law to include fentanyl distribution resulting in death as felony murder. Individuals who distribute a fentanyl mixture of 2 grams or more, or a fentanyl analogue mixture of 0.5 grams or more, and death results, can be charged with first-degree murder. The individual must have had knowledge or reason to know that the substance contained fentanyl or its analogues. Conviction can result in a sentence of life imprisonment.

The "Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2025" ensures that health insurance plans cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing, such as deductibles or copayments. This applies to group and individual health plans, effective for plan years starting on or after January 1, 2026. The Act allows health plans to require prior authorization and utilization controls and does not override state laws that offer greater protections for breast examination coverage. It also includes a safe harbor provision ensuring high deductible health plans aren't disqualified if they don't impose a deductible for these examinations.

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends the Animal Health Protection Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate agreements with foreign governments regarding regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization in response to animal disease outbreaks that significantly threaten United States exports. These negotiations should consider global research advances. The Act clarifies that it does not limit the United States Trade Representative's ability to negotiate trade agreements.

The "LOCAL Infrastructure Act" reinstates advance refunding bonds, reversing changes made by Public Law 115-97. This allows state and local governments to refinance municipal bonds at lower interest rates, reducing borrowing costs. The change is effective immediately upon the Act's enactment.

The American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025 introduces a tax credit for state and local governments that issue "American infrastructure bonds" to fund infrastructure projects. The federal government will pay the bond issuer 28% of the interest payable on each interest payment date. This aims to lower the cost of borrowing for infrastructure projects, but the interest on these bonds is taxable at the federal level. This act applies to bonds issued after the enactment date of this law.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to limit consumer reporting agencies from providing consumer reports to other entities for credit transactions involving residential mortgage loans. Exceptions are made for firm offers of credit or insurance, authorized access, or if the entity currently originates or services the consumer's mortgage, or is an insured depository institution or credit union holding a current account for the consumer. The act will take effect 180 days after enactment.

The "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" aims to reduce organized retail theft by amending Title 18 of the United States Code to include theft from interstate shipments, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and sale or receipt of stolen goods. It also establishes an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to align federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal efforts to combat organized retail crime and organized supply chain crime. The center will coordinate law enforcement, share information, assist in investigations, track crime trends, and support training and technical assistance. This act seeks to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat organized retail crime and enhance the coordination between different levels of government and the private sector.

The "Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act" excludes certain disability benefits received by veterans from being considered as income when determining eligibility for the supported housing program and other housing assistance programs. This exclusion applies specifically to disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code. Additionally, the Act ensures that these disability benefits are excluded from income calculations when determining a veteran's eligibility to rent housing on Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) property built after the enactment of this law.

The "Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025" amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow landlords, utility, and telecommunication companies to report consumers' payment history to credit reporting agencies, potentially boosting credit scores. It defines which entities are covered and limits the type of utility information that can be reported. The bill also protects consumers on payment plans with energy utility firms from being reported as late and requires a report to Congress on the law's impact.

This joint resolution nullifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding overdraft lending practices specifically for very large financial institutions. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the rule from taking effect.

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 Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 mandates the reissuance of the depredation order for double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities, expanding its scope to include additional states and lake/pond managers. This order allows for the regulated taking of cormorants to protect aquaculture resources. The Fish and Wildlife Service must reissue the order within one year of the Act's enactment, ensuring it mirrors the original but with the specified expansions.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "Youth Mental Health Research Act" directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative. This initiative will encourage collaborative research to improve youth mental health outcomes. The initiative will be led by the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and will promote social, behavioral, cognitive, and developmental research. The act authorizes $100 million in appropriations each fiscal year from 2025 through 2030 to fund the initiative.

The "Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act" or the "ABC Act" requires a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to simplify processes and improve communication for family caregivers. This includes reducing red tape, improving website accessibility, and providing timely and accessible information. The act mandates regular reports to Congress on the progress and impact of these improvements. Additionally, the act encourages states to conduct similar reviews to reduce administrative burdens on caregivers at the state level.

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.