Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes and updates the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, ensuring it incorporates modern technology like Global Navigation Satellite Systems and advanced sensor arrays. It strengthens coordination by establishing a new implementation committee and clarifying public communication roles with state partners. Furthermore, the legislation increases the authorized funding level to $\$75$ million and extends the authorization through fiscal year 2033.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to combat bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states that accept federal funding to establish clear anti-bullying policies, define prohibited conduct based on protected characteristics, and implement systems for reporting and tracking incidents. This legislation mandates that local districts inform all stakeholders about prohibited conduct and establish formal complaint processes. Furthermore, the bill requires regular state and federal evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these measures in reducing harmful behavior while respecting existing non-discrimination laws and free speech rights.

The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires manufacturers to clearly disclose if an internet-connected device has a built-in camera or microphone before it is purchased. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these rules as unfair or deceptive practices. This law specifically excludes common devices like phones and laptops from these new disclosure requirements.

The Women's Retirement Protection Act aims to address the significant retirement savings gap disproportionately affecting women by strengthening spousal protections in defined contribution plans. The bill mandates new consent requirements for distributions and beneficiary changes to safeguard a spouse's interest in retirement assets. Furthermore, it establishes grant programs to boost financial literacy for women and specifically assist low-income women and survivors of domestic violence in securing their rightful retirement benefits via court orders.

The Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act allows medical and dental interns and residents to defer payments on their student loans during their training programs. This deferment specifically prevents principal payments and stops interest from accruing on the loan balance while the borrower is in residency or an internship. This ensures that medical professionals can focus on their training without accruing additional debt.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states and tribes implement laws allowing for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill mandates specific due process protections for individuals subject to these orders and ensures that any issued ERPO is recognized and enforced across all states and tribes. Furthermore, it updates federal law to prohibit firearm possession by anyone subject to a qualifying court order and requires that these orders be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

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.

**Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025:** This act authorizes funding for the Coast Guard, updates military strength and training, and enhances operations, acquisitions, and personnel management. It also modernizes maritime regulations, improves vessel safety, and addresses emerging technologies like autonomous systems. Additionally, the act focuses on oil spill response, overhauls the Coast Guard's approach to sexual assault and harassment, and directs studies for improvements.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

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, acknowledging the historical injustices and significant contributions of African Americans to the United States. It recognizes Black History Month as a time for reflection, commemoration, and learning from the past. The resolution encourages the celebration of Black History Month and emphasizes the importance of moving forward as a united nation with liberty and justice for all.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

This resolution designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week," to recognize the importance of public education. It expresses Congress's support for strengthening public schools through various measures, including empowering educators, supporting student well-being, and promoting equal opportunities. The resolution emphasizes the vital roles of educators, parents, and community stakeholders in ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. It also acknowledges the importance of federal funding in supporting public schools.

The Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025 amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to ensure that Native American patients are not liable for payment for authorized purchased/referred care, regardless of any prior agreements. It mandates the Secretary to notify providers and patients about non-liability, establish reimbursement procedures for patients who paid out-of-pocket, and update relevant manuals and contracts to reflect these changes. The Act also updates terminology within the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, replacing "contract health service(s)" with "purchased/referred care" to modernize and clarify the language used. These amendments apply retroactively, covering care authorized both before and after the Act's enactment.

The Presidential Audit and Tax Transparency Act mandates the IRS to audit and publicly disclose the income tax returns of the President, their spouse, and any entities they control, including corporations, partnerships, estates, and trusts. It also requires Presidents and major-party Presidential nominees to disclose their tax returns for the three most recent taxable years, making them publicly available through the Office of Government Ethics or the Federal Election Commission. This ensures transparency and accountability regarding the financial affairs of the nation's highest officeholders and candidates.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

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 Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2025 aims to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by prohibiting unfair pricing practices, requiring transparency in pricing and reporting, and protecting whistleblowers who report violations. It mandates PBMs to disclose drug costs, fees, and payments received from drug manufacturers, and it empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the Act. The Act also requires reports and studies on PBM practices to promote competition and lower drug costs. This law does not override existing state laws.

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.