Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses strong Congressional support for designating September 2025 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It highlights the critical need for increased public awareness regarding early detection, screening options, and ongoing research efforts. The bill encourages all Americans to participate in activities promoting education and support for those affected by this common cancer.

This resolution officially recognizes and supports the goals of National Forensic Science Week, scheduled for September 14–20, 2025. It highlights the vital role forensic science plays in ensuring justice by providing objective scientific conclusions in legal cases. The bill encourages forensic providers, policymakers, and the public to acknowledge the contributions of forensic professionals and understand the needs of these critical scientific services.

The Judicial Reorganization Act of 2025 splits the existing Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals into two separate circuits: the new Ninth Circuit and the new Twelfth Circuit. This legislation increases the total number of federal circuits to fourteen and authorizes the appointment of two new judgeships for the remaining Ninth Circuit. The Act also establishes procedures for assigning existing judges and handling all pending and future court cases following the reorganization.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding for counties with significant federal land through 2026, ensuring continued financial support for local services. This legislation also extends the authorization for related resource advisory committee pilot programs and project funding authority. The bill includes technical corrections to clarify existing language within the Secure Rural Schools Act.

The Taskforce for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams Act (TRAPS Act) establishes a new Task Force, chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury, to combat electronic payment scams. This group will bring together federal agencies, financial experts, and consumer advocates to examine current scam trends and develop comprehensive prevention strategies. The Task Force is required to produce an initial report within one year detailing its findings, an educational strategy, and recommendations for new laws or rules. It will continue to issue annual updates before automatically dissolving three years after its first report.

This resolution officially congratulates the College of Idaho Yotes men's basketball team for winning the 2025 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship. It celebrates their dominant 35-2 season and recognizes the exceptional performance of the players and the support of the entire college community. The Senate directs that official copies of this congratulatory message be sent to key members of the championship team and administration.

The Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act ensures that service-connected disability compensation from the VA is excluded when determining a veteran's income eligibility for housing assistance programs. This change aims to prevent veterans from being disqualified from aid due to their disability payments. Additionally, the bill mandates a report from the Comptroller General to review how all HUD programs currently count this compensation and recommend necessary legislative changes.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act makes student loan repayment or forgiveness amounts received by veterinarians participating in state-based programs tax-free. This exclusion applies to funds received through programs designed to increase veterinary services in underserved areas. This tax benefit will take effect for amounts received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 significantly expands the pool of qualified experts available to assist farmers with conservation work under the Food Security Act. This is achieved by creating new pathways for non-Federal entities and State agencies to certify third-party technical assistance providers. The bill also mandates streamlined processes, fair payment rates for external consultants, and increased transparency regarding the use of these private sector resources.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 repeals the EPA's recent multi-pollutant emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Furthermore, this Act prohibits the EPA from issuing future tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must update existing rules within 24 months to comply with these new restrictions.

The Space National Guard Establishment Act of 2025 immediately creates the Space National Guard as the reserve component of the U.S. Space Force, initially drawing personnel from existing National Guard space units across seven states. This Act mandates that the new Guard utilize existing infrastructure and requires regular reporting to Congress on its implementation and operations. The legislation also makes conforming amendments across federal law to formally define and integrate the Space National Guard into the military structure.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 establishes new minimum fleet sizes for the Air Force's fighter aircraft inventory and delays the enforcement date for these higher requirements until 2030. The bill mandates strict quarterly reporting on new aircraft procurement and distribution, while prioritizing the assignment of new, advanced fighters to existing operational squadrons. Furthermore, it places a freeze on reducing the number of Air National Guard fighter squadrons through 2030 and requires an annual plan to ensure the Guard's fleet recapitalizes at the same pace as the active force.

This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Finance to spend money from the Senate's contingent fund, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government entities to fulfill its duties. It sets specific limits on committee expenses, allocating \$7,638,723 from March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, \$13,094,954 from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026 and \$5,456,231 from October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, for these activities. The resolution also outlines the procedure for covering committee expenses and lists exceptions for when vouchers (receipts) are not needed.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to remove silencers from special regulation under federal tax law, treating them similarly to standard firearms components. This bill preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners and establishes new serial number marking requirements for manufacturers.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These tests, which use genomic sequencing to detect multiple cancer types, will be covered for eligible beneficiaries with age and frequency limitations. The payment amount for these tests will initially align with that of multi-target stool screening DNA tests. This new coverage aims to improve early cancer detection without affecting existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The MAILS Act aims to improve communication and transparency regarding Postal Service operations. It mandates a formal process for local officials to request new post offices and requires the Postal Service to provide timely notifications and updates to local officials and the public regarding temporary post office relocations. Additionally, the Postal Service must report to Congress on any temporary relocation lasting longer than 180 days, ensuring accountability and adherence to communication requirements.

This bill authorizes the President to appoint an additional district judge for the district of Idaho, with the advice and consent of the Senate. It also updates the U.S. Code to reflect this change in the number of judges for the district.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 154 First Avenue East in Jerome, Idaho, as the "Representative Maxine Bell Post Office." Any reference to this facility will now refer to it as the Representative Maxine Bell Post Office.