Legislative Activity

This resolution designates February 15–22, 2025, as "National FFA Week" to celebrate the National FFA Organization’s vital role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. It commemorates the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the FFA’s Federal charter. The bill encourages nationwide participation in honoring the organization's long-standing commitment to leadership, personal growth, and career success.

The "Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025" restricts U.S. funding to the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until China is no longer considered a developing country under the Montreal Protocol and is included in Annex I of the UN Framework Convention. This bill aims to address what the Act describes as unfair advantages China receives in international environmental agreements.

The LEOSA Reform Act amends the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to allow qualified law enforcement officers and retired officers to carry concealed firearms in school zones. It also modifies the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, clarifying its relationship with other federal laws, updating firearms proficiency requirements for retired officers, and including magazines in the definition of ammunition. Additionally, the Act permits qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms in certain federal facilities.

The "Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude broadband grants from gross income. This exclusion applies to grants from programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and other federal and state broadband initiatives. It prevents grantees from receiving a double benefit by disallowing deductions or credits for expenditures covered by these grants and requires a reduction in the property's adjusted basis by the grant amount. This change is effective for taxable years ending after March 11, 2021.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces who fought in this pivotal World War II engagement. It recognizes the strategic importance of the battle, the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi, and the enduring legacy of those who served. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the strong bond of friendship and reconciliation between the United States and Japan today.

The "Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act" amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to include rural-area small businesses in the list of entities the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation should focus on. This ensures that the Advocate identifies problems and provides assistance to these businesses, as well as conducts outreach activities to support them.

This resolution urges the United States and its European allies (the E3) to trigger the "snapback" mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 to reimpose international sanctions on Iran. It cites Iran’s repeated nuclear and missile program violations as a critical threat to global security. The resolution calls for this action to be taken before the legal authority for the snapback mechanism expires on October 18, 2025.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

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.

This resolution formally expresses the Senate’s gratitude to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, law enforcement, and all personnel involved in the January 20, 2025, Presidential Inauguration. It commends these groups for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication in ensuring a safe and successful event despite unexpected logistical challenges.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

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 "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Eliminate Lavish Incentives To Electric Vehicles Act" repeals several clean energy tax credits, including those for new and used clean vehicles, qualified commercial clean vehicles, and excludes electric vehicle recharging property from the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. These changes would take effect for vehicles or property purchased (or under binding contract) more than 30 days after the Act's enactment.

This resolution urges all NATO member countries to meet the established commitment of spending at least 2% of their GDP on national defense. It proposes that nations failing to meet this threshold should be ineligible to hold key NATO leadership positions or host significant high-level summits. The measure aims to ensure equitable defense investment and military readiness across the alliance.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

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.

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2025 aims to support rural hospitals by allowing states to waive certain distance requirements for critical access hospital designation, enabling more rural hospitals to qualify for this status based on community need and service expansion. It also directs a study on Medicare payment systems for rural hospitals to ensure financial sustainability and access to care, and requires a transition plan for Critical Access Hospitals to transition to new payment models within 10 years. This act is designed to prevent hospital closures in underserved rural areas by providing financial relief and updated payment structures.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently set the number of U.S. Supreme Court justices at nine. If ratified by three-fourths of the states within seven years, this amendment would constitutionally mandate the current size of the Court.

This resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the vital role of CTE in preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers. It highlights the importance of workforce training in meeting modern economic needs and encourages educators, parents, and administrators to promote CTE as a valuable and respected educational pathway.