Legislative Activity

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 urges all NATO member countries to meet their defense spending commitment of at least 2% of their GDP. It proposes that countries failing to meet this commitment should be barred from holding NATO leadership positions and hosting major NATO events. The resolution emphasizes the importance of meeting defense spending commitments for maintaining military readiness and ensuring fair contributions among NATO members.

The "National Right-to-Work Act" aims to protect individual employees' rights to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to eliminate mandatory union membership or fees as a condition of employment. This ensures that employees cannot be forced to join or contribute to a union against their will. The changes apply to agreements made or renewed after the Act's enactment.

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 United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "Future Logging Careers Act" amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, modifying child labor laws related to logging operations. It defines "logging operation" and "mechanized operation," and it exempts 16 and 17-year-olds working in logging jobs deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor if they are employed by their parent or guardian in a logging operation owned or operated by them.

The SHIELD Act of 2023 aims to protect individuals from the non-consensual distribution of intimate visual depictions. It establishes federal offenses for distributing such depictions, especially those obtained in violation of privacy or involving nude minors, with intent to cause harm. The act outlines penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment, while providing exceptions for law enforcement, legitimate reporting, and service providers who are not intentionally involved. It also extends federal jurisdiction to cases involving U.S. citizens or permanent residents, regardless of where the offense occurs.

The "Financing Our Energy Future Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "qualifying income" for publicly traded partnerships involved in green energy projects. This expansion includes income from various renewable energy activities, such as generating and storing power from renewable sources, processing biomass, utilizing carbon capture technologies, and producing renewable chemicals. These changes aim to incentivize investment in and development of green energy technologies by allowing more green energy companies to qualify for PTP status. The amendments will take effect for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

The AIM HIGH Act directs the Secretary of the Air Force to establish a Technical Training Center of Excellence. This center will foster collaboration among Air Force training sites, serve as a premier training location for maintainers across all military branches, and promote innovation in technical training. The center will also connect with industry and schools to share best practices and serve as a central hub for aviation technology and training advancements.

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.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" aims to improve access to non-opioid pain management for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2026. It eliminates the standard deductible and places qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs on the lowest cost-sharing tier. The bill also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring quicker access to alternative pain relief options.

This bill amends existing regulations to include Czechia in the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for admission into the United States as E-1 nonimmigrant traders, under the condition that the Czech government provides similar trade benefits to U.S. citizens. This change would allow Czech citizens to enter the U.S. for trade purposes if U.S. citizens are afforded the same opportunities in Czechia.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. State legislatures must ratify the amendment within seven years, with a three-fourths majority required for approval.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The STRATEGIC Minerals Act aims to secure the U.S. supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements by authorizing the President to negotiate and enter into free trade agreements with countries that meet specific requirements. It sets negotiating objectives to reduce trade barriers, improve international trade rules, and foster economic growth while promoting sustainable practices and protecting worker rights. The Act also expands the definition of "domestic source" under the Defense Production Act to include businesses in free trade agreement countries, subject to restrictions on foreign ownership and ties to entities of concern, and requires the Secretary of Defense to determine mineral supply deficiencies. The Act seeks to ensure a stable and secure supply of minerals essential for advanced technology, economic growth, and national security.

The Fair Access to Banking Act aims to ensure equal access to financial services by preventing banks and credit unions from denying services to individuals or entities engaged in lawful activities based on subjective or politically motivated reasons. It sets requirements for banks with over $10 billion in assets, prohibiting them from denying services based on reputational risk and requiring them to justify denials with documented, risk-based standards. The act also allows individuals to sue financial institutions that violate these requirements, with the potential for treble damages and attorney fees awarded to successful plaintiffs. Furthermore, it restricts access to Federal Reserve lending programs and the Automated Clearing House Network for institutions that fail to comply with the Act.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to prevent the rule's implementation.

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.