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.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025, or LIT Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by removing regulations and definitions related to general service incandescent lamps. This bill would eliminate energy conservation standards and specific rules for these types of light bulbs, effectively deregulating their production and sale. The Act terminates specific rules from the Department of Energy related to these lamps.

The "Water Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2025" amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend funding for community water system security and resilience from 2026 through 2031. These funds can now be used for cybersecurity training programs and materials, enhancing protection against cyberattacks on water systems.

The Depot Investment Reform Act amends the calculation period for minimum capital investments at certain Department of Defense depots. Instead of using the preceding three fiscal years, the calculation will now include the preceding, current, and estimated following fiscal years. This change aims to provide a more accurate and responsive investment strategy for these critical facilities.

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 William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act establishes a commission to examine and provide recommendations to the President and Congress on strengthening the United States' defense-industrial base. The commission will assess current defense production capabilities, evaluate the impact of federal regulations, and develop strategies to increase industrial capacity for defense production. The commission will submit a report with its findings and recommendations within one year. $7 million is authorized for the commission's activities.

This resolution designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week" to recognize the importance of national parks for recreation, education, and economic contributions. It encourages people to visit and support these parks while acknowledging the role of the National Park Service in protecting these resources for future generations.

The Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Defense from entering into or extending long-term concession agreements with retailers controlled by countries that pose a national security risk, with a waiver option if the retailer provides vital goods or services and mitigates risks. It mandates a review of existing agreements with retailers connected to these countries, requiring termination unless a waiver is granted or the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determines no harm to national security. Covered retailers must disclose relationships with covered nations to CFIUS, who will then assess national security implications. The Secretary of Defense must terminate agreements for non-compliance or misrepresentation of ownership.

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.

This resolution designates April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month" to recognize the importance of native plants to the environment and the economy. Native plants are critical for healthy ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and providing other environmental benefits. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the importance of native plant conservation.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

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 "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.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Department of Energy's energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The College Employment Accountability Act aims to ensure that institutions of higher education do not employ unauthorized aliens. It mandates that these institutions participate in the E-Verify Program and makes them ineligible for federal student and institutional aid if they violate employment laws related to unauthorized aliens. The Department of Homeland Security will monitor institutions' compliance and notify the Department of Education of any violations.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 limits the scope of injunctive relief issued by U.S. district courts. Under this act, a court order for injunctive relief can only apply to parties involved in the specific case or within the court's judicial district, restricting the use of nationwide injunctions.

The "Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act" restricts U.S. funds from being used in Gaza if they would benefit members of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any foreign terrorist organization. It also restricts funds from being used through any United Nations entity that promotes anti-Israel or anti-Semitic ideas. These restrictions will be in place unless the President certifies to Congress that these conditions are not met.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.