Legislative Activity

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 authorizes livestock producers and their employees to take action against black vultures that are harming or threatening livestock or related property. This provision allows for the capture, killing, or dispersal of the birds, provided that poisoning is strictly prohibited. Those who take action must report the activity to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once the required reporting form is made available.

The Drone Espionage Act updates federal law to explicitly include "video" alongside "photographic negatives" when prohibiting the unauthorized taking or transmission of defense information. This amendment ensures that individuals illegally capturing or sharing sensitive video footage are subject to the existing penalties under U.S. Code Section 793.

The Business Owners Protection Act of 2025 terminates specific, unused regulatory authorities granted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Dodd-Frank Act. If the SEC failed to initiate rulemaking for these discretionary powers by January 1, 2025, those authorities automatically expire upon the enactment of this Act. The SEC is required to publicly report to Congress on all terminated authorities within 180 days.

The Mapping America's Pharmaceutical Supply Act (MAPS Act) aims to strengthen the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain by requiring the regular updating of an Essential Medicines List and mandating comprehensive risk assessments of drug sourcing. This legislation directs federal agencies to map the supply chains for these critical drugs, identifying vulnerabilities related to foreign reliance and national security risks. Furthermore, the Department of Defense must report biannually on pharmaceuticals sourced or manufactured in China.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

This resolution affirms the official U.S. position that the only acceptable outcome of any nuclear deal with Iran is the complete dismantlement and destruction of its entire nuclear program. It mandates that any future peaceful nuclear cooperation must require Iran to cease all domestic uranium enrichment and submit to stringent, unconditional international verification protocols. Ultimately, the bill asserts that the U.S. must never permit Iran to gain the capability to produce a nuclear weapon.

The SAFE Home Act amends federal foster care and adoption assistance programs by requiring states to prohibit discrimination against potential or actual foster or adoptive parents based on their approach to a child's biological sex. Specifically, organizations receiving federal funds cannot deny placement if parents adhere to the child's biological sex or refuse consent for treatments or documentation changes related to gender identity inconsistent with biological sex. The bill strictly defines "sex" as biological sex for the purposes of these placement decisions. These new requirements take effect shortly after enactment, though states may receive a temporary extension if legislative action is required for compliance.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends critical Medicare payment provisions for ambulance services. This bill delays the expiration of special payment rules for "super rural" areas until January 1, 2028, while also implementing temporary payment increases for both super rural and standard ground ambulance services during that transition period. The goal is to ensure continued financial stability and access to essential ground ambulance care.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.

The Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2025 significantly overhauls the use of immigration parole, requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant it only on a strict case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The bill narrowly defines these reasons and restricts parole from being used as a pathway to adjust status for most recipients. Furthermore, it establishes specific parole provisions for certain military family members and Cuban nationals, while also creating a mechanism for legal challenges against improper implementation.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and extends the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its total authorized funding. This legislation adjusts funding priorities to favor projects receiving private contributions and streamlines the process for accepting and allocating public donations. Additionally, it mandates reporting on efforts to reduce the existing deferred maintenance backlog and improve future preventative maintenance across public lands.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025 (LIT Act) primarily makes technical updates to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act concerning general service lamps. This involves renumbering definitions and updating cross-references throughout the relevant sections of the law. The bill also officially cancels several previous Department of Energy rules related to energy conservation standards for these lamps.

The Water Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2025 updates requirements for community water systems regarding security and resilience planning. It revises the timeline for mandatory risk assessments to focus on the period between 2026 and 2031. Furthermore, the Act mandates that security training and materials must specifically address preparation for and response to cyberattacks.

The William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act establishes a commission to assess and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. This body will analyze current production capacity, identify bottlenecks, and review federal regulations hindering defense manufacturing. The Commission must deliver recommendations within one year to boost domestic production capabilities necessary for national security contingencies.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

The Depot Investment Reform Act modifies how the Department of Defense calculates the minimum capital investment required for certain depots. This change updates the review timeframe from looking back three fiscal years to considering only the preceding one fiscal year, alongside the current and following fiscal years' estimates. This streamlines the process for determining necessary depot investments.

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.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.