Legislative Activity

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

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.

The REPAIR Act aims to ensure consumers and independent mechanics have fair access to the necessary vehicle data, tools, and parts required to service modern vehicles. This legislation prevents manufacturers from creating technological or contractual barriers that restrict competition in the automotive repair market. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these new standards and creating rules to protect consumer data rights. Ultimately, the bill promotes consumer choice and fosters a competitive environment for vehicle maintenance and repair services.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month." It recognizes the critical ecological and economic importance of native plants for supporting local wildlife, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and conserving natural heritage. The designation aims to raise awareness about the vital role these indigenous species play across the United States.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility. The bill also enhances program integrity by dedicating new funding to oversight and establishing educational outreach for providers with unusual billing patterns. Finally, it mandates new resources, training, and public data reporting to ensure the quality and accessibility of virtual care for all beneficiaries.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Department of Energy's (DOE) proposed energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is officially rejecting and nullifying the specific DOE rule published in the Federal Register. Consequently, the DOE's proposed energy efficiency requirements for these commercial cooling units will not take effect.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

The Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act prohibits the expenditure of U.S. federal funds in Gaza unless the President certifies to Congress that the money will not benefit Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or other designated terrorist organizations. This restriction also applies to funds channeled through the United Nations, requiring certification that the UN entity is not promoting anti-Israel or anti-Semitic propaganda. Essentially, the bill halts federal spending in Gaza until strict anti-terrorism and ideological purity conditions are met.

The College Employment Accountability Act mandates that institutions receiving federal funds must use the E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. Any finding that a college has hired unauthorized aliens or failed to participate in E-Verify will result in the immediate loss of all federal student and institutional aid. The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting violations to the Department of Education.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 aims to restrict the power of U.S. District Courts to issue broad nationwide injunctions. This legislation mandates that any order for injunctive relief must be narrowly tailored, applying only to the specific parties involved in the lawsuit or limited to the geographic boundaries of the judicial district where the court sits. The goal is to prevent federal courts from issuing sweeping orders that affect the entire nation.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses as eligible hires. This allows employers to claim the tax credit for hiring individuals certified as spouses of active-duty military personnel. The provision applies to wages paid for individuals hired after the Act's enactment date.

The Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act establishes a five-year pilot program to ensure the Army's government-owned arsenals receive consistent work. This is achieved by giving significant contractual preference to private partners who agree to utilize these critical defense manufacturing facilities. Specifically, bids from companies that do not partner with an arsenal will have 20 percent added to their price during evaluation. The Secretary of Defense must report annually to Congress on the program's effectiveness and the future needs of the arsenals.

The Guaranteeing Unalienable and Anatomical Rights for Dependents Act (GUARD Act) establishes new conditions for states receiving federal child abuse prevention funding. Under this act, states cannot take adverse action against parents who oppose medical or social changes for their minors based on the parent's belief regarding the child's biological sex. Parents who face negative actions due to this opposition can sue to halt federal funding to the non-compliant state and seek the return of those funds.

This joint resolution nullifies an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule concerning gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the IRS from implementing new reporting requirements for digital asset transactions. This action effectively maintains the existing regulatory framework for brokers of digital assets.

The "RESTORE Patent Rights Act of 2025" aims to strengthen patent protection by restoring the presumption that patent holders are entitled to an injunction against those who infringe on their patents. This bill seeks to reverse recent court decisions that have made it more difficult for patent owners to stop infringement, particularly benefiting individual inventors, universities, startups, and small businesses. By making it easier for patent holders to obtain injunctions, the act intends to discourage patent infringement and promote innovation.