Legislative Activity

The WEST Act of 2025 establishes a new 6% federal excise tax on the endowments of very large, non-religious private colleges and universities that meet specific asset thresholds. This tax applies to institutions with prior-year assets exceeding $11.9 billion, or $10.5 billion for certain state-affiliated entities. The tax is calculated based on the total fair market value of the institution's assets at the end of the preceding year, beginning in 2025.

The "Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct biennial risk assessments of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities within the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector, in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. It also mandates annual crisis simulation exercises for five years to evaluate and improve the preparedness of government and private sectors in responding to food-related emergencies and cyberattacks. The Act aims to enhance cybersecurity and resilience in the agriculture and food sector, protect food safety, and ensure national security. It authorizes \$1,000,000 to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out these activities.

The "DEFENSE Act" allows the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to authorize state and local law enforcement to use drone countermeasures to protect sites with flight restrictions or large public gatherings. Deputized officers must complete training and will be subject to oversight. The equipment authorized for drone detection and tracking will be limited to a list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.

This resolution authorizes the necessary funding and staffing for the Select Committee on Intelligence to carry out its oversight duties from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It establishes specific spending caps for committee operations and outlines the administrative procedures for managing personnel and expenses during this period.

The "Focus on Learning Act" aims to study and address the impact of mobile devices on students in schools. It directs the Surgeon General to conduct a comprehensive study on the effects of mobile device use on various aspects of student life and academics. The Act also establishes a pilot program providing grants to schools for creating mobile device-free environments, with specific exemptions and communication protocols. Finally, it allocates funding for the program and the associated administrative and data collection efforts.

The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act mandates that the United States government use the historical terms "Judea and Samaria" in all official documents and communications instead of the term "West Bank." The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to produce materials that refer to the region as the "West Bank" and amends existing federal statutes to reflect this change in terminology.

The Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act of 2025 establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue medical practitioners for injuries resulting from gender-transition procedures performed while they were minors. The bill also protects the conscience rights of medical providers by ensuring they cannot be forced to perform these procedures and mandates the withholding of federal health funding from states that require such services.

The Restoring Trade Fairness Act seeks to protect U.S. national security and economic interests by revoking China’s normal trade relations status. The bill mandates a phased-in increase of tariffs on Chinese imports, eliminates duty-free "de minimis" entry privileges for Chinese goods, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers impacted by retaliatory trade actions. Additionally, it grants the President expanded authority to restrict imports and requires the U.S. to modify its World Trade Organization commitments to allow for greater flexibility in trade policy.

The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act of 2025 mandates U.S. sanctions against foreign individuals and financial institutions that facilitate the Palestinian Authority’s system of providing payments to terrorists and their families. By targeting those who support this compensation system, the bill aims to hold the PLO and PA accountable for incentivizing acts of terrorism. These sanctions will remain in effect until the Secretary of State certifies that the compensation system has been fully terminated.

The "Not One More Inch or Acre Act" prohibits citizens, entities, and agents of the People’s Republic of China from purchasing public or private real estate in the United States, with specific exceptions for refugees, asylees, and U.S. permanent residents. The bill also authorizes the President to mandate the divestment of existing holdings that pose a national security risk. Additionally, it establishes a minimum penalty of 10% of the fair market value for failing to report foreign agricultural land holdings.

This resolution condemns President Biden's commutation of Marvin Charles Gabrion II's death sentence, asserting it undermines the rule of law and insults Gabrion's victims. Gabrion was convicted of murdering Rachel Timmerman, a witness against him, and was suspected in other disappearances and murders. The resolution suggests the commutation was politically motivated, given Biden's inconsistent stance on the death penalty. The Senate unequivocally condemns this commutation.

This resolution condemns President Biden's commutation of Anthony George Battle's death sentence, arguing it undermines the rule of law and insults Battle's victims. Battle, convicted of murdering his wife and a correctional officer, received the commutation despite showing no remorse. The resolution suggests the commutation was politically motivated due to Biden's inconsistent stance on the death penalty.

The Expel Illegal Chinese Police Act of 2025 mandates sanctions, including property blocking and visa bans, against Chinese law enforcement entities and individuals involved in covert operations within the United States. The bill aims to dismantle unauthorized Chinese police presence and prevent the intimidation of individuals on U.S. soil. It also restricts federal agencies from participating in foreign-led investigations targeting those subject to these sanctions.

The Justice for 9/11 Act ensures that three key detainees accused of orchestrating the September 11 attacks face full trial proceedings, regardless of any prior plea agreements. The bill mandates that the death penalty remains an available sentence and requires that these individuals serve their confinement at Guantanamo Bay under strict conditions, including a permanent ban on their transfer to the U.S. or any other country.