Legislative Activity

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 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 WEST Act of 2025 repeals a Bureau of Land Management rule concerning conservation and landscape health that was published in the Federal Register (88 Fed. Reg. 19583). This action effectively voids the rule.

The "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act" establishes new federal crimes and penalties for individuals who intentionally flee from law enforcement officers while operating a vehicle near the U.S. border. Convictions under this law can lead to imprisonment, fines, and immigration consequences such as inadmissibility or deportation. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the enforcement and impact of this law.

The "Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025" amends the filing deadline for pre-existing reporting companies. Companies in existence before January 1, 2024, now have until January 1, 2026, to file their reports.

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 "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act" eliminates an administrative fee charged under the Mineral Leasing Act, which will likely increase the amount of revenue states receive from mineral leasing on federal lands. It also makes necessary technical and conforming changes to other related laws, such as the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, to reflect the elimination of this fee.

The "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal agency rulemaking by requiring congressional approval for major rules with significant economic impact (over $100 million). It establishes procedures for congressional review and approval or disapproval of both major and non-major rules, mandates the publication of guidance documents, and sets expiration dates for major rules. The Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews of existing rules and includes a regulatory budget to control the costs of regulations. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study the number and economic impact of existing rules.

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 "Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act" amends the Social Security Act to set a minimum Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) allotment for each state, ensuring more stable funding for hospitals that serve a large number of low-income patients. Starting in 2025, every state will receive a DSH allotment of no less than $20,000,000, adjusted for inflation in later years, regardless of other calculations or required reductions. This aims to provide financial stability to rural hospitals.

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.

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 "Respect State Housing Laws Act" repeals a provision in the CARES Act that restricted states' abilities to enforce their own eviction moratoriums. This change clarifies that state laws regarding evictions should be respected.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The TAILOR Act of 2025 aims to tailor financial regulations to the risk profile and business models of financial institutions, reducing the regulatory burden on lower-risk institutions. It requires agencies to consider the impact of regulations, disclose their decision-making process, and report to Congress annually. The act also mandates simpler reporting rules for community banks and a report on modernizing bank supervision.

The "Increasing Response Options and Deterrence of Missile Engagements Act of 2025" or the "IRONDOME Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. missile defense capabilities by accelerating the development, production, and deployment of advanced missile defense systems and technologies. It mandates the transfer of missile defense operations to military departments, promotes rapid acquisition of missile detection and defense systems, and expands interceptor production and infrastructure. The act also directs the Secretary of Defense to enhance technology exchange with allies and secure critical supply chains, authorizing significant appropriations for these efforts.

The "Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025" modifies regulations for 403(b) plans under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These modifications broaden exemptions from registration provisions for certain interests, participations, or securities related to 403(b) plans, especially those subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or where the employer acts as a fiduciary, or are governmental plans as defined in section 414. The goal is to expand the types of trusts, plans, and accounts that are excluded from being defined as investment companies. It also updates a section regarding exemptions from registration requirements for securities, adding a reference to plans described in section 3(a)(12)(C)(iv) of the Act.

The "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to update and broaden the criteria for carbon oxide disposal, use, or utilization, including secure geological storage and enhanced oil or natural gas recovery. It adjusts the applicable dollar amount for carbon oxide disposal, setting it at $17, adjusted for inflation, with a higher rate of $36 for projects meeting specific requirements. These changes apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2024.