Legislative Activity

The New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2025 updates federal law to allow meat and poultry inspected under approved state programs to be sold across state lines. This legislation grants the Secretary authority to permit interstate commerce for these state-inspected products. Furthermore, it prevents individual states or localities from blocking the entry or sale of products already deemed compliant for interstate commerce.

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 Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025 amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow credit reporting agencies to include positive payment histories for rent and utility bills. This change aims to help more consumers build a stronger credit history by recognizing on-time payments for essential services. The bill also provides specific protections for consumers with utility payment plans and mandates a government review of the impact of these new reporting standards.

The Food Security and Farm Protection Act prohibits state and local governments from imposing new regulations on how agricultural products are grown in other states for interstate commerce. It establishes a federal right for affected parties to sue governments over such regulations that interfere with the flow of agricultural goods across state lines. Successful plaintiffs can seek to overturn the regulation and recover economic damages.

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 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.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulation. By disapproving the rule, Congress immediately cancels the EPA's submission, preventing it from taking legal effect. This action effectively rejects the EPA's attempt to implement those specific California standards.

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.

The Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act exempts specific less-than-lethal projectile devices from certain federal restrictions under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This exemption applies only to devices that cannot fire standard ammunition, are designed to minimize serious injury, and meet specific design criteria regarding ammunition feeding mechanisms. The bill also establishes a process for manufacturers to seek a ruling from the Attorney General on whether their device qualifies for this exemption.

The DETERRENT Act significantly tightens reporting requirements for colleges and universities regarding foreign gifts and contracts, mandating public disclosure databases and imposing strict new prohibitions on agreements with "foreign countries or entities of concern." It establishes severe financial penalties and potential ineligibility for federal aid for institutions that knowingly violate these transparency and compliance rules. The bill also requires institutions to implement internal policies and designate compliance officers to manage risks associated with foreign influence.

The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act aims to increase competition in the pharmaceutical market by banning anticompetitive "pay-for-delay" settlements between brand-name drug manufacturers and generic or biosimilar makers. This legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to penalize companies that make deals to illegally delay cheaper drug entry. Furthermore, the bill enhances reporting requirements and clarifies the FTC's authority to enforce these new competition rules.

This Act authorizes the minting and issuance of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins must be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations.

The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025 amends the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to clarify the definition of "employer." This bill explicitly includes Indian Tribes and their tribally owned enterprises operating on tribal lands under the scope of the NLRA for labor relations purposes. It also establishes clear definitions for "Indian Tribe," "Indian," and "Indian Lands" within this context.

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 Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to modernize and strengthen federal rural housing programs. It streamlines foreclosure processes, establishes a permanent program to preserve existing affordable rental housing, and creates new lending pathways for Native CDFIs to boost rural homeownership. Furthermore, the Act increases financial assistance limits for minor home repairs and mandates significant technology upgrades and increased transparency across the Rural Housing Service.

This resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the vital and substantial contributions of the over 1.2 million female agricultural producers to the U.S. economy and global food supply. The measure encourages citizens to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, and economic impact women have across the entire agricultural sector.

The Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act eliminates the federal transfer tax previously imposed on certain firearms. This legislation repeals Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code and updates related tax provisions accordingly. The Act explicitly clarifies that it does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any new oversight authority over firearms.

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.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 generally restricts federal courts from issuing orders that affect non-parties to a lawsuit or granting emergency relief in certain state/federal disputes under diversity jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies language regarding who can seek declaratory judgments and limits the scope of judicial review over agency actions. Overall, this legislation aims to narrow the scope of judicial authority in issuing certain types of relief and clarifying participation in specific legal challenges.

The SHORT Act aims to revise federal firearms tax definitions and eliminate disparate federal treatment of short-barreled rifles and shotguns used for lawful purposes. It also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons if they are involved in interstate commerce. Finally, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal records related to the registration and transfer of these firearms.