Legislative Activity

This resolution designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week" to recognize the importance of national parks for recreation, education, and economic contributions. It encourages people to visit and support these parks while acknowledging the role of the National Park Service in protecting these resources for future generations.

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The bill revises subsection (a)(1)(A)(ii) by removing "except in the case of crops and grasses used for grazing" and revises subsection (l)(1) by removing ".". This change expands the program to include crops and grasses used for grazing.

The National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2025 aims to address nursing shortages by creating and supporting state-based nursing workforce centers through a pilot program. These centers will analyze workforce data, research nursing programs, and implement strategies to recruit, retain, and support nurses. The Act prioritizes equitable distribution of grants across geographical regions and encourages public-private partnerships. Additionally, it expands existing health workforce analysis programs to include specific support for the nursing workforce and mandates collaboration with nursing workforce centers.

This joint resolution nullifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding overdraft lending practices specifically for very large financial institutions. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the rule from taking effect.

The "Food Security and Farm Protection Act" prevents state and local governments from interfering with the production of agricultural products in other states, especially regarding preharvest standards. It allows those affected by such regulations to sue in federal court to invalidate the regulation and recover economic damages. Courts are required to temporarily block the regulation while the case proceeds, unless the state demonstrates a high likelihood of winning the case and that the injunction would cause irreparable harm. The Act establishes a 10-year window for filing lawsuits.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The specific rule being targeted is the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation, Waiver of Preemption." This action effectively blocks California's ability to implement these stricter pollution standards.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

The "Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act" aims to foster competition in the pharmaceutical market by preventing brand-name drug and biosimilar manufacturers from entering into anticompetitive agreements that delay or prevent the entry of generic drugs and biosimilars. It prohibits agreements where generic or biosimilar applicants receive compensation to limit competition, with certain exceptions, and empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce these prohibitions. The Act also requires companies to certify that their agreements with generic drug or biosimilar manufacturers are complete and include all related terms and clarifies that forfeiture of the 180-day exclusivity period can occur if an agreement violates the Federal Trade Commission Act. Finally, the Act directs the FTC to submit a recommendation on a potential amendment regarding the exclusion of certain damage claims and sets a statute of limitations for enforcement proceedings.

The "Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025" amends the National Labor Relations Act to specify that Indian Tribes, and businesses they own and operate on their lands, are not considered employers under the Act. It defines key terms like "Indian Tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands" to clarify the scope of this exemption, ensuring tribal labor sovereignty.

This bill aims to improve rural housing programs by streamlining processes, preserving affordable housing, and increasing homeownership opportunities in Native communities. It includes provisions for rental assistance, loan restructuring, and grants for technical assistance and community development. The bill also focuses on updating technology, improving loan accessibility, and ensuring timely application reviews for rural housing assistance. Additionally, it supports the creation of accessory dwelling units and facilitates the transfer of properties to nonprofit organizations to maintain affordable housing options.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.

The "RIFLE Act" repeals the existing tax on firearm transfers outlined in Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code, and makes corresponding technical corrections. This change removes the tax burden on the transfer of firearms. Additionally, the act clarifies that the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have authority over firearms regulated by the Internal Revenue Code.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 limits the scope of court-ordered relief, such as injunctions and declaratory judgements, to only the parties directly involved in a case. It modifies the rules for temporary restraining orders and clarifies the scope of judicial review. The act ensures that courts cannot grant relief to non-parties unless those parties are represented.

The "Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act" aims to reinforce Medicare Secondary Payer protections for individuals with end-stage renal disease, preventing discriminatory practices by private health plans. It ensures that health insurance plans do not unfairly shift primary coverage responsibility to Medicare for these individuals. The bill clarifies that singling out dialysis services for unfavorable treatment is an inappropriate differentiation in benefits, while maintaining the plan's ability to manage its provider network.

The "Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act" prevents states and local governments from imposing excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and related components if the manufacturers or dealers are engaged in interstate or foreign commerce. This limitation does not affect the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The "SHORT Act" seeks to amend federal laws regarding short-barreled rifles and shotguns by removing them from the purview of the National Firearms Act, thereby eliminating specific taxes, registration requirements, and restrictions on interstate commerce related to these weapons, and requiring the destruction of existing related records. The bill also clarifies that federal compliance with possessing these weapons satisfies any corresponding state or local requirements. It also preempts state and local governments from enforcing certain laws that tax, mark, record, or register these weapons.