Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to raise national awareness about the critical need for personal finance education. It highlights current financial struggles, such as high household debt and lack of banking access, while emphasizing that financial education leads to better economic outcomes. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local entities to observe the month with programs promoting essential skills like budgeting, saving, and debt management.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

This resolution officially supports the mission of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 to combat the deadly counterfeit pill crisis. It highlights the severe danger posed by fake pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl, which are increasingly accessible to young people. The bill aims to increase public awareness regarding this threat and applauds law enforcement efforts to stop the spread of illicit drugs.

The BE GONE Act, or Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the list of crimes considered "aggravated felonies." Specifically, this bill adds "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence" to the list of offenses that trigger severe immigration consequences. This change broadens the scope of crimes that can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" to raise awareness about the automatic legal and social barriers preventing formerly incarcerated individuals from fully rejoining society. It highlights how these collateral consequences hinder employment, education, and housing opportunities, which ultimately increases recidivism. The bill encourages communities and employers to actively support successful reentry and recognize the efforts of those working to tear down these roadblocks.

The National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2025 establishes a new framework to strengthen the nursing workforce by creating a two-year pilot program for State and regional nursing workforce centers. These centers will receive federal grants to analyze workforce data, study education capacity, and develop strategies to recruit and retain nurses. The bill also enhances federal support for health workforce analysis centers to provide technical assistance and research specifically focused on nursing needs and shortages.

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2025 expands eligibility for disaster assistance under the NAP. This legislation removes the previous exception that excluded certain crops and grasses used for grazing from receiving aid. Consequently, grazing crops will now be treated equally with other crops when seeking disaster relief through the program.

The LIABLE Act creates a new exception to the general immunity shielding international organizations from lawsuits in U.S. courts when terrorism is involved. This allows individuals to sue an international organization if an employee caused death or injury through specific terrorist acts while working for the organization. Lawsuits are permitted only if the organization materially supported a designated foreign terrorist organization and the claimant or victim had a connection to the U.S. or if the organization has a significant U.S. presence. Claims must be filed within 20 years of the injury or death.

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 NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act aims to create a fairer system for landowners dealing with the Natural Resources Conservation Service regarding wetland determinations. This bill shifts the burden of proof onto the government in violation cases, limits retroactive penalties, and establishes new appeal rights and oversight committees. Furthermore, it prohibits the NRCS from acquiring any new permanent easements.

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 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 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 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.