Legislative Activity

The "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act" officially renames the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to honor Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old murder victim. This act formalizes the prior Executive Order 14229, ensuring that all federal references reflect the new name. The renaming recognizes Ms. Nungaray's love for animals and the refuge's location near Houston.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

This resolution condemns North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens since the 1970s, demanding the release of all abductees, the return of remains and information on deceased abductees, reparations, and a formal apology. It urges North Korea to cease these activities and encourages the President to address this issue in future interactions with North Korean officials. The resolution affirms that these abductions violate fundamental principles of liberty and freedom.

The "Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025" amends federal law to include fentanyl distribution resulting in death as felony murder. Individuals who distribute a fentanyl mixture of 2 grams or more, or a fentanyl analogue mixture of 0.5 grams or more, and death results, can be charged with first-degree murder. The individual must have had knowledge or reason to know that the substance contained fentanyl or its analogues. Conviction can result in a sentence of life imprisonment.

The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse in the definition of aggravated felonies. This change would mean immigrants convicted of these crimes would be subject to deportation.

The "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" aims to reduce organized retail theft by amending Title 18 of the United States Code to include theft from interstate shipments, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and sale or receipt of stolen goods. It also establishes an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to align federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal efforts to combat organized retail crime and organized supply chain crime. The center will coordinate law enforcement, share information, assist in investigations, track crime trends, and support training and technical assistance. This act seeks to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat organized retail crime and enhance the coordination between different levels of government and the private sector.

The Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Defense from entering into or extending long-term concession agreements with retailers controlled by countries that pose a national security risk, with a waiver option if the retailer provides vital goods or services and mitigates risks. It mandates a review of existing agreements with retailers connected to these countries, requiring termination unless a waiver is granted or the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determines no harm to national security. Covered retailers must disclose relationships with covered nations to CFIUS, who will then assess national security implications. The Secretary of Defense must terminate agreements for non-compliance or misrepresentation of ownership.

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 "Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act" mandates the transfer of the Discovery space shuttle to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, within 18 months, to be displayed for public exhibition promoting STEM education. It requires NASA and the Smithsonian to create a transfer plan within 90 days and authorizes necessary funds for the transfer and ongoing exhibition. The title of the Discovery space shuttle will be transferred to NASA within one year after the physical transfer, with the possibility of later transfer to a nonprofit entity under specific conditions.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of George Foreman, recognizing his achievements as an Olympic gold medalist, World Heavyweight Champion, ordained minister, and community leader. It celebrates his positive impact on future generations, his commitment to Houston, and his service to vulnerable youth. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate this recognition to the House of Representatives and to Foreman's family.

The "Abortion Funding Awareness Act of 2025" requires states to report annually all Medicaid payments made to abortion providers, including payment details, abortion statistics, and methods used. These state reports will then be compiled into a comprehensive report by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and submitted to Congress and made public. This aims to increase transparency regarding the use of federal funds for abortions. The act amends the Social Security Act to ensure state compliance with these reporting requirements.

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 resolution supports National Safe Digging Month and encourages contacting 811 before any digging project to protect underground utilities. It highlights that failure to contact 811 is a major cause of damage to these lines, often due to landscaping work. The resolution urges homeowners, excavators, and damage prevention groups to promote safe digging practices and educate the public about the importance of using the 811 service.

The "Strong Communities Act of 2025" establishes the "COPS Strong Communities Program," which provides grants to local law enforcement agencies and higher education institutions for law enforcement training programs. To be eligible, officers and recruits must commit to serving as full-time law enforcement officers in their communities for at least four years after completing their training. The bill also mandates that the Attorney General submit annual reports to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, detailing information about grant recipients, the number of officers and recruits trained, and their subsequent employment status.

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025, or VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, amends existing law regarding educational assistance programs for veterans. It mandates regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors in independent study programs at higher education institutions participating in federal student aid programs. This change applies to academic terms starting on or after August 1, 2025.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

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 "BOP SCAN Mail Act" aims to combat the smuggling of synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl, into Federal correctional facilities through postal mail. It requires the Bureau of Prisons Director to develop and implement a strategy to equip facilities with technology to scan mail, protect staff and inmates, and ensure timely delivery of non-contraband mail. The strategy must include assessments, budgetary proposals, and address operational considerations, with a goal of 100% mail scanning capacity and annual progress reports to Congress. This act seeks to enhance safety and security within correctional facilities by intercepting dangerous substances and modernizing mail processing procedures.

The Stop STALLING Act aims to prevent pharmaceutical companies from filing frivolous petitions with the intent of delaying the approval of generic drugs and hindering competition. It empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take civil action against those who submit "sham" petitions, defined as objectively baseless petitions intended to interfere with a competitor's business. Penalties for submitting sham petitions include substantial fines, potentially based on the revenue earned due to the delayed drug approval. The Act clarifies that it does not alter existing antitrust laws and applies to petitions submitted after the Act's enactment.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the establishment of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, potentially within the National Mall. It requires the Smithsonian to notify Congress regarding the use of federal land for the museum and ensures that the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of the Latino community by seeking guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable sources with diverse political viewpoints and experiences. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on efforts to ensure this diversity in exhibits and programs.