Legislative Activity

The Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2025 officially eliminates the federal excise tax on indoor tanning services. This legislation strikes the relevant chapter from the Internal Revenue Code, immediately ceasing the tax requirement for services rendered after the bill's enactment. In short, it removes the tax on tanning salons moving forward.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act establishes a new, faster process for the government to deport non-citizens who are members of criminal gangs or terrorist organizations, or who have been convicted of specific serious crimes. This process mandates detention and bars these individuals from seeking withholding of removal. The law specifically defines vulnerable groups for the purpose of determining which misdemeanor convictions qualify for this expedited action.

The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 authorizes livestock producers and their employees to take action against black vultures that are harming or threatening livestock or related property. This provision allows for the capture, killing, or dispersal of the birds, provided that poisoning is strictly prohibited. Those who take action must report the activity to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once the required reporting form is made available.

The Drone Espionage Act updates federal law to explicitly include "video" alongside "photographic negatives" when prohibiting the unauthorized taking or transmission of defense information. This amendment ensures that individuals illegally capturing or sharing sensitive video footage are subject to the existing penalties under U.S. Code Section 793.

This resolution congratulates the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of public charter schools for their ongoing contributions to American education. It highlights the growth, academic achievements, and parental choice offered by these tuition-free public schools. The measure officially recognizes and supports the goals of the 26th Annual National Charter Schools Week, scheduled for May 11–17, 2025.

This Act mandates that the U.S. government actively oppose restrictions imposed by major international financial institutions on financing for fossil fuel and civil nuclear energy projects. The Treasury Secretary must direct U.S. representatives to reverse current policies blocking these energy sources and promote financing for reliable, affordable power in developing nations. Furthermore, U.S. funding to the World Bank's lending arm may be significantly reduced until it certifies the removal of these financing bans and adopts policies promoting these energy projects.

The Strong Communities Act of 2025 establishes the COPS Strong Communities Program to provide competitive grants for local law enforcement training. These funds support officers and recruits attending specialized programs, contingent upon a commitment to serve in their local community for at least four years afterward. The bill also mandates annual reporting to Congress detailing grant recipients, training plans, and officer retention rates to ensure transparency.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 establishes a presumption that certain cancers leading to death or disability in public safety officers were caused by on-duty exposure to recognized carcinogens. This law defines specific exposure-related cancers and sets conditions, such as five years of service, for the presumption to apply. It also updates review processes for adding new cancers to the list and grants retroactive application and filing extensions for eligible past and present claims.

The COUNTER Act grants the Department of Defense (DoD) expanded authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems (drones) operating outside of the United States. This legislation delegates response authority, clarifies mitigation methods like remote identification, and exempts security details regarding these operations from public disclosure. Furthermore, it limits the application of certain criminal and security laws to authorized DoD and Coast Guard activities aimed at countering these aerial threats overseas.

The State Border Security Assistance Act establishes two new federal grant funds to support state and local efforts regarding immigration enforcement. The first fund provides resources for physical border barriers, surveillance technology, and relocation costs along the southern border. The second fund is dedicated to assisting states with the costs of arresting, prosecuting, and detaining undocumented individuals, particularly those who have committed crimes. Both programs are authorized through 2029, with remaining funds returning to the Treasury.

The STOP Screwworms Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and operate facilities for rearing and releasing sterile New World screwworm flies to control infestations. This legislation dedicates $300 million to build these modular rearing facilities in at-risk areas and mandates annual public reporting on the threat level and control efforts. The goal is to actively combat the spread of screwworm flies threatening U.S. agriculture.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

The Growing America’s Small Businesses and Manufacturing Act aims to support businesses through significant tax code changes. This bill permanently extends a specific method for calculating business interest expense limitations. Additionally, it substantially increases the immediate expensing limits (Section 179) for purchasing new depreciable business assets. These provisions are designed to encourage investment and growth for small businesses and manufacturers starting in tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This Act restricts federal funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with Confucius Institutes or designated "Chinese entities of concern." Specifically, institutions with such ties become ineligible for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. Eligibility can be restored only if the institution terminates its relationship with the restricted entity.

The Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by improving federal record sharing and increasing accountability for grant funding. The bill also focuses on enhancing federal prosecution of illegal firearm use and straw purchases through new task forces and increased penalties for lying during gun purchases. Furthermore, it modernizes firearm commerce rules and clarifies interstate transportation guidelines while mandating studies on mass shootings and federal ammunition purchases.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of U.S. assessed contributions to the United Nations for funding the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under UN Resolution 2719. The bill mandates that the U.S. actively oppose such funding at the UN while simultaneously requiring annual assessments of the African Union's compliance with UN peacekeeping standards. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must report annually to Congress on U.S. peacekeeping contributions, AUSSOM performance, and efforts to secure alternative funding sources.

This resolution formally condemns North Korea's decades-long abduction of Japanese citizens, emphasizing that these acts violate fundamental human rights. Congress urges North Korea to immediately release all foreign nationals, return the remains of those deceased, and provide reparations and an apology. Furthermore, it calls on the President to consistently raise these demands in all future engagements with North Korean officials.