Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule concerning gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the IRS from implementing new reporting requirements for digital asset transactions. This action effectively maintains the existing regulatory framework for brokers of digital assets.

The Safeguarding Honest Speech Act prohibits the use of federal funds to compel employees or contractors to use preferred pronouns that do not align with biological sex or to use names other than a person's legal name. Individuals forced to comply with such mandates can notify their agency and, if unsatisfied with the response, sue the responsible federal department. Successful plaintiffs may receive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees.

The Falun Gong Protection Act establishes a firm U.S. policy to cease cooperation with China on organ transplantation until the practice ends. This bill mandates sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against foreign individuals knowingly involved in forced organ harvesting in China. Furthermore, it requires a comprehensive government report detailing China's transplant practices and an atrocity determination regarding the persecution of Falun Gong.

The Pay Our Coast Guard Act ensures that Coast Guard members receive equitable pay and benefits compared to other Armed Forces. Crucially, it establishes automatic appropriations to continue paying active and essential civilian personnel during a funding lapse that specifically affects only the Coast Guard while the Department of Defense remains funded. This measure guarantees essential operational continuity and support for service members and their families during such shutdowns.

The "Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to adjust the basis of certain assets, like common stock and tangible property, for inflation when calculating capital gains or losses, using the GDP deflator to determine the inflation adjustment. This adjustment applies to indexed assets held for more than 3 years and acquired after December 31, 2025, requiring taxpayers to maintain written records of the original purchase price. The bill includes specific rules for pass-through entities, regulated investment companies, and real estate investment trusts, and disallows adjustments for sales between related persons or when the primary purpose is to increase the indexing adjustment. It also authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this section.

Eric's Law amends title 18 of the United States Code, mandating that if a jury cannot unanimously agree on a sentencing recommendation in certain cases, the court must impanel a new jury for a special hearing upon the government's request. If the second jury also fails to reach a unanimous sentencing recommendation, the court is required to impose a sentence other than death.

The "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to enhance cooperation between federal and local law enforcement by allowing state and local officers to act as agents of the Department of Homeland Security and protecting them from liability when complying with immigration detainers. It defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as those that restrict information sharing or compliance with federal detainment requests, and it makes these jurisdictions ineligible for certain federal grants, reallocating those funds to non-sanctuary jurisdictions. This act does not protect individuals who knowingly violate civil or constitutional rights.

The "Border Airport Fairness Act of 2025" mandates the President to designate specific primary airports near the U.S. northern or southern border as ports of entry, eliminating user fees at these locations. To qualify, these airports must be linked to a nearby land border crossing or seaport and fulfill Customs and Border Protection's established criteria for port of entry designation. This act aims to improve border access and streamline entry processes at eligible airports.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to spend money from the Senate's contingent fund, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government departments or agencies from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It sets specific expense limits for the committee during different periods, including allocations for consultants and staff training. The resolution also outlines the procedure for covering committee expenses, lists exceptions for voucher requirements, and authorizes agency contributions related to committee employee compensation.

The "Chemical Tax Repeal Act" repeals excise taxes on specific taxable chemicals and substances listed under subchapters B and C of Chapter 38 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This repeal is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

The Officer John Barnes Act requires the Bureau to inform claimants of their benefit eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a claim.

The Local Access to Courts Act (LACA) amends Title 28 of the United States Code to add College Station to the list of locations in Texas where district courts can be held and El Centro to the list of locations in California where the Southern District Court can be held.

The "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act" establishes new federal crimes and penalties for individuals who intentionally flee from law enforcement officers while operating a vehicle near the U.S. border. Convictions under this law can lead to imprisonment, fines, and immigration consequences such as inadmissibility or deportation. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the enforcement and impact of this law.

The "Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act" provides tax relief for victims of the Texas Panhandle wildfires by classifying disaster relief payments as qualified for tax exemptions. It also amends the tax code to include "fire" as a condition for involuntary conversion of livestock, allowing for tax benefits and extended replacement periods for livestock lost in wildfires. Additionally, the bill allows proceeds from livestock sales due to fire to be treated similarly to those from floods under existing tax provisions. These provisions aim to ease the financial burden on those affected by wildfires, offering tax relief and flexibility in reinvesting in their operations.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. State legislatures must ratify the amendment within seven years, with a three-fourths majority required for approval.

The AIM HIGH Act directs the Secretary of the Air Force to establish a Technical Training Center of Excellence. This center will foster collaboration among Air Force training sites, serve as a premier training location for maintainers across all military branches, and promote innovation in technical training. The center will also connect with industry and schools to share best practices and serve as a central hub for aviation technology and training advancements.

The TICKET Act mandates that ticket sellers disclose the total price of event tickets, inclusive of all fees, in any advertisement or listing, as well as provide a breakdown of the base ticket price and each individual fee to the buyer. This act aims to provide transparency in ticket pricing and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

The "Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act" establishes federal tax credits for individuals and corporations who donate to state-approved scholarship-granting organizations and workforce training programs. A web portal managed by the Secretary of Education will list eligible organizations, facilitate contributions, and provide information on tax benefits. The Act sets a national cap of $10 billion annually for qualifying contributions, divided equally between scholarship and workforce training organizations, and allocates funds to states based on prior contributions and demographics. This encourages investment in educational opportunities while ensuring no federal overreach into private, religious, or home education.

The "Defund the CFPB Act" amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to eliminate the funding available to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, effectively defunding the agency. This would be achieved by capping the amount the Director of the Bureau may request to fund the Bureau's activities to $0.

The Stop Illegal Reentry Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the criminal penalties for previously removed aliens who reenter or attempt to reenter the United States. The bill increases the prison time for those with previous convictions and sets mandatory minimum sentences for those with aggravated felonies in their past. It also updates references to reflect current agency responsibilities and correct cross-references within the existing law.