Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the FCC from implementing measures intended to bridge the digital divide for students' home internet access.

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.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025, or LIT Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by removing regulations and definitions related to general service incandescent lamps. This bill would eliminate energy conservation standards and specific rules for these types of light bulbs, effectively deregulating their production and sale. The Act terminates specific rules from the Department of Energy related to these lamps.

The United States Research Protection Act of 2025 amends the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to clarify the definition of "foreign country" to "foreign country of concern" regarding malign foreign talent recruitment. This act broadens the scope of what constitutes a foreign talent recruitment program by including activities indirectly supported by foreign governments. These revisions aim to strengthen protections against foreign influence in U.S. research and development.

The "Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act of 2025" aims to combat human rights abuses by the Chinese government. It mandates the Department of Commerce to train its employees on human rights abuses, particularly forced labor against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Act also requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide guidance to U.S. businesses on identifying and avoiding involvement with entities engaged in these abuses, focusing on risks and preventative measures. This guidance is purely advisory.

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 amends the Energy Act of 2020, updating the definition of critical minerals to include critical materials designated by the Secretary of Energy. This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to update the list of critical minerals within 45 days of a new critical material designation.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act aims to combat the nonconsensual sharing of intimate visual depictions, including deepfakes, by establishing criminal penalties for those who knowingly publish such content and requiring online platforms to create a process for individuals to request the removal of these depictions. Platforms must remove the content within 48 hours of a valid request and make reasonable efforts to remove any known identical copies. Failure to comply with these takedown obligations will be treated as a violation under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Act also defines key terms related to consent, digital forgeries, and covered platforms.

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 "University of Utah Research Park Act" confirms that the University of Utah's use of approximately 593.54 acres of land for a research park and related activities constitutes a valid public purpose under the Act of June 14, 1926. This validation applies to the land described in a 1970 letter from the Secretary of the Interior and any subsequent modifications approved by the Department of the Interior. The land was originally conveyed to the University of Utah under patent numbered 43990012, dated October 18, 1968.

The Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025 aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by increasing international collaboration, authorizing sanctions on foreign individuals and vessels involved in IUU fishing or trade in endangered species, and requiring regular reports to Congress on global IUU fishing activities and efforts to address them. The Act empowers the President to impose measures such as blocking property, denying entry to the U.S., and prohibiting access to U.S. ports for those engaged in these illicit activities. It also prioritizes working with allies and international organizations to deploy technology and hold accountable those involved in IUU fishing, with a particular focus on the actions of the People's Republic of China.

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 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which recognizes Tribal sovereignty and empowers Indian Tribes to administer Federal programs and services. It acknowledges the Act's success in promoting local decision-making, community development, and improved quality of life for Tribal communities. The resolution calls for the continued implementation of the Act, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to supporting Native self-determination and ensuring responsive federal services. It celebrates the achievements of Indian Tribes over the past 50 years through self-determination and governance.

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 "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 Taiwan Allies Fund Act aims to bolster Taiwan's international standing by authorizing $40 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to counter Chinese influence and support countries that maintain or strengthen ties with Taiwan. These funds will support initiatives such as health programs, civil society capacity building, supply chain diversification, and alternatives to Chinese development assistance. The Act requires the Secretary of State to coordinate these efforts and report annually to Congress on the activities and their success. It encourages collaboration with Taiwan to ensure commensurate contributions to recipient countries.

The "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act" aims to broaden access to dental coverage by enabling individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans through the Health Insurance Exchange, irrespective of their enrollment status in a qualified health plan. This expands dental insurance options for individuals, promoting better oral health.

The "Tribal Energy Fairness Act of 2025" amends Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal energy programs, allowing the Secretary of Energy to use appropriated funds for financial and technical assessments, and related activities, for Tribal loan and loan guarantee applications. The Act removes double benefit restrictions related to loan guarantees and modifies requirements for states and introduces new requirements for Indian Tribes applying for grants to prevent outages and enhance electric grid resilience. Additionally, the Act exempts Indian Tribes and Tribal-owned entities from matching requirements for grants related to grid resilience and includes additional exemptions to cost-sharing.

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 "Mining Schools Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to strengthen domestic mining education by awarding up to 10 grants annually to mining schools. These funds can be used for student recruitment, enhancing mining programs, and reducing reliance on foreign energy and mineral resources. A newly established Mining Professional Development Advisory Board will recommend grant recipients and amounts to the Secretary of Energy. The act also repeals the Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act and authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated each year from 2026 to 2033 to fund the grant program.

The "Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025" enables the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to implement emergency measures on National Forest System lands to protect watersheds and restore forest health after natural disasters. It allows agreements with state, local, and tribal governments for rapid implementation of protection measures, waives matching requirements, and streamlines NEPA compliance for these emergency actions. The Act also clarifies liability for sponsors carrying out these measures and updates related sections of existing agricultural legislation.