Legislative Activity

The Strategic Grazing to Reduce Risk of Wildfire Act mandates that federal agencies develop a comprehensive strategy within 18 months to utilize targeted livestock grazing for wildfire risk reduction on National Forest System and BLM lands. This plan must outline how grazing will be used for fuel reduction, invasive species control, and post-fire recovery, while considering emergency needs and modern technology. The strategy requires extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Tribes, local governments, and permit holders, ensuring it complements existing land management plans.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund by expanding the sources of deposits. This includes allowing the Fund to receive money from certain legal settlements that do not result in a criminal conviction. Additionally, the bill temporarily allows certain recoveries from False Claims Act settlements to fund victim services through 2030, while protecting payments to whistleblowers and the government's direct recovery.

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 Business Owners Protection Act of 2025 terminates specific, unused regulatory authorities granted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Dodd-Frank Act. If the SEC failed to initiate rulemaking for these discretionary powers by January 1, 2025, those authorities automatically expire upon the enactment of this Act. The SEC is required to publicly report to Congress on all terminated authorities within 180 days.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes new federal crimes for the intentional sharing of nonconsensual intimate images, including realistic AI-generated deepfakes, with enhanced penalties for content involving minors. It mandates that online platforms create clear reporting systems and remove reported nonconsensual intimate content within 48 hours. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce these notice and removal requirements against covered platforms.

The Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act aims to streamline and accelerate the process for issuing atomic energy licenses by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This bill allows the NRC to generally skip mandatory public hearings for certain permits and licenses unless an affected party requests one. If no hearing is requested, the NRC can proceed after a thirty-day notice period, utilizing informal procedures when hearings are held. These changes apply immediately to pending applications.

The Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act mandates the President to review specific Hong Kong officials, including judges and prosecutors, to determine their eligibility for sanctions under existing U.S. laws and executive orders. This review must be completed and reported to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The review specifically covers previously sanctioned individuals and a broad list of judicial and prosecutorial figures in Hong Kong.

The Ending Unemployment Payments to Jobless Millionaires Act of 2025 prohibits the use of federal funds to pay unemployment benefits to individuals whose base period wages exceeded $1,000,000. States must certify and verify that claimants meet this income threshold before receiving benefits under any covered federal unemployment program. The bill also mandates that states recover any improperly paid benefits to high earners.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." It recognizes the importance of motorcycles in transportation while highlighting the increased safety risks riders face. The bill encourages all road users to practice increased awareness and supports efforts promoting rider education and the use of protective gear.

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.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent rule aimed at closing the "Homework Gap" using the E-Rate Program. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is formally rejecting the FCC's specific plan to extend E-Rate funding for student home internet access. Consequently, the FCC's rule, published on November 29, 2024, will not take effect.

The Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act aims to accelerate the commercialization of federally funded small business research. It achieves this by improving the review process for SBIR/STTR proposals to prioritize market potential, establishing Technology Commercialization Officials within agencies, and increasing flexibility and assistance options for award recipients. The bill also mandates comprehensive annual reporting to track the real-world impact and success of these innovations.

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 Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act of 2025 aims to significantly strengthen the U.S. partnership with Taiwan by prioritizing its inclusion in international organizations and urging a swift bilateral trade agreement. The bill mandates the creation of an Interagency Taiwan Policy Task Force to coordinate efforts to bolster Taiwan's defense and counter Chinese influence operations, known as "sharp power." Furthermore, it codifies U.S. policy against recognizing PRC sovereignty over Taiwan unless democratically agreed upon by the Taiwanese people.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025 (LIT Act) primarily makes technical updates to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act concerning general service lamps. This involves renumbering definitions and updating cross-references throughout the relevant sections of the law. The bill also officially cancels several previous Department of Energy rules related to energy conservation standards for these lamps.

The United States Research Protection Act of 2025 aims to strengthen national security by clarifying restrictions on malign foreign talent recruitment. This bill updates the definition of a "foreign country of concern" within existing research and innovation laws. It also broadens the scope of prohibited involvement in restricted programs to include both direct and indirect participation.

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 Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Commerce provide specialized training to its employees regarding human rights abuses, particularly forced labor in the Xinjiang region by the Chinese government. Furthermore, the Act requires the Department to issue guidance to U.S. businesses engaged in interstate commerce or foreign investment. This guidance must help companies identify and avoid risks associated with entities tied to these severe human rights violations.

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.