Legislative Activity

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). It celebrates the success of this landmark legislation, which allows Tribal Nations to contract and manage federal programs like health and education for their communities. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

This Act authorizes the minting and issuance of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins must be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

The Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act ensures individuals can purchase standalone dental insurance plans directly through the official health insurance marketplaces. This legislation removes any requirement to also enroll in a comprehensive medical plan to secure dental coverage via the Exchange. The goal is to simplify the process for people seeking only dental benefits through the established marketplace system.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

The Tribal Energy Fairness Act of 2025 aims to strengthen energy development and grid resilience for Indian Tribes. It expands Department of Energy support for Tribal energy projects, including covering assessment costs for loan applications. The bill also streamlines grant applications for Tribes seeking grid resilience funding and explicitly exempts Tribes from matching fund requirements for these grants.

The Mining Schools Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program, administered by the Secretary of Energy, to strengthen domestic mining education at qualified colleges and universities. This program will award up to ten competitive grants annually to improve curriculum and recruit professionals needed for the nation's mineral supply. The Act also creates the Mining Professional Development Advisory Board to assist in the grant selection process and repeals the previous Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act.

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.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President to nominate the Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation. Nominees must possess significant experience in forest and natural resource management. Furthermore, the nomination must be jointly referred to both the Senate Agriculture and Energy Committees for review.

The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires manufacturers to clearly disclose if an internet-connected device has a built-in camera or microphone before it is purchased. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these rules as unfair or deceptive practices. This law specifically excludes common devices like phones and laptops from these new disclosure requirements.

This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of Delta Air Lines, acknowledging its historical roots as the first aerial crop-dusting company and its evolution into a major global airline. It recognizes Delta's significant impact on connecting people worldwide, its commitment to community, and its achievements in service and reliability.

The Basin Fund Preservation Act mandates the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) addressing the financial impacts of the July 2024 Record of Decision on the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund. This agreement must develop a plan to ensure the Fund can meet its obligations for maintenance and operations, while also analyzing effects on hydropower production and endangered species. The Act ensures that this process does not bypass existing administrative procedural requirements.

The Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2025 aims to increase the participation of private landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, particularly in high-opportunity neighborhoods. It establishes new incentives, such as one-time payments and security deposit assistance, funded by the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund. The Act also modernizes inspection standards, requires the use of specific Small Area Fair Market Rents, and mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2025 updates and expands the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act to improve water delivery for the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup. The bill increases authorized project funding to $2.175 billion, expands service areas, and establishes new trust funds to support long-term operation, maintenance, and infrastructure development. Additionally, it provides a framework for managing deferred construction and clarifies tax and land-trust regulations to ensure the project's continued progress.

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act aims to lower childcare costs for families and incentivize employers to offer benefits. It significantly expands the employer tax credit for providing childcare and increases the tax-free exclusion amount for employee Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs). Furthermore, the bill introduces a new, refundable tax credit for working families based on their household and dependent care expenses.

The "Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act of 2025" modifies the Drug Price Negotiation Program by adjusting the negotiation timeline for drug prices. For 2026 and 2027, negotiation can begin 7 years post-approval. Starting in 2028, this period extends to 11 years post-approval.

This joint resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of the IRS rule regarding "Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales." If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, ensuring it has no force or effect.

The RTP Full Funding Act of 2025 seeks to fully fund the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by aligning its annual allocation with the actual non-highway fuel tax revenue generated by recreational users. This legislation aims to close the current funding gap, ensuring the program receives the full user-paid benefit for trail maintenance and development nationwide. The bill mandates the Federal Highway Administration to report the necessary funding level to Congress.