Legislative Activity

The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 aims to improve efficiency and fairness in immigration courts by significantly increasing access to legal representation for unaccompanied children. This bill mandates the government to provide counsel for these children at no cost through all stages of removal proceedings. Furthermore, it ensures noncitizens receive their case files promptly and establishes new standards for lawyer access to detention facilities and required annual reporting on legal representation outcomes.

The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act aims to address the critical need for school facility modernization in districts heavily impacted by non-taxable federal lands. This bill authorizes a four-year, \$250 million annual grant program to provide construction funding through both competitive and formula grants. Priority will be given to districts with emergency facility conditions, while also adjusting funding formulas to better support high-need and defense-impacted school agencies. Funds must supplement, not replace, local spending on essential repairs, renovations, and new construction.

The Tax Fairness for Workers Act aims to restore certain federal tax deductions for employees. This bill makes union dues fully deductible "above-the-line," meaning they can be claimed without itemizing. Additionally, it temporarily allows employees to itemize specific work-related business expenses through the end of 2025.

The IDEA Full Funding Act mandates specific federal funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs, excluding preschool services, starting in fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and beyond. This legislation establishes a formula that requires the government to allocate the greater of a set dollar amount or a percentage of a calculated amount based on the number of students served and average per-pupil spending. The goal is to significantly increase and stabilize federal contributions to special education services over the next decade.

The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act modifies patent infringement litigation between brand-name biologic drug makers and companies developing biosimilar versions. This bill specifically limits the number of patents a brand-name sponsor can assert in a lawsuit against a biosimilar applicant to 20, with further restrictions on newer patents. These changes aim to streamline patent disputes related to the introduction of lower-cost biologic alternatives into the market.

The Drug Competition Enhancement Act aims to prevent pharmaceutical companies from unfairly blocking cheaper generic and biosimilar drugs from entering the market through "product hopping." This new rule prohibits manufacturers of original drugs from taking specific actions, such as discontinuing the original product while promoting a slightly altered version, to impede competition. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce these provisions, seeking injunctions and remedies like disgorgement of unfair profits.

The Stop STALLING Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action against companies that file baseless petitions solely to delay competitors' generic drug applications. This legislation defines such filings as unfair competition, allowing the FTC to seek significant civil penalties against violators. The bill ensures that if one part is struck down, the remainder of the law remains in effect.

This Act mandates the Department of Labor to establish comprehensive, enforceable standards for preventing workplace violence in healthcare and social service settings. It requires covered employers to develop and implement written prevention plans, conduct risk assessments, provide thorough training, and maintain detailed incident logs. The legislation also amends the Social Security Act to ensure facilities receiving Medicare funds comply with these new federal workplace safety requirements.

The Paying a Fair Share Act of 2025 introduces a new "Fair Share Tax" targeting high-income taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeding $1,000,000. This tax is calculated as 30% of AGI (minus a modified charitable deduction) but only applies to income that exceeds existing regular income tax, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and payroll taxes. The Senate views this bill as an immediate step to ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share and reduce the national deficit while encouraging broader tax reform.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to recognize the critical importance of local journalism. It highlights the severe decline of local news outlets across the country, which has created numerous "news deserts." The measure affirms that local news is vital for a healthy democracy and community engagement.

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.

This resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the vital and substantial contributions of the over 1.2 million female agricultural producers to the U.S. economy and global food supply. The measure encourages citizens to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, and economic impact women have across the entire agricultural sector.

This concurrent resolution formally supports the goals and ideals of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. It recognizes the achievements of the transgender community while acknowledging the ongoing discrimination and violence they face. The resolution encourages public observance of the day and celebrates the progress and leadership within the transgender community.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment granting Congress and the states the explicit authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. If ratified, it would allow for setting reasonable limits on spending intended to influence elections to protect democratic fairness. The amendment also specifically empowers regulators to treat corporations and other entities differently than individuals regarding election spending, while explicitly protecting the freedom of the press.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 mandates the Department of Agriculture to immediately honor and pay all existing, unfrozen contracts with farmers and related entities. This legislation prevents the cancellation of signed agreements unless the terms have been violated by the recipient. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 60 days' notice to Congress before closing any local Farm Service Agency, NRCS, or Rural Development offices.

The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act seeks to permanently protect vast tracts of federal land across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming by designating new wilderness areas, establishing critical biological connecting corridors, and safeguarding key river segments. The bill also mandates the restoration of over a million acres to a roadless character and imposes immediate development restrictions on unstudied roadless lands. Furthermore, it secures necessary water rights for new wilderness areas and reinforces tribal rights and access across the protected regions.

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.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinas across the United States. It highlights their achievements in diverse fields while acknowledging ongoing disparities, such as the wage gap. Ultimately, the measure calls for continued investment in the future of Latinas as a vital part of the nation's growth.

This resolution designates the first week of April 2025 as National Asbestos Awareness Week to highlight the severe, often delayed health risks associated with asbestos exposure. The measure urges the Surgeon General to educate the public about the dangers of these invisible fibers, which cause incurable diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. By raising awareness, the goal is to reduce future occupational and environmental exposures.

The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 grants federal appellate and district court judges the authority to permit cameras and recording in their courtrooms. This authority is balanced by strict requirements to protect due process, including mandatory voice and face obscuring for certain witnesses upon request. The Act tasks the Judicial Conference with establishing mandatory guidelines to protect vulnerable individuals within three years, after which the district court media authorization provision will expire.