Track Richard's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This bill waives the 10% early withdrawal tax penalty for federal workers taking up to \$30,000 from their Thrift Savings Plan during a government shutdown and adjusts TSP loan rules during such lapses in appropriations.
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
The Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act of 2025 provides financial relief to federal employees affected by government shutdowns. This bill waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) distributions up to \$30,000 taken due to a shutdown. Furthermore, it establishes rules allowing furloughed or non-paid employees to take TSP loans and prevents missed loan payments during a shutdown from being treated as a taxable distribution.
This Act mandates federal agencies to compensate contractors for employee costs incurred due to funding lapses and appropriates necessary funds to cover resulting contract price adjustments.
Tina Smith
Senator
MN
Tina Smith
Senator
MN
The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 ensures federal agencies compensate contractors for employee costs incurred due to government funding lapses or shutdowns. This act mandates contract price adjustments to cover reasonable expenses for furloughed or impacted contractor employees, up to a specified weekly limit. The law also provides necessary appropriations to cover these adjustments and requires public reporting on the compensation provided.
This bill allows federal contractors and affected government employees to make penalty-free, tax-deferred withdrawals of up to $30,000 from retirement accounts during a federal funding lapse, with a three-year window to repay the funds.
Catherine Cortez Masto
Senator
NV
Catherine Cortez Masto
Senator
NV
The Emergency Relief for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 allows individuals affected by a federal government shutdown to make penalty-free withdrawals of up to $30,000 from their retirement plans. These "Federal Government shutdown distributions" allow affected contractors, grantees, and D.C. employees to access funds during a lapse in appropriations lasting at least two weeks. Withdrawals are spread out over three tax years for income tax purposes, and individuals have three years to repay the withdrawn amount.
This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify the recent CMS rule concerning the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's Market Integrity and Affordability.
Mark Warner
Senator
VA
Mark Warner
Senator
VA
This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services concerning the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Market Integrity and Affordability." If enacted, this measure would prevent the CMS rule from having any legal force or effect.
The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2025 significantly tightens requirements, increases wages, and strengthens enforcement across both the H-1B and L-1 visa programs to protect U.S. workers from fraud and displacement.
Charles Grassley
Senator
IA
Charles Grassley
Senator
IA
The H–1B and L–1 Visa Reform Act of 2025 significantly overhauls temporary work visa programs to protect U.S. workers and increase transparency. This bill establishes stricter wage requirements, imposes anti-displacement rules, and grants enforcement agencies greater authority to audit and penalize employers for fraud and abuse. Ultimately, it aims to prioritize highly skilled workers and prevent the over-reliance on foreign labor in the U.S. workforce.
This resolution supports designating September 19, 2025, as "National Concussion Awareness Day" to boost public understanding, improve diagnosis and management protocols, and encourage further research on concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries.
Margaret Hassan
Senator
NH
Margaret Hassan
Senator
NH
This resolution supports the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Concussion Awareness Day" to highlight the seriousness of concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It emphasizes the need for better public awareness, improved diagnostic protocols, and stronger "return-to-play/learn" guidelines, especially for young people. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage federal, state, and local leaders to collaborate on prevention and proper management strategies.
This Act prioritizes and formalizes U.S. defense cooperation, military financing, and pre-positioning of defense articles for key NATO allies bordering Russia and Belarus to enhance collective security against aggression.
Roger Wicker
Senator
MS
Roger Wicker
Senator
MS
The Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 prioritizes U.S. defense cooperation with key NATO allies bordering Russia and Belarus. This legislation establishes a formal definition for "Eastern Flank strategic defense partners" based on location, defense spending commitments, and hosting NATO forces. It mandates that these partners receive priority access to U.S. security assistance, financing, and pre-positioned military stockpiles to enhance regional deterrence. The Act also requires a briefing to Congress detailing the implementation plan for these new cooperative measures.
This resolution expresses support for recognizing September 22-28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor the vital role these schools play in educating AANHPI students.
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
This resolution expresses support for designating a week in September 2025 as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the vital role these institutions play in educating a significant portion of AANHPI students, many of whom are low-income and first-generation college attendees. The bill encourages these schools to seek funding for culturally relevant programs that boost student success. Ultimately, this measure celebrates the contributions of these institutions to American higher education and cultural diversity.
The Jumpstart on College Act authorizes funding to support partnerships that increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students who earn a recognized postsecondary credential by completing college degrees or certificates on time.
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
The Jumpstart on College Act aims to increase the number of students, particularly those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds, who complete a recognized postsecondary degree or certificate on time. The bill authorizes $250 million annually for competitive grants to eligible entities (colleges partnering with school districts) and to states to expand early college high school and dual enrollment programs. Recipients must focus on rigorous academic support, professional development, and ensuring students earn college credit tuition-free. Finally, the Act mandates annual reporting on key student outcomes, including credential attainment and college enrollment rates.
This act restricts federal justice grant recipients from dealing with licensed firearm dealers flagged by the ATF for frequently selling guns quickly recovered in crimes, while also mandating increased public sharing of gun tracing data.
Tammy Duckworth
Senator
IL
Tammy Duckworth
Senator
IL
The Responsible Retirement of Law Enforcement Firearms Act of 2025 ties federal justice grant eligibility to responsible firearm purchasing practices. Organizations receiving Edward Byrne Grants must agree not to deal with licensed dealers who have a high number of firearms traced back to them shortly after retail sale. Furthermore, the bill mandates the ATF to regularly share tracing information with state and local law enforcement and publicly list these "covered licensed dealers."
This bill reauthorizes a federal grant program to help student parents stay in college by providing funding to institutions for accessible and affordable on-campus child care services.
Tammy Duckworth
Senator
IL
Tammy Duckworth
Senator
IL
The CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act establishes a federal grant program to help student parents remain in college by making childcare accessible. The Secretary of Education can award five-year grants to eligible colleges and universities to provide on-campus or subsidized childcare services to student parents who qualify for Pell Grants. Grantees must ensure the funded programs meet specific quality benchmarks within three years and report annually on student outcomes. The Act authorizes $500 million annually for this program from Fiscal Years 2026 through 2031.
This resolution calls on the President to recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine alongside a secure State of Israel, consistent with international law and a two-state solution.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution calls on the President to formally recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine alongside a secure State of Israel, consistent with international law and the two-state solution. It outlines historical context and current obstacles, urging an end to settlement expansion and violence from all sides. Ultimately, the bill seeks to advance a negotiated peace that ensures security for Israel and self-determination for Palestinians.
This resolution officially recognizes September 20, 2025, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day while urging the VA and DoD to rectify past discrimination and ensure full access to earned benefits and healthcare.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution officially designates September 20, 2025, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day to honor their service and contributions. It formally acknowledges the long history of discrimination and harm caused by past military policies against LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, the resolution urges the VA and DoD to take corrective action, including restoring benefits and ensuring full access to earned healthcare, such as gender-affirming care.
The America’s CHILDREN Act of 2025 creates a path to permanent residency for certain long-term college graduates who entered the U.S. as children and establishes new protections against "aging out" for dependent visa applicants.
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
The America’s CHILDREN Act of 2025 establishes a new pathway to permanent residency for certain college graduates who entered the U.S. as long-term dependents of temporary visa holders. It also introduces significant age-out protections, allowing many individuals to retain their original priority dates for visa processing. Furthermore, the bill updates the definition of "child" for immigration purposes and grants work authorization to certain nonimmigrant dependents.
This resolution condemns the treatment of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu by the Government of Azerbaijan and urges his immediate release alongside all political prisoners.
Thom Tillis
Senator
NC
Thom Tillis
Senator
NC
This resolution condemns the treatment of economist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and other political prisoners by the Government of Azerbaijan. It urges the immediate and unconditional release of all wrongfully detained individuals. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes that respecting human rights and academic freedom is essential for the success of ongoing peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
This resolution expresses support for designating a week in September 2025 as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week" to highlight the urgent need for improved adult skills across the nation.
John Reed
Senator
RI
John Reed
Senator
RI
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. It highlights the urgent need to improve basic reading, math, and digital skills for millions of U.S. adults to boost the economy and improve individual well-being. The bill encourages communities and organizations to support vital adult education and family literacy programs.
This Act nullifies specific executive orders related to federal labor relations and ensures that existing federal collective bargaining agreements remain in effect until their expiration date.
Mark Warner
Senator
VA
Mark Warner
Senator
VA
The Protect America’s Workforce Act nullifies two specific Executive Orders related to federal labor-management programs and prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce them. Furthermore, the Act ensures that all existing collective bargaining agreements between the federal government and labor organizations remain fully in effect until their original expiration dates. This legislation solidifies current federal union contracts while removing the authority of the voided orders.
This resolution designates September 2025 as National Voting Rights Month to raise awareness, encourage voter registration, and urge Congress to pass legislation strengthening voting protections.
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Voting Rights Month to highlight ongoing threats to ballot access and encourage civic engagement. It urges Congress to pass legislation strengthening voting protections, like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Furthermore, the resolution encourages educational outreach to inform citizens about registration and the history of voting rights in America.
This resolution designates September 2025 as National Literacy Month to raise awareness about the importance of reading and promote evidence-based literacy initiatives nationwide.
John Reed
Senator
RI
John Reed
Senator
RI
This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Literacy Month to raise awareness about the critical importance of reading skills. It highlights the significant national challenges in literacy rates and the economic costs associated with low literacy. The measure calls upon all sectors of society to observe the month by promoting evidence-based reading programs and activities.
The Register America to Vote Act of 2025 mandates automatic voter registration for 18-year-olds and through state motor vehicle agencies, while establishing new federal standards for voter data security and providing grants to states for system upgrades.
Amy Klobuchar
Senator
MN
Amy Klobuchar
Senator
MN
The Register America to Vote Act of 2025 aims to modernize and secure voter registration nationwide by establishing automatic registration systems. This includes automatically registering citizens when they turn 18 and implementing opt-out registration through state motor vehicle agencies. The Act provides federal funding to states to upgrade technology and mandates new national security and privacy standards for handling voter data.