Legislative Activity

The Cell-Site Simulator Warrant Act of 2025 generally prohibits law enforcement and intelligence agencies from using cell-site simulators ("Stingrays") domestically without a warrant that proves necessity and limits scope. Evidence obtained illegally is inadmissible in court, and agencies must disclose potential service disruptions when seeking authorization. The Act establishes strict oversight, including required annual reporting to Congress on the use of these surveillance tools.

The Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025 aims to reform how Medicare pays for emergency air ambulance services. It requires the Secretary of HHS to update the payment system using newly collected cost and usage data from providers. Furthermore, the bill mandates the timely finalization of data collection rules and directs the GAO to study the true costs of these essential emergency transports.

This resolution formally honors the significant economic and cultural contributions of small, domestic firearm manufacturers to the United States. It recognizes these businesses as vital to supporting American manufacturing, job creation, and the traditions of recreational shooting sports. Furthermore, the resolution designates August 2025 as "National Shooting Sports Month."

The Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from issuing any new direct loans under its primary Section 7(a) loan program. While the SBA can no longer originate these loans directly, it must continue to manage and service any existing direct 7(a) loans. This change shifts the focus of the program away from direct government lending.

The Advocate for Employee Ownership Act establishes a new Advocate position within the Department of Labor to promote and support employee ownership structures like ESOPs. This Advocate will serve as a central resource to connect stakeholders, educate the public, and resolve disputes related to employee ownership. Furthermore, the role includes recommending legislative and regulatory changes to facilitate the growth of employee-owned businesses. The Advocate must also submit an annual report to Congress detailing their activities and identifying barriers to employee ownership expansion.

The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act establishes federal grant programs and mandates a five-year phase-out to eliminate the practice of paying workers with disabilities sub-minimum wages. It provides funding and technical assistance to states and organizations to transition employers to paying the full federal minimum wage for competitive integrated employment. The bill also institutes rigorous reporting and evaluation requirements to monitor the impact of these changes on workers with disabilities.

The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting in 2026. This legislation covers pharmacist services that align with state law and are provided in collaboration with a physician or approved practitioner. The bill specifies payment rates for these covered services, particularly enhancing reimbursement for services related to public health emergencies like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Furthermore, it prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act aims to increase protections for Medicare beneficiaries receiving custom braces and artificial limbs. It prohibits "drop shipments" of certain custom devices unless the patient receives necessary hands-on training from a qualified professional. Furthermore, the bill expands the list of healthcare providers who can certify the need for this equipment and clarifies coverage for replacement custom orthotic devices.

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT Fentanyl) Act aims to combat the opioid crisis by immediately classifying structurally similar fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances. The bill also streamlines the registration process for researchers working with Schedule I drugs and strengthens criminal penalties for trafficking these compounds. The Attorney General is required to issue implementing rules within six months of enactment.

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025 establishes a new federal process for trafficking survivors to seek the expungement of arrest records or the vacation of certain criminal convictions resulting from their victimization. It also creates a specific "duress" defense for defendants charged with serious federal crimes if they committed the offense while being trafficked. Furthermore, the bill mandates reporting on the use of these new relief mechanisms and clarifies that federal grants for legal aid can be used for post-conviction representation.

The Equal Representation Act mandates the inclusion of a citizenship question on the decennial census starting in 2030. It requires the public release of state-by-state citizenship data following the count. Crucially, this act stipulates that non-citizens will be excluded from the population totals used to determine congressional apportionment and electoral votes.

This bill authorizes the creation and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Army and Navy nurses who served during World War II. The medal recognizes their bravery in combat zones, dedication despite facing discrimination, and critical role in saving countless lives. The Secretary of the Treasury will strike the medal, which will ultimately be housed at the Smithsonian Institution. The Act also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

The Securing Our Propane Supply Act directs the Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and impact of establishing a national strategic propane reserve. This study must analyze supply chain risks, storage logistics, market effects, and consumer impact within 180 days. Following the study, the DOE must develop and submit a formal implementation plan to Congress regarding the creation of this reserve or alternative solutions.

This resolution formally honors the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx. It recognizes his pioneering role in revolutionizing global logistics and his significant contributions to entrepreneurship and community service in Memphis. The Senate passes this tribute to celebrate his remarkable career and dedication to innovation.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) concerning the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the specific OCC regulation regarding bank mergers. If enacted, the disapproved rule will have no legal force or effect.

The Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act updates federal credit reporting laws to provide consistent protections for all members of the armed forces. This legislation replaces the term "active duty military consumer" with the broader term "armed forces member consumer" throughout the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This change ensures that credit monitoring provisions apply to all service members, regardless of their current duty status.

The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 establishes two new grant programs aimed at boosting construction and manufacturing apprenticeships. The first program funds community outreach to recruit students and connect programs with local employers, especially in non-urban areas. The second program provides funds for expanded academic advising and student support services to improve apprenticeship program enrollment and completion rates. The Act authorizes $5 million annually for each program from 2026 through 2030.

This resolution formally recognizes the 250th birthday of the United States Army, celebrating its long history of defending the nation since 1775. It honors the valor, dedication, and core values of the soldiers who have served across two and a half centuries. The Senate encourages all Americans to observe this significant anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and programs.

The Delivering On Government Efficiency in Spending Act mandates increased transparency by requiring federal agencies to report detailed information on all Treasury payments for public posting. It also enhances government integrity by granting the Treasury access to sensitive data, like new hire and tax records, to verify recipients and prevent improper payments. Furthermore, the bill requires agencies to verify bank account information before disbursing funds to ensure accuracy. These measures aim to improve oversight, reduce fraud, and increase accountability in federal spending.