Legislative Activity

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over a five-year period, after which it will be adjusted annually based on the percentage increase in the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees and newly hired employees under 20, eventually eliminating the separate wage tiers. Additionally, it increases the minimum wage for individuals with disabilities and promotes their economic self-sufficiency by phasing out special certificates that allow employers to pay them a subminimum wage.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

The "No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax deductions for employer expenses used to influence employees regarding union activities, including union elections and collective bargaining. It requires detailed reporting of such expenditures on tax returns, with significant penalties for non-compliance, while providing exemptions for certain communications and activities. The Act aims to prevent taxpayer subsidization of employer interference in workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain.

The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 aims to ensure that unaccompanied children have legal representation in immigration proceedings by providing government-funded counsel. It mandates that these children receive complete copies of their immigration files and have sufficient time to review them, and it also requires the Department of Homeland Security to allow counsel access to detained non-citizens. The Act directs the Office of Refugee Resettlement to develop guidelines for legal representation and requires annual reports on the provision of counsel to unaccompanied children. Additionally, it allows unaccompanied children to reopen their immigration cases if they were not provided with appointed counsel, and it authorizes the necessary appropriations for implementation.

The IDEA Full Funding Act amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to authorize and appropriate specific funding amounts for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It aims to increase federal funding for special education, gradually working towards full federal funding by fiscal year 2035. The funding is calculated based on the number of children with disabilities receiving special education and the average per-pupil expenditure in public schools. This act ensures that funds are available to states to support special education and related services for children with disabilities.

The "Housing Supply Frameworks Act" directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop guidelines and best practices for state and local zoning frameworks to support increased housing production and affordability. These guidelines will address issues like reducing parking minimums, increasing building heights, eliminating restrictions on accessory dwelling units, and streamlining development approvals. The Act also requires a report to Congress on the adoption and impact of these guidelines and abolishes the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse. Finally, the act authorizes $3 million in appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the act for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The "BOP SCAN Mail Act" aims to combat the smuggling of synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl, into Federal correctional facilities through postal mail. It requires the Bureau of Prisons Director to develop and implement a strategy to equip facilities with technology to scan mail, protect staff and inmates, and ensure timely delivery of non-contraband mail. The strategy must include assessments, budgetary proposals, and address operational considerations, with a goal of 100% mail scanning capacity and annual progress reports to Congress. This act seeks to enhance safety and security within correctional facilities by intercepting dangerous substances and modernizing mail processing procedures.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" allows above-the-line tax deductions for union dues and other employee-related business expenses. This amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure these deductions are not subject to certain limitations, providing tax relief for workers. These changes will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This bill aims to improve rural housing programs by streamlining processes, preserving affordable housing, and increasing homeownership opportunities in Native communities. It includes provisions for rental assistance, loan restructuring, and grants for technical assistance and community development. The bill also focuses on updating technology, improving loan accessibility, and ensuring timely application reviews for rural housing assistance. Additionally, it supports the creation of accessory dwelling units and facilitates the transfer of properties to nonprofit organizations to maintain affordable housing options.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

This resolution designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to highlight the importance of local news in American democracy. It recognizes the decline of local news outlets and the negative impact this has on informed citizens and communities. The resolution acknowledges local journalism as a public good and affirms its valuable contributions.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 seeks to improve support and resources for veterans and former service members, particularly those affected by military sexual trauma (MST). The bill mandates a comprehensive review of VA policies related to MST, especially concerning online or technological communications, and aims to improve the disability claims process for veterans who have experienced MST by ensuring sensitive communication, enhancing training for VA personnel, and allowing veterans more control over their medical examinations. Additionally, it expands access to healthcare and support services for veterans and former service members who have experienced MST, including those who leave service academies before completion.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.

The "Hot Foods Act of 2025" amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, allowing SNAP benefits to be used for hot, ready-to-eat foods. It sets a limit on restaurants accepting SNAP benefits, where no more than 50% of their sales can come from hot foods. This act broadens the scope of eligible food items under SNAP to include hot food products.

This resolution expresses Congressional support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, recognizing the achievements and contributions of the transgender community while raising awareness of the discrimination and violence they face. It acknowledges the disproportionate oppression faced by transgender individuals in various areas, celebrates their progress in political representation and media, and urges Americans to observe the day with events that honor transgender individuals and their advocacy for equality.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act of 2025 establishes minimum consumer protections for tenants in manufactured home communities receiving federally backed financing, including one-year lease terms, advance notice for rent increases, and the right to sell their homes without mandatory relocation. It also establishes a commission to propose additional consumer protection standards and directs the creation of a standard site-lease agreement to ensure mortgage loan eligibility. Penalties are outlined for borrowers who fail to comply with these protections, and existing funds will be used for implementation.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Congress and states to regulate campaign finance, setting reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures to promote democracy, political equality, and the integrity of government and elections. It aims to clarify the power to differentiate between natural persons and corporations in campaign finance regulations, potentially restricting corporate spending in elections. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from any restrictions.

The "FRIDGE Act of 2025" aims to bolster the export of U.S. agricultural products by improving infrastructure in developing foreign markets. It enables the Secretary to collaborate with trade organizations to prevent damage or loss to U.S. agricultural commodities due to inadequate infrastructure. The act allocates $1,000,000 annually from 2026 to 2030 for these infrastructure improvements, with unused funds available for the general program. This initiative seeks to strengthen global supply chains, reduce food waste, and expand market access for American farmers.