Legislative Activity

This resolution addresses the threat to global stability posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities. It highlights Iran's hostile actions and support for terrorist groups, holding them accountable for attacks against U.S. service members and allies. The resolution affirms that all options should be considered to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while clarifying that it does not authorize military force or troop deployment. It demands Iran cease all threatening activities, including uranium enrichment and the development of nuclear weapons.

This resolution condemns the U.S. delegation's vote against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine, which aligned the U.S. with Russia and other autocratic regimes. It criticizes the failure to identify Russia as the aggressor and demands collaboration with Ukraine and European allies in future UN efforts. The resolution reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of 529 education savings accounts for expenses related to postsecondary credential programs. These programs include workforce training, professional certifications, and licenses. This change expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and testing fees associated with recognized postsecondary credentials. The bill aims to make workforce training and professional certifications more accessible and affordable.

The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act mandates an independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction care provided by the VA and non-VA providers. This study will evaluate health outcomes, use of evidence-based practices, care coordination, and patient satisfaction. The goal is to identify areas for improvement in veteran mental health and addiction treatment within and outside the VA system. A report of the study's findings must be submitted to Congress and published online.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The "Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2025" postpones tax deadlines for U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, including their spouses. It also allows these individuals to apply for a refund or abatement of certain tax penalties and fines paid between January 1, 2021, and the bill's enactment. The Secretaries of State, the Attorney General, and the Treasury will coordinate to identify eligible individuals and implement these provisions.

The ENABLE Act permanently extends provisions that allow for increased contributions to ABLE accounts and rollovers from 529 education savings accounts, providing ongoing financial benefits for individuals with disabilities. It amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove the expiration date for increased contributions and ensures the continuation of rollovers from 529 programs to ABLE programs indefinitely. The act also modifies retirement savings contribution definitions and repeals a paragraph from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 to align with these changes. These amendments are effective for taxable years ending after the enactment date of this act and for distributions made after this enactment.

The "Equal COLA Act" amends title 5 of the United States Code to equalize cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annuities under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It adjusts FERS annuities annually based on the percentage change in the price index, ensuring parity in COLA benefits for retirees under both systems. This adjustment applies retroactively and prospectively to annuities covered by section 8462.

The "Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025" amends the Animal Health Protection Act to provide compensation to poultry growers and layers in areas under federal control due to animal health concerns. It mandates payments based on lost income, ensuring producers are compensated for flocks they were unable to raise during the control period. The compensation is capped to avoid duplication of benefits from other sources and must be paid within 60 days of request. This act aims to support poultry farmers affected by disease control measures.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" aims to lower prescription drug costs by setting annual cost-sharing limits. Starting in 2026, individual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000, and family expenses at $4,000 under qualified health plans. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The act also ensures that group health plans adhere to cost-sharing limits set by the Affordable Care Act.

The GLRI Act of 2025 reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, allocating $500 million annually from 2027 through 2031. This initiative aims to protect and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The CAREER Act of 2025 reauthorizes and modifies key grant programs aimed at supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders through workforce development and recovery housing. It extends funding for treatment, recovery, and workforce support grants, allowing funds to be used for transportation services and prioritizing data collection on employment outcomes. The act also reauthorizes the Recovery Housing Pilot Program, updating data collection methods and extending the program through 2030 to provide stable housing for individuals in recovery.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The American Beef Labeling Act of 2025 amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to mandate country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and ground beef. It requires the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to find a way to reinstate MCOOL for beef in compliance with World Trade Organization rules. The changes to beef labeling will take effect within one year of enactment.