Legislative Activity

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

The Stand with Israel Act amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to prohibit U.S. funds from going to the United Nations or any of its entities that discriminate against Israel. Discrimination includes actions such as expelling or suspending Israel's membership or restricting its participation in a way that is not on par with other member states. The Act ensures that no funds from the Department of State or any other federal agency can be used for contributions that violate this prohibition.

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and forced labor in the seafood industry by establishing a blacklist of offending vessels, imposing sanctions on individuals involved, enhancing enforcement measures, and promoting international cooperation. The Act also directs the creation of strategies to improve data collection and prevent illegally harvested seafood from entering the U.S. market, while encouraging investment in sustainable fisheries management and technical assistance to combat IUU fishing and forced labor globally. Finally, the Act requires studies and reports on the impact of technology, collaboration between fishing industries, and the overall effectiveness of strategies to counter IUU fishing.

The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse in the definition of aggravated felonies. This change would mean immigrants convicted of these crimes would be subject to deportation.

The "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" aims to reduce organized retail theft by amending Title 18 of the United States Code to include theft from interstate shipments, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and sale or receipt of stolen goods. It also establishes an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to align federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal efforts to combat organized retail crime and organized supply chain crime. The center will coordinate law enforcement, share information, assist in investigations, track crime trends, and support training and technical assistance. This act seeks to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat organized retail crime and enhance the coordination between different levels of government and the private sector.

The Foreign Pollution Fee Act of 2025 introduces a fee on certain imported products based on their pollution intensity, incentivizing cleaner global production. It authorizes international agreements to reduce pollution, offering fee adjustments for participating countries and support for developing nations. The Act also mandates annual reports to Congress on efforts to support U.S. manufacturers, assess competitive advantages, and evaluate the law's economic and environmental impacts.

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 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 Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 limits the scope of court-ordered relief, such as injunctions and declaratory judgements, to only the parties directly involved in a case. It modifies the rules for temporary restraining orders and clarifies the scope of judicial review. The act ensures that courts cannot grant relief to non-parties unless those parties are represented.

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 "Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act" prevents states and local governments from imposing excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and related components if the manufacturers or dealers are engaged in interstate or foreign commerce. This limitation does not affect the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 allows state and federal correctional facilities to use jamming systems that interfere with wireless communications to or from contraband devices within the facility. The jamming system's operation must be limited to the housing facilities, and the state is responsible for funding the entire cost if a state correctional facility operates the system. Before implementing the system, correctional facilities must consult with local law enforcement and public safety officials and notify the Director of the Bureau of Prisons about its operation. This act limits the FCC's authority regarding jamming systems in correctional facilities.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 limits the scope of injunctive relief issued by U.S. district courts. Under this act, a court order for injunctive relief can only apply to parties involved in the specific case or within the court's judicial district, restricting the use of nationwide injunctions.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act" seeks to ensure open competition on federal and federally funded construction projects by preventing requirements or prohibitions related to agreements with labor organizations. It promotes federal government neutrality in labor relations, aims to reduce construction costs, and expands job opportunities, especially for small and disadvantaged businesses. The Act allows exemptions only in special circumstances, such as threats to public health or national security, but not based on labor disputes.

The "End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act of 2025" prohibits the use of federal funds for gender transition procedures and health benefits coverage that includes such procedures, while allowing individuals and entities to purchase separate coverage with non-federal funds. It clarifies that premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act cannot be used for health plans covering gender transition procedures. The bill defines key terms like "gender transition procedure" and provides specific exclusions, such as treatments for verifiable disorders of sex development or procedures necessary to prevent imminent death. This act aims to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund gender transition interventions, while not restricting access to these procedures when paid for with non-federal funds.

This bill establishes an Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the Department of State, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Ambassador will represent the U.S. in Arctic matters, coordinate Arctic-related foreign policy, and focus on national security, international cooperation, responsible resource management, environmental protection, indigenous involvement, and scientific research in the Arctic region. The Arctic region includes areas north of 66.56083 degrees latitude, U.S. territory north and west of specific Alaskan rivers, contiguous seas, and the Aleutian Chain. The Arctic countries are defined as the permanent members of the Arctic Council.

The "Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025" establishes a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and response. It also creates the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund within the Treasury. The bill authorizes specific appropriations for both the grant program and the fund for fiscal years 2025 through 2030.

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the EPA from enforcing stricter emission standards in the rubber tire manufacturing industry.

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.