Legislative Activity

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit state and federal correctional facilities from using signal jamming systems within their housing areas. This legislation permits prisons to deploy jammers specifically to block communications involving contraband devices or incarcerated individuals. Any facility choosing to use this technology must adhere to strict operational rules, including location limitations and pre-approval notification to local public safety officials and the Bureau of Prisons.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 aims to restrict the power of U.S. District Courts to issue broad nationwide injunctions. This legislation mandates that any order for injunctive relief must be narrowly tailored, applying only to the specific parties involved in the lawsuit or limited to the geographic boundaries of the judicial district where the court sits. The goal is to prevent federal courts from issuing sweeping orders that affect the entire nation.

The Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA Act) ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from mandating or barring contractors from entering into agreements with labor unions. This promotes open bidding, reduces taxpayer costs, and prevents discrimination based on union membership. The law requires federal agencies to remain neutral regarding project labor agreements for both direct contracts and federal grants.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses as eligible hires. This allows employers to claim the tax credit for hiring individuals certified as spouses of active-duty military personnel. The provision applies to wages paid for individuals hired after the Act's enactment date.

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 End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act of 2025 prohibits the use of any federal money for gender transition procedures, including for federal employees and at federal facilities. This ban also extends to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, preventing individuals from using federal premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to cover plans that include these procedures. The law strictly defines "gender transition procedures" while excluding treatments for certain disorders of sex development or procedures necessary to prevent imminent death.

The "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025" amends Title IX to prohibit schools receiving federal funding from allowing individuals born male to participate in female athletic programs. Sex is defined as determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth. This bill aims to ensure fair competition for women and girls in sports.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule regarding "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing." If passed, this measure would nullify the rule, rendering it without force or effect.

The Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act enhances U.S. trade laws to counteract unfair trade practices by foreign countries. It strengthens the ability of the International Trade Commission to address successive instances of unfair trade, expands countervailing duty authority, and prevents duty evasion. The Act also counters currency undervaluation and sets clear guidelines for implementation and applicability.

The LEOSA Reform Act amends the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to allow qualified law enforcement officers and retired officers to carry concealed firearms in school zones. It also modifies the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, clarifying its relationship with other federal laws, updating firearms proficiency requirements for retired officers, and including magazines in the definition of ammunition. Additionally, the Act permits qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms in certain federal facilities.

This resolution formally expresses the Senate’s gratitude to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, law enforcement, and all personnel involved in the January 20, 2025, Presidential Inauguration. It commends these groups for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication in ensuring a safe and successful event despite unexpected logistical challenges.

The Critical Materials Future Act of 2025 aims to bolster the domestic processing of critical materials by establishing a pilot program that utilizes innovative financial tools to support at least three domestic projects. This program seeks to stabilize financial aspects, attract private investment, and secure U.S. supply chains, while also studying the impact of these financial tools on the critical materials market. The Act prioritizes projects that enhance U.S. security, economic competitiveness, and sustainability, with a focus on mitigating risks from foreign entities and promoting domestic feedstock and offtake agreements. It also establishes a Critical Materials Revolving Fund to reinvest revenues and requires annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and recommendations.

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 "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 "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

This resolution urges all NATO member countries to meet the established commitment of spending at least 2% of their GDP on national defense. It proposes that nations failing to meet this threshold should be ineligible to hold key NATO leadership positions or host significant high-level summits. The measure aims to ensure equitable defense investment and military readiness across the alliance.

The Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025 aims to revise sentencing guidelines for fentanyl-related offenses by reducing the quantity thresholds that trigger mandatory minimum sentences for flunitrazepam and its analogues. It directs the Sentencing Commission to update its guidelines to align with these changes. Additionally, it mandates increased resources for the USPS, including chemical screening devices and personnel, to enhance the detection and interdiction of illegally imported fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

This comprehensive bill addresses online safety for minors through two main actions: Title I establishes federal restrictions on social media platforms, banning accounts for children under 13 and prohibiting personalized content recommendations for all users under 18. Title II updates existing law to require schools receiving federal subsidies to block student access to social media platforms while using school resources. Overall, the legislation aims to fundamentally change how minors interact with social media both at home and in educational settings.