Legislative Activity

The Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2025 updates definitions to expand protections for victims of intimate partner violence, including broadening who qualifies as an intimate partner. This legislation clarifies what constitutes a "dating relationship" and extends misdemeanor domestic violence protections to children harmed by a parent's dating partner. Crucially, the Act also creates a new federal prohibition preventing individuals convicted of misdemeanor stalking from owning or possessing firearms.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ individuals across the United States. It recognizes key Supreme Court victories that advanced equality while acknowledging the ongoing need for federal legislation to combat discrimination. The bill specifically supports designating June 26th as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate these legal milestones.

The AMMO Act modernizes federal ammunition regulations by requiring federal licenses for ammunition dealing and mandating recordkeeping for licensed sellers. It also prohibits straw purchases of ammunition and establishes new restrictions and background check requirements for bulk ammunition sales by Federal Firearms Licensees. Finally, the bill mandates annual public reporting from the ATF regarding violations of these new rules.

The Refund Equality Act of 2025 extends the deadline for certain legally married couples to amend past tax returns filed separately before September 16, 2013, based on Revenue Ruling 2013-17. This allows these couples to now file jointly for those years, extending the statute of limitations for filing the joint return and claiming related refunds or credits. These extensions are strictly limited to changes resulting from recognizing their marital status for federal tax purposes.

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.

This resolution officially commemorates June 19, 2025, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day." It recognizes the historical significance of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in the Southwest finally received news of their freedom. The resolution supports the nationwide celebration of this day as a vital part of American history and heritage.

The 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2025 aims to prevent the proliferation of untraceable firearms manufactured using 3D printing technology. This legislation makes it illegal to intentionally distribute digital files or instructions online that can program a device to manufacture a complete firearm or key firearm components. The goal is to preserve existing gun tracing capabilities and enhance public safety against the threat of ghost guns.

The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2025 requires large entities using Automated Decision Systems (ADS) for "critical decisions"—like those affecting employment, housing, or finance—to conduct rigorous impact assessments. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with creating detailed regulations and establishing a public repository for summary reports on these systems. This legislation aims to ensure transparency, test for bias, and mandate remediation for significant negative impacts caused by automated decision-making processes.

This bill directs the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to investigate how domestic terrorists and violent extremists procure firearms and accessories through the financial system. FinCEN must consult with the FBI and ATF before requesting relevant transaction information from financial institutions. The resulting advisory report will detail suspicious procurement activities or explain why sufficient data could not be obtained.

The Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act of 2025 significantly increases federal oversight and penalties for licensed firearms dealers. This bill allows for more frequent compliance inspections, raises maximum prison sentences for license violations, and grants the Attorney General new authority to deny licenses based on public safety concerns. Furthermore, it mandates stricter recordkeeping enforcement and requires the ATF to report on the implementation of these new measures.

The Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025 aims to expand healthcare access for immigrants residing legally in the U.S. by mandating their eligibility for Medicaid and removing state barriers to coverage. The bill also allows individuals with federally authorized presence to access ACA marketplace subsidies and makes it optional for states to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage to those without lawful status. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to simplify and broaden access to federally funded health programs for various immigrant populations.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal right to access abortion services without facing state-imposed restrictions that are not medically necessary for comparable procedures. This Act prohibits states from enacting targeted regulations that create hurdles for abortion access, protects the right to travel out of state for care, and allows individuals and the Attorney General to sue to enforce these protections. Ultimately, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to reproductive healthcare decisions based on a provider's good-faith medical judgment.

The Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act prohibits firearm manufacturers and dealers from advertising or marketing guns and related gear in ways that appeal to minors under 18. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with creating specific rules banning tactics like using cartoons or offering free merchandise to children. This act grants the FTC, State Attorneys General, and harmed individuals the authority to enforce these new marketing restrictions in federal court.

The POST Act of 2025 updates the "85/15 rule" for private, for-profit higher education institutions receiving federal student aid. This new requirement mandates that these schools must derive at least 15 percent of their total revenue from non-federal sources to maintain eligibility. Failure to meet this threshold results in an immediate two-year suspension from federal student aid programs. The Act also establishes strict guidelines for calculating qualifying revenue and requires annual reporting to Congress on institutional funding sources.

The Jury ACCESS Act of 2025 explicitly prohibits the exclusion of citizens from serving on federal juries based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This amendment updates existing federal law to ensure equality in jury service selection. The bill ensures that all capable citizens have the right to serve, regardless of their identity.

The Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act creates a new pathway for certain immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) history to apply for permanent residency within the U.S. This legislation also establishes strict confidentiality protections for applicants against immigration enforcement actions based on their application information. Furthermore, the bill mandates detailed reporting to Congress regarding the conditions in countries whose TPS designations are terminated. Finally, it ensures that eligibility for this new status does not preclude applicants from seeking other immigration benefits.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to the safety and well-being of refugees and displaced persons globally, recognizing the severity of the current worldwide displacement crisis. It strongly advocates for upholding U.S. legal and moral obligations by restoring and strengthening the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and full asylum protections. The measure specifically calls on federal leaders to reverse recent restrictive policies that have suspended refugee admissions and limited access to protection. Ultimately, this statement urges the U.S. to resume its leadership role in humanitarian aid and international refugee resettlement efforts.

The Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an electronic communication system for education assistance benefits. This allows eligible veterans and beneficiaries to opt-in to receive important correspondence regarding their benefits digitally instead of solely through postal mail. The VA must clearly notify all eligible individuals about this new electronic option.

This Act, named in honor of Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert, aims to reduce veteran suicide by strengthening mental health resources during the transition from military service to civilian life. It mandates updated mental health and suicide risk briefings within the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Furthermore, the bill enhances the VA's Solid Start Program by requiring specific outreach regarding healthcare enrollment and mental health services.

The State Public Option Act establishes a new Medicaid buy-in option for eligible individuals starting in 2026, with federal support for state administrative costs. The bill also mandates that Medicaid payments for certain primary care services must meet Medicare Part B rates and requires states to cover comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services, including abortions. Finally, it updates federal funding timelines for newly eligible individuals and directs a review of Medicaid quality measures.