Legislative Activity

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 significantly increases the maximum expenses eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to \$8,000 for one dependent and \$16,000 for two or more. This legislation also adjusts the credit calculation percentage based on income and makes the credit partially or fully refundable for eligible taxpayers. Furthermore, key income thresholds and expense limits will be indexed for inflation starting in 2026.

The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 withdraws specific federal lands in New Mexico surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park from mineral leasing, oil and gas development, and new mining claims. This action aims to protect the region's significant cultural resources, ancestral sites, and dark skies from modern industrial pressures. The bill also mandates the termination of non-producing oil and gas leases on these protected lands. All actions must be taken in consultation with local Indian Tribes.

The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 establishes an Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services to support victims of gun violence. This council will define key terms, assess the needs of victims and service providers, and identify best practices for support. Its primary goal is to share comprehensive information on available medical, financial, and mental health resources with the public and relevant government bodies. The council will operate for five years and is required to issue detailed reports on resource gaps and recommendations for improvement.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 14 through April 20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week." It recognizes the vital contributions of the nation's growing number of osteopathic physicians (DOs) who focus on whole-person healthcare. The designation celebrates the history, dedication, and ongoing training of these essential healthcare providers across the country.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The Housing for All Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to tackle the national housing crisis by dramatically increasing funding for affordable housing construction, rental assistance, and supportive services. It authorizes billions for federal housing programs, guarantees future rental assistance for the extremely low-income, and establishes new structures to address racial equity in homelessness. Furthermore, the Act invests in innovative community solutions, including eviction defense grants and programs to convert commercial properties into housing.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

The Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act of 2025 aims to combat the challenges posed by AI-generated and altered content. It establishes requirements for attaching and protecting digital labels (content provenance information) that identify the origin of media. The bill directs federal agencies to develop standards for content detection and mandates that sellers of AI creation tools facilitate this labeling. Enforcement will be handled by the FTC, state attorneys general, and private citizens.

The Health Tech Investment Act aims to establish specific, cost-based payment rules for advanced algorithm-based healthcare services under Medicare, starting in 2026. This ensures that services utilizing AI or machine learning receive appropriate payment based on manufacturer-submitted costs while in the New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (NTAP). The bill also clarifies eligibility for these new technologies within the Medicare outpatient payment system.

The Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025 significantly expands and makes permanent the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without qualifying children by lowering the minimum age, substantially increasing the credit amount, and raising income thresholds. It also allows taxpayers to elect to use higher prior-year earned income to calculate their current EITC benefit. Furthermore, the bill permanently extends current EITC application rules for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.

The American Family Act fundamentally restructures the Child Tax Credit by replacing the annual lump sum with advance monthly payments for qualifying children. This legislation establishes a new refundable monthly credit of up to $360 per child, alongside a separate $500 non-refundable credit for other dependents. These advance payments are subject to income phase-outs and will reconcile with the final tax return. The old annual Child Tax Credit is terminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It tasks the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) with reviewing state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, taking over administration where state laws fall short. The Act explicitly protects existing labor agreements while prohibiting strikes or lockouts that would endanger public safety services. Finally, it ensures that existing state or local laws providing equal or greater protections are not preempted by this federal minimum standard.

This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to clarify state authority in identifying drinking water contaminants and expands eligibility for federal assistance programs. It allows states to request grants on behalf of disadvantaged communities or those facing financial hardship due to contamination. Furthermore, the legislation enables direct grant assistance for owners of private drinking water wells.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense of Congress that paraprofessionals and essential education support staff deserve fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions. It highlights the critical role these millions of workers play in schools while addressing current issues like low wages, benefit gaps, and job instability. The resolution calls for stable employment, living wages, affordable healthcare, and greater inclusion in school decision-making. Ultimately, it affirms that respecting support staff is vital for student success.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2025 establishes a new Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Department of Agriculture. This office will be tasked with investigating and prosecuting violations of competition and trade practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. The Investigator will have the authority to issue subpoenas and bring civil or administrative lawsuits against packers and live poultry dealers to ensure fair competition in the industry.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress in support of designating the week of April 7 through April 11, 2025, as "National Assistant Principals Week." It formally recognizes the vital and multifaceted contributions assistant principals make to school safety, operations, and student success. The bill encourages the public to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies to honor their essential role in education.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). It celebrates the success of this landmark legislation, which allows Tribal Nations to contract and manage federal programs like health and education for their communities. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month." It recognizes the critical ecological and economic importance of native plants for supporting local wildlife, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and conserving natural heritage. The designation aims to raise awareness about the vital role these indigenous species play across the United States.

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act aims to disallow federal tax deductions for employer expenditures used to influence employees regarding union organizing activities. This legislation targets significant corporate spending on anti-union consultants and captive audience meetings, arguing that taxpayers should not subsidize efforts to interfere with workers' rights to organize. The bill also introduces strict new reporting requirements and penalties for companies that fail to disclose these influence expenditures.