Legislative Activity

This resolution celebrates the Blinded Veterans Association's 80th anniversary and its advocacy for blind and low-vision veterans. It recognizes the BVA's contributions to healthcare, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities for these veterans, while also highlighting ongoing needs such as equal access to services, safe environments for guide dogs, and addressing the impact of new technologies. The resolution urges the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure accessibility for guide dogs and expresses the Senate's commitment to supporting all veterans with disabilities.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2025, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, acknowledging the ongoing crisis and need for increased awareness, resources, and updated research. It calls on the public to remember the lives lost and support the victims' families, while also urging the Department of Justice to conduct a new study to update statistics on this critical issue.

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.

This joint resolution disapproves of and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that modifies the classification of major pollution sources under the Clean Air Act. The resolution aims to reverse the EPA's decision to allow certain major sources of pollution to be reclassified as area sources, thereby changing the regulatory requirements for these sources.

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.

This resolution supports designating April 2025 as the "Month of the Military Child" to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of children connected to the military. It acknowledges the commitment and struggles of military children and encourages the nation to provide support to military families. The resolution urges the United States to honor military children through events and activities during the designated month.

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.

This resolution supports National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 and aims to increase awareness of the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, particularly among young people. It acknowledges the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and supports efforts to combat the spread of these deadly pills. The resolution designates April 29, 2025, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

The "New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2025" amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to allow interstate shipment of meat and poultry products inspected under state programs. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to oversee state meat and poultry inspection programs, enforce federal requirements, and report on the status of these programs. This act overrides state laws that restrict the sale of state-inspected meat and poultry products in interstate commerce, aiming to broaden market access for state-inspected producers.

This bill amends the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act to increase authorized funding for restoration and improvements. It raises the authorized funding in subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) from $250,000,000 to $750,000,000 each. Additionally, it increases authorized funding for Friant Division improvements from $50,000,000 to $75,000,000.

The NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to reform Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) practices related to wetland determinations. It clarifies standards for wetland compliance, shifts the burden of proof to the Secretary of Agriculture, and establishes an appeal process for landowners, including the right to an on-site visit and state oversight committees. The Act also mandates customer satisfaction surveys, retraining for judges, and compensation for successful appellants and prohibits the NRCS from acquiring any permanent easement.

This resolution designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week" to recognize the importance of national parks for recreation, education, and economic contributions. It encourages people to visit and support these parks while acknowledging the role of the National Park Service in protecting these resources for future generations.

The "Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2025" establishes an Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Department of Agriculture. This office will investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act related to competition and trade practices in the food and agriculture sector, serve as a liaison to other agencies, and coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security on national security issues in the food and agriculture sector. The Special Investigator has the authority to bring civil or administrative actions against entities regulated under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

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.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which recognizes Tribal sovereignty and empowers Indian Tribes to administer Federal programs and services. It acknowledges the Act's success in promoting local decision-making, community development, and improved quality of life for Tribal communities. The resolution calls for the continued implementation of the Act, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to supporting Native self-determination and ensuring responsive federal services. It celebrates the achievements of Indian Tribes over the past 50 years through self-determination and governance.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

The "Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025" amends the National Labor Relations Act to specify that Indian Tribes, and businesses they own and operate on their lands, are not considered employers under the Act. It defines key terms like "Indian Tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands" to clarify the scope of this exemption, ensuring tribal labor sovereignty.

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.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.