Legislative Activity

The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy any imported article refused admission that poses a significant public health concern. This legislation also establishes a new prohibited act against the unauthorized handling or movement of these designated articles. These changes will take effect 180 days after the Act is enacted.

The Citizen Ballot Protection Act amends federal voter registration requirements, specifically concerning mail-in registration forms. It updates the required federal agency reference and grants states the option to require proof of U.S. citizenship after federal elections. This allows states to add an additional citizenship verification step for applicants.

This bill mandates the Secretaries of HUD and Agriculture to withdraw their recent final determination on energy efficiency standards for federally financed housing. It prohibits the implementation of these withdrawn standards or any substantially similar ones across HUD, USDA, and VA programs. Furthermore, the legislation restricts the Federal Housing Finance Agency from finalizing new energy efficiency rules and requires consideration of existing state-level energy codes.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." The day honors first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents lack a bachelor's degree, recognizing the unique challenges they face. This date commemorates the anniversary of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to increase access to postsecondary education. The resolution urges nationwide recognition of these students' vital contributions to the future workforce.

This Act establishes a new supply fee, paid by Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans to long-term care pharmacies for specified prescriptions dispensed in 2026 and 2027. The legislation mandates that the Secretary subsidize the plans for these fees and requires a GAO study on the economic sustainability of these pharmacies. The goal is to ensure continued patient access to essential long-term care pharmacy services.

The CARE Act of 2025 mandates the testing of a new Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Model under Medicare. This model allows Medicare Part B to pay ground ambulance providers for emergency response services, even if no transport occurs. The goal is to evaluate how this alternative payment structure impacts emergency medical service access, beneficiary outcomes, and resource utilization over a five-year period.

The Upholding a Secure Postal System Act mandates the Comptroller General to conduct annual investigations into mail and USPS property theft for five years. These reports must detail current security measures and provide recommendations to both the Postal Service and Congress on improving theft prevention. The goal is to enhance the security of the nation's mail system through rigorous oversight and actionable advice.

The DIRECT Act of 2025 amends federal inspection laws to allow retail stores and restaurants to sell State-inspected meat and poultry products online. These products can be shipped directly to household consumers in normal retail quantities. The bill also includes technical corrections to update outdated language and cross-references within the existing Acts.

This resolution officially designates the week of November 3 through November 7, 2025, as National Veterans Small Business Week. It recognizes the significant contributions of the over 1.65 million veteran-owned small businesses to the U.S. economy. The bill supports creating a business-friendly environment and expresses appreciation for veterans' continued service through entrepreneurship.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025 designates essential firearm-related operations as necessary for protecting human life or property during a government shutdown. This ensures that key functions, such as the FBI's NICS background check system and critical ATF, Commerce, and State Department licensing activities, continue without interruption. Employees performing these duties will be considered "excepted employees" and must continue to work.

This resolution officially designates November 1, 2025, as National Bison Day to recognize the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the North American bison. It honors the bison's status as the national mammal, its importance to Indian Tribes, and its role in conservation and rural economies. The resolution encourages nationwide observance of this day annually on the first Saturday of November.

The Pay Our Capitol Police Act ensures that the United States Capitol Police will continue to receive funding for salaries and essential expenses for Fiscal Year 2026, even if standard appropriations are delayed. This bill provides continuing appropriations to cover excepted employees, emergency workers, and necessary support staff. Funds spent under this Act will be charged against future official appropriations once enacted. The authority granted by this Act terminates on September 30, 2026, or earlier if standard appropriations are passed.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that active duty and reserve military personnel continue to receive pay and essential allowances if Congress has not passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026 by the start of that year. This legislation provides automatic continuing appropriations to cover military salaries, support staff, and necessary contractor payments during any funding lapse. The authority granted by this Act is set to terminate on September 30, 2026, or sooner if a comprehensive budget is enacted. Furthermore, the provisions of this Act are made retroactively effective as of September 30, 2025.

The Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates existing law to broaden the system's scope to explicitly include meteorological observations and strengthen data management infrastructure. The bill renames the primary advisory body from the "Council" to the "Committee" throughout the relevant statutes. It also authorizes $56 million annually from 2026 through 2030 and mandates a new post-storm evaluation in the annual report to Congress.

The Young Fishermen’s Development Extension Act reauthorizes the Young Fishermen’s Development Program through fiscal year 2031. This extension ensures continued federal support and resources for training and mentorship initiatives designed to help the next generation of commercial fishermen succeed in the industry.

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 mandates that all commercial driver's license (CDL) tests must be administered exclusively in English. Furthermore, the bill establishes a mandatory one-year waiting period before an individual can upgrade from a standard driver's license to a CDL. Finally, it grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to revoke a state's permission to issue out-of-state commercial licenses if that state fails to comply with federal regulations.

The Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 updates existing water research law to explicitly include the artificial intelligence industry in federal water research initiatives. The bill authorizes $16 million annually through 2029 for Water Resources Research Institutes. Furthermore, it mandates that 20% of these funds must be dedicated to research addressing water problems that cross state boundaries.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that members of the Armed Forces, along with essential Department of Defense civilian personnel and contractors, continue to receive pay and allowances in fiscal year 2026 if regular appropriations are not enacted. This measure provides temporary, continuing funding to support active service members. This authority automatically terminates upon the enactment of a new appropriations law or by January 1, 2027.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, honoring its long history since the Continental Navy. It expresses deep appreciation for the courage and service of all Navy personnel, past and present, who have defended the nation. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian aid, and technological advancement.

The Employee Rights Act mandates that union representation must be chosen through a secret ballot election run by the NLRB, and it prohibits non-lawful workers from voting in union elections. The bill also tightens the definition of an employee versus an independent contractor and limits the use of employee contact information provided for organizing drives. Furthermore, it restricts union dues spending to bargaining activities unless explicit, time-limited written consent is obtained from the employee.