Legislative Activity

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

The STEM RESTART Act establishes a new grant program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to help unemployed or underemployed mid-career workers re-enter high-demand, above-entry-level Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) jobs. These competitive "RESTART grants" will fund businesses to create "returnship" programs that offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and a clear path to full-time employment. The bill prioritizes programs that serve rural workers and ensures these opportunities lead to well-paying roles that supplement, rather than replace, existing staff.

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT Fentanyl) Act aims to combat the opioid crisis by immediately classifying structurally similar fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances. The bill also streamlines the registration process for researchers working with Schedule I drugs and strengthens criminal penalties for trafficking these compounds. The Attorney General is required to issue implementing rules within six months of enactment.

The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act aims to significantly expand the palliative care and hospice workforce through new federal grant and award programs for education, training, and career incentives. The bill also mandates the dissemination of information about palliative care services to patients, families, and providers, while enhancing palliative care research efforts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Importantly, the legislation clarifies that funds cannot support activities intended to cause death, ensuring alignment with existing federal funding restrictions.

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025 establishes a new federal process for trafficking survivors to seek the expungement of arrest records or the vacation of certain criminal convictions resulting from their victimization. It also creates a specific "duress" defense for defendants charged with serious federal crimes if they committed the offense while being trafficked. Furthermore, the bill mandates reporting on the use of these new relief mechanisms and clarifies that federal grants for legal aid can be used for post-conviction representation.

The FULL HOUSE Act modifies federal tax law regarding gambling losses, effective for tax years after December 31, 2025. This legislation limits the deduction of gambling losses to the amount a taxpayer has won from gambling during that same tax year. Consequently, individuals will no longer be able to use net gambling losses to offset income earned from non-gambling sources.

The Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding for both Type 1 Diabetes research programs and diabetes programs serving Native Americans. This legislation secures specific annual appropriations of \$160 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, along with a transition allocation in late 2027. The bill ensures continued financial support for these vital public health initiatives through the end of 2027.

This Senate resolution expresses strong support for the recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. It affirms that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons due to its history of proliferation and support for terrorism. The resolution commends the military actions taken to degrade Iran's capabilities and reaffirms the U.S. right to act decisively to ensure regional security.

This resolution formally honors the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx. It recognizes his pioneering role in revolutionizing global logistics and his significant contributions to entrepreneurship and community service in Memphis. The Senate passes this tribute to celebrate his remarkable career and dedication to innovation.

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.

This resolution supports designating the week of June 23–29, 2025, as "National Women's Sports Week." The observance aims to celebrate the anniversary of Title IX and the significant growth of women's sports participation since its enactment. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the importance of protecting fair and safe athletic opportunities exclusively for female athletes. This week will honor the achievements of women in sports and promote equal access for all sexes.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act mandates that all commercial motor vehicle operators must demonstrate proficiency in basic English to obtain or maintain their commercial driver's license (CDL). This ensures drivers can read traffic signs and effectively communicate with law enforcement and safety officials. Furthermore, the CDL knowledge test will only be administered in English two years after the law's enactment.

The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act significantly increases the dollar limits for tax-exempt bonds used for manufacturing projects, expanding the definition of eligible facilities to include certain intangible property creation. Additionally, the bill raises the financing cap for first-time farmers accessing private activity bonds from $\$450,000$ to $\$1,000,000$. Both sets of increased limits will be automatically adjusted for inflation starting in future years.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act restricts how consumer reporting agencies can share your credit report when you are seeking a residential mortgage loan. Specifically, it limits the sharing of these reports unless they are connected to a firm offer of credit or are being sent to parties directly involved in your current mortgage, such as the originator or servicer. This ensures that your sensitive financial information is only accessed by relevant parties during the home loan process.

The STOP CSAM Act of 2025 significantly overhauls federal protections for child victims and witnesses in court proceedings by expanding definitions of abuse and strengthening rules around protecting personal information. It mandates stricter reporting requirements for online service providers regarding child sexual exploitation material and imposes substantial penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the Act expands civil remedies, allowing victims to sue online platforms directly for damages related to hosting or promoting such content. Finally, it facilitates the payment of restitution to vulnerable victims by allowing for the appointment of trustees to manage those funds.

This resolution formally recognizes the 250th birthday of the United States Army, celebrating its long history of defending the nation since 1775. It honors the valor, dedication, and core values of the soldiers who have served across two and a half centuries. The Senate encourages all Americans to observe this significant anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and programs.

The ABC-ED Act of 2025 aims to improve emergency department efficiency by allowing public health grants to fund real-time hospital bed capacity tracking systems. It also mandates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to pilot programs focused on enhancing emergency care for older adults and those in acute psychiatric crises. Finally, the bill directs a study on best practices for these capacity tracking systems and their impact on emergency wait times.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

The Susan Muffley Act of 2025 mandates that the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) recalculate guaranteed pension benefits for participants in specific, named pension plans. This recalculation ensures beneficiaries receive their full vested plan benefit, ignoring standard federal guarantee limits. The PBGC must issue catch-up lump-sum payments with interest to those previously underpaid. Funding for these increased benefits will be provided through a newly established Treasury trust fund.

This resolution formally declares the nation's foundational belief in the inherent right to life for every human being, including the unborn. It recognizes the Supreme Court's decision to return authority over life protection laws to the people and their elected officials. Furthermore, the bill establishes an annual "Life Month" to commend organizations supporting life and urge lawmakers to enact protections for the unborn.