Legislative Activity

This resolution observes the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, recognizing the devastating impact the storm had on the Gulf Coast region. It highlights the immense human and infrastructure toll caused by the disaster while commending the extraordinary recovery and rebuilding efforts undertaken since 2005. Ultimately, the resolution reaffirms the commitment to the continued restoration and prosperity of the affected communities.

This bill provides the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and detailed spending directives for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with several related agencies. It allocates substantial funding for infrastructure, public transit, rental assistance, and homelessness programs while imposing strict administrative controls and reporting requirements on agency leadership. The legislation also includes numerous specific provisions governing program management, oversight, and restrictions on how federal funds can be utilized.

The Habitat Enhancement Now Act establishes two new competitive grant programs managed by the Secretary of the Interior to support migratory waterfowl populations. One program focuses on funding the construction and maintenance of "hen houses" to boost nesting success in the Prairie Pothole Region. The second program aims to improve breeding habitat, such as nesting cover and brood ponds, specifically within California. Annual funding of \$3.5 million is set aside for each of these two distinct grant programs through fiscal year 2030.

The IDeA Reauthorization Act of 2025 officially names and updates the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program to support biomedical and behavioral research institutions in states lagging in NIH funding. This legislation mandates increased transparency by requiring the NIH to publicly report annually on the program's strategy, awards, and impact on research quality and workforce development. The bill also clarifies eligibility criteria based on state-level NIH funding levels.

The Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act introduces a new energy-efficient home improvement tax credit for qualifying expenditures on U.S.-grown and processed hardwood materials like flooring and millwork. This bill also extends the availability of this new credit through 2035. Additionally, it terminates the temporarily increased tax credit for carbon oxide sequestration for projects beginning construction after the Act's enactment.

The HERITAGE Act significantly increases the maximum reduction in the fair market value of certain actively farmed rural land for estate tax purposes, raising the limit from $\$750,000$ to $\$15,000,000$. This change only applies to estates of individuals who pass away after the Act is enacted. The bill also makes necessary technical updates to ensure consistent application of the new valuation limits within the tax code.

The RESTORE Act aims to improve reproductive health outcomes by promoting restorative reproductive medicine and fertility education as alternatives to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). It mandates federal reviews of current infertility standards of care, expands research into conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, and protects healthcare providers who object to participating in ART. Furthermore, the bill seeks to modernize medical coding and reimbursement to better support providers offering comprehensive, restorative treatments.

The Buying American Cotton Act of 2025 establishes a new tax credit to incentivize businesses to use cotton grown in the United States. This Domestic Cotton Consumption Credit is calculated based on the amount of qualified U.S. cotton in an eligible product sold, factoring in processing location and market price. The bill mandates strict digital tracing requirements to prove the origin of the cotton throughout the supply chain. Special enhanced credit multipliers are available for businesses that elect to claim the credit separately for qualified U.S. cotton yarn or fabric components.

The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act mandates that essential health benefits under the ACA must comprehensively cover prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum care. This legislation explicitly bans all cost-sharing, such as deductibles or copayments, for these critical maternal and newborn health services. The coverage requirements are expanded to include screenings like ultrasounds and services related to pregnancy loss. Furthermore, non-birth parents are entitled to related behavioral health services for one year following the child's birth.

The Rural Health Sustainability Act of 2025 updates the criteria for hospitals seeking the Rural Emergency Hospital designation under Medicare. This bill retroactively adjusts the eligibility review date to January 1, 2014, and adds a new pathway for designation based on certification by the Office of Rural Health Policy. This aims to broaden access to this critical designation for eligible rural facilities.

The Save Healthcare Workers Act establishes new federal penalties for knowingly attacking hospital personnel while they are performing their duties. This legislation increases prison time and fines for assaults involving weapons or serious injury, and mandates a GAO study to review the law's impact on workplace violence and federal prosecution rates. The goal is to enhance the safety and security of healthcare providers across the nation.

This resolution formally recognizes the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and celebrates the city's profound historical significance. It highlights Vicksburg's crucial role in the Civil War, its unique contributions to American commerce and culture, and its ongoing importance today. The Senate encourages national recognition of the city throughout its bicentennial year.

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 Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025 prohibits all federal funding and support for research utilizing human fetal tissue obtained as a result of an induced abortion. The bill restricts federal agencies to only conducting or supporting research using tissue obtained after a miscarriage or stillbirth, subject to new regulations. Furthermore, it makes it illegal for individuals to solicit or knowingly accept donations of human fetal tissue obtained pursuant to an induced abortion.

The "Safer Shrimp Imports Act" aims to ensure the safety of shrimp imported into the United States by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create agreements with foreign governments that have shrimp facilities registered for U.S. consumption. Beginning one year after enactment, shrimp will be denied entry into the U.S. from countries without agreements or whose food inspection systems do not meet FDA standards. The Act also mandates that foreign governments provide information on their food inspection systems and requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation of these amendments.

The "Respect State Housing Laws Act" repeals a provision in the CARES Act that restricted states' abilities to enforce their own eviction moratoriums. This change clarifies that state laws regarding evictions should be respected.

The "Rural Health Focus Act" establishes an Office of Rural Health within the CDC to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities. This office will conduct research, develop programs, and provide grants to improve health outcomes and access to care in rural areas. The office will also work with other federal agencies to coordinate rural health initiatives and avoid duplication of effort.

The Saving American Workers’ Benefits Act of 2025 tightens eligibility requirements for the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit by mandating that taxpayers and qualifying children provide Social Security numbers that verify U.S. work authorization. Additionally, the bill grants the IRS expanded authority to summarily deny or adjust claims that fail to meet these identification standards. These changes take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This resolution honors Mississippi's Gestational Age Act and Representative Becky Currie's role in the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. It recognizes the decision to return the authority to regulate abortion to the states and expresses gratitude to states enacting laws to protect mothers and unborn children.

The Promoting New Bank Formation Act of 2025 aims to revitalize the banking industry and expand financial access in underserved rural and urban communities. The bill encourages the creation of new banks by easing initial capital requirements, streamlining business plan modifications, and expanding agricultural lending authority for federal savings associations. Additionally, it mandates a federal study to identify barriers to new bank formation and develop strategies to promote growth in underserved areas.