Legislative Activity

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.

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.

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.

The "Safeguarding Charity Act" clarifies that federal tax exemptions for certain organizations, such as charities, are not considered federal financial assistance unless explicitly stated in law or regulation. This ensures that these organizations are not unintentionally subjected to additional regulations or requirements associated with federal financial assistance. The Act aims to provide clarity and stability to the non-profit sector by defining the scope of federal financial assistance.

The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 makes the adoption tax credit refundable, allowing more families to benefit from it regardless of their tax liability. It also streamlines the process for verifying legal adoptions through standardized affidavits. These changes apply to taxable years after December 31, 2024, with provisions to carry forward any excess credit from the previous year.

The REPAIR Act ensures vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to necessary data, tools, and parts to repair vehicles, promoting competition in the repair market. It prohibits manufacturers from limiting access to vehicle-generated data and critical repair information and establishes a committee to assess barriers to competitive vehicle repair. The Act directs the FTC and NHTSA to create regulations protecting consumer access to data and informing owners of their rights. It also establishes a complaint system and requires regular reports to Congress on enforcement and adaptation to technological changes.

The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2025 aims to improve financial recoveries for employees and retirees during company bankruptcy proceedings by prioritizing wage claims and protecting retirement savings. The bill modifies bankruptcy code to require good-faith negotiation between the trustee and labor organization, prioritize job preservation, and safeguard earned benefits during corporate restructurings. It also restricts excessive executive compensation and benefits, especially in cases where companies are facing bankruptcy. Additionally, the bill protects the rights of labor organizations and collective bargaining agreements during bankruptcy proceedings.

The "Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act" aims to increase transparency in higher education by amending disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts. It mandates institutions to report gifts or contracts from foreign sources to the Secretary of Education, who then transmits these reports to the FBI and Director of National Intelligence. The threshold for reporting is set at $250,000 for sources not associated with a covered nation, while any amount from a covered nation must be reported. The Act also requires the Secretary to transmit all past and present records related to Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the FBI and Director of National Intelligence.

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.

The "Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes and modifies the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program to reduce violent crime by allowing grant funds to be used for hiring crime analysts, covering overtime costs, and acquiring technology. It also requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Judiciary Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives detailing how the funds were spent, the community outreach efforts undertaken, and the number and description of violent crimes committed. Additionally, the bill includes support for multi-jurisdictional task forces and is also known as the Officer Ella Grace French and Sergeant Jim Smith Task Force Support Act of 2025. Finally, the bill extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The "Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act" prohibits the distribution of materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media that relates to candidates for Federal office to influence an election or solicit funds. It allows candidates depicted in such media to seek injunctive relief and damages, while providing exemptions for news outlets and satire. The bill requires clear and convincing evidence for violations and ensures severability of its provisions.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The College Employment Accountability Act aims to ensure that institutions of higher education do not employ unauthorized aliens. It mandates that these institutions participate in the E-Verify Program and makes them ineligible for federal student and institutional aid if they violate employment laws related to unauthorized aliens. The Department of Homeland Security will monitor institutions' compliance and notify the Department of Education of any violations.

The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act establishes a dedicated fund within the U.S. Treasury for the Southwestern Power Administration, consolidating receipts and unexpended balances from existing funds. This fund will support the operation, maintenance, and expansion of power transmission facilities, as well as administrative expenses. Excess funds will be transferred annually to the U.S. Treasury. The Act also repeals outdated provisions and updates language in previous appropriations acts to align with the new fund structure.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The "Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025" prohibits the federal government from conducting, funding, or supporting research using human fetal tissue obtained from induced abortions. It allows for research on fetal tissue from miscarriages or stillbirths and promotes the development of alternative cell lines. The bill also prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of fetal tissue donations from induced abortions.

The "End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act of 2025" prohibits the use of federal funds for gender transition procedures and health benefits coverage that includes such procedures, while allowing individuals and entities to purchase separate coverage with non-federal funds. It clarifies that premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act cannot be used for health plans covering gender transition procedures. The bill defines key terms like "gender transition procedure" and provides specific exclusions, such as treatments for verifiable disorders of sex development or procedures necessary to prevent imminent death. This act aims to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund gender transition interventions, while not restricting access to these procedures when paid for with non-federal funds.

The GUARD Act prohibits states from receiving funding under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act if they discriminate against parents or guardians who oppose medical interventions or social changes related to a minor's gender identity that they believe is inconsistent with the minor's biological sex at birth. It allows parents or guardians who experience such discrimination to sue the Department of Health and Human Services.

This bill amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, requiring lobbyists to disclose any foreign government or political party that directs, plans, supervises, or controls their lobbying activities. This disclosure is required even if the foreign entity is not the lobbyist's direct client. The bill is named the "Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act."

The First Responders Wellness Act aims to improve mental health support for first responders by establishing a national hotline providing peer support, crisis intervention, and referrals for mental health and substance use issues. It also expands crisis counseling and training to emergency responders during major disasters and requires a report on best practices for on-site mobile healthcare services for responders during national disasters.