Legislative Activity

This resolution condemns the widespread persecution and discrimination faced by Christians in numerous Muslim-majority countries, citing specific examples of violence and severe restrictions. It strongly encourages the President to make the protection of these persecuted Christian communities a central priority in all United States foreign policy. The bill urges the use of diplomatic tools to advocate for religious freedom for Christians globally.

The AI Accountability and Personal Data Protection Act establishes a federal right for individuals to sue entities that misuse their "covered data" without explicit, prior consent. This legislation defines key terms related to AI systems and personal information, setting a minimum standard of protection that does not override stronger existing state laws. Successful plaintiffs can recover actual damages, treble profits, or a minimum of \$1,000, and any pre-dispute arbitration clauses related to claims under this Act are void.

The Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act repeals previous changes to state authority regarding Medicaid provider taxes and directed payments. The bill also significantly increases funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program by dedicating $\$10$ billion annually for five fiscal years. This legislation aims to restore prior Medicaid rules while bolstering financial support for rural healthcare initiatives.

This Act prohibits entities connected to the People's Republic of China from acquiring or leasing U.S. agricultural land and mandates the divestment of any existing holdings. It also imposes a temporary ban on covered foreign entities purchasing residential real estate for two years. The legislation establishes strict penalties, including daily fines and potential land forfeiture, for non-compliance. Finally, it requires the creation of new enforcement offices within the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce.

This Act establishes enhanced, mandatory prison sentences for individuals who use open flames or incendiary devices, including burning the U.S. flag, while committing specified federal crimes. The purpose is to increase penalties for actions that endanger public safety or government property during the commission of a felony. This new penalty is separate from the punishment for the underlying crime and does not apply to constitutionally protected speech.

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.

The Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2025 immediately raises the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting the year after enactment. Subsequently, the minimum wage will be automatically adjusted each year based on the preceding 12-month increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). All provisions of the Act will take effect on January 1st of the year following its passage into law.

This resolution formally honors the lives and dedicated missionary service of Natalie and Davy Lloyd, who were tragically killed while serving in Haiti. It expresses the deepest condolences of the Senate to their family and friends. The measure recognizes their commitment to serving God and the Haitian community, particularly through their work with children.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025 extends critical support for law enforcement officers. This bill reauthorizes a vital program designed to provide necessary treatment and support services. Specifically, it renews the program's authorization from 2025 through 2029.

The No Handouts for Drug Advertisements Act disallows federal income tax deductions for direct-to-consumer advertising expenses related to certain prescription drugs and compounded medications. This change specifically targets promotional costs aimed at the general public, excluding advertisements in professional medical journals. The legislation aims to alter the financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies regarding broad public marketing.

The No Regional Transportation Optimization Act (No RTO Act) prohibits the United States Postal Service (USPS) from implementing its Regional Transportation Optimization initiative if the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) formally determines that the plan will negatively impact rural communities. This measure ensures that rural areas are protected from potentially harmful changes to USPS transportation planning.

This bill, the Restoring Safeguards for Dangerous Abortion Drugs Act, mandates the immediate reinstatement of the 2011 Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for the abortion drug mifepristone. It also establishes a new federal cause of action allowing individuals to sue entities that illegally import or transport the drug if they suffer harm from its use. Furthermore, the Act explicitly bans the importation of mifepristone into the United States.

The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act establishes a system to cap the U.S. retail list price for prescription drugs and biological products. This cap is set at no more than the average retail list price of that item across six wealthy nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Manufacturers charging above this international ceiling will face steep financial penalties calculated as ten times the overcharge amount per unit sold. The Secretary of HHS is tasked with calculating the international average price annually and implementing the necessary regulations.

The Restoring Fort Leonard Wood Act of 2025 authorizes $700 million for the replacement of 1,142 existing military family housing units at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This legislation directs the Secretary of the Army to execute necessary construction projects to upgrade family accommodations at the installation.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 aims to restrict the power of U.S. District Courts to issue broad nationwide injunctions. This legislation mandates that any order for injunctive relief must be narrowly tailored, applying only to the specific parties involved in the lawsuit or limited to the geographic boundaries of the judicial district where the court sits. The goal is to prevent federal courts from issuing sweeping orders that affect the entire nation.

The No Tax On Overtime Act of 2025 aims to boost worker take-home pay by making certain overtime compensation tax-free. This legislation amends federal tax law to exclude overtime wages earned from mandatory extra hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act from an individual's gross income. These changes will take effect immediately upon the Act's enactment.

The Preventing Child Labor Exploitation in Federal Contracting Act aims to strengthen accountability by requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to certify annually that they have not violated child labor laws. The bill increases civil penalties for child labor violations, mandates training for relevant federal staff, and requires the GAO to study contractor compliance. Companies found in violation and failing to implement corrective actions may be suspended from receiving federal contracts for at least four years.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to significantly speed up the process for newly unionized employees to secure their first collective bargaining agreement. It establishes mandatory timelines for negotiations, requiring mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration if a deal is not reached within a set period. This legislation is designed to prevent lengthy delays that often undermine the unionization process.

The "Time to Choose Act of 2025" prohibits federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms that simultaneously work for certain foreign entities, such as the governments of China and Russia, or face penalties. It requires firms bidding on federal contracts to certify they do not have consulting contracts with these "covered foreign entities," with exceptions allowed under national security interests. The Act also outlines penalties for firms providing false information about their foreign contracts, including contract termination and False Claims Act liabilities. This law aims to address conflicts of interest where firms may be undermining U.S. security while contracting with U.S. agencies.