Legislative Activity

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 Innovative FEED Act of 2025 establishes a new regulatory category for "zootechnical animal food substances" intended to modify digestion or reduce foodborne pathogens in food animals, while explicitly excluding substances intended to treat disease. These substances are still regulated as food additives requiring FDA approval based on demonstrated efficacy and safety. The bill mandates specific labeling requirements to clarify that these products are not intended as animal drugs.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.

This resolution recognizes National Foster Care Month to highlight the challenges faced by children in the foster care system and encourages Congress to implement policies that improve their lives. It reaffirms the commitment to supporting prevention, reunification, adoption, and successful transitions for youth aging out of care. The resolution also specifically honors the resilience of foster youth and the dedication of foster parents, advocates, and child welfare workers.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves critical federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation specifically reauthorizes key demonstration projects through 2030 and broadens the scope of services these grants can cover. Updates now explicitly allow funding for substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery support and reentry housing services. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal investment in evidence-based reentry initiatives through the end of the decade.

This Act mandates the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history across federally supported K-12 American history and civics education programs. It recognizes the significant, yet often erased, contributions and historical injustices faced by AAPI communities, including discriminatory immigration laws and internment. The legislation specifically updates federal education authorizations to ensure AAPI history is explicitly taught and partners the Presidential and Congressional Academies with the Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center.

The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act amends federal highway funding rules to allow states to use funds for installing human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops. The bill also modifies the Department of Transportation's advisory committee on human trafficking by increasing its membership and adding a required representative from State departments of transportation. This legislation aims to enhance public awareness and coordination regarding human trafficking within the transportation sector.

This resolution affirms that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental American values necessary to address persistent discrimination. It highlights widespread disparities across housing, employment, education, and healthcare affecting marginalized groups. The bill encourages all sectors of society to adopt policies that promote DEIA to ensure equal opportunity and strengthen the nation.

The GRAIN DRY Act updates federal loan programs to specifically allow agricultural producers to access funds for building or improving storage facilities for propane. These loans must be used for propane primarily intended for agricultural production purposes. This ensures infrastructure funding directly supports farming operations.

This resolution reaffirms the deep and steadfast partnership between the United States and Canada, recognizing its critical importance to both nations' economic prosperity and national security. It highlights the massive trade volume, integrated supply chains, and shared commitment to continental defense and energy independence. The bill emphasizes strengthening cooperation across security, technology, and environmental stewardship while ensuring the border remains secure for vital commerce. Ultimately, this is a strong statement of commitment to maintaining and deepening the essential U.S.-Canada relationship.

This resolution strongly condemns the Russian Federation for the abduction, forced transfer, and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. It asserts that the return of all abducted children must be a prerequisite before finalizing any peace agreement to end the war. The bill highlights Russia's intent to erase Ukrainian identity through forced adoption and citizenship changes, actions deemed violations of international law and potential war crimes.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to modernize and increase transparency in the prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and requires plans to publicly report detailed data on their approval, denial, and appeal rates. Furthermore, it establishes new standards to protect enrollees and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timelines for care requests.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a formal, publicly accessible code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices and creates a judicial investigation panel to handle related ethics complaints. The bill also mandates stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and income received by Justices, and significantly expands the circumstances under which a federal judge must recuse themselves due to financial ties or lobbying influence. Finally, it institutes new disclosure rules for parties and *amici curiae* in cases before the Court, alongside studies to monitor judicial compliance.

The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act expands who can certify the medical necessity for Medicare coverage of diabetic shoes. This bill allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to sign the required documentation, in addition to physicians. This change aims to improve access to necessary footwear for individuals with diabetes.

This resolution supports designating May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." It aims to raise awareness about the significant mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high rates of suicide. The day seeks to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support within the agricultural industry.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes new federal crimes for the intentional sharing of nonconsensual intimate images, including realistic AI-generated deepfakes, with enhanced penalties for content involving minors. It mandates that online platforms create clear reporting systems and remove reported nonconsensual intimate content within 48 hours. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce these notice and removal requirements against covered platforms.

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 Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025 updates federal law to specifically address the dangers first responders face from substances like fentanyl. This legislation ensures federal funding is available to states and agencies for purchasing necessary protective equipment and providing specialized training on handling dangerous drugs safely. The goal is to equip first responders with the tools needed to prevent accidental secondary exposure while on duty.

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act aims to improve mental health care for seniors in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This bill revises Medicare payment rules to allow clinical social workers to provide and bill for a broader range of diagnostic and treatment services for mental illnesses within these facilities. These changes will take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2026.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital roles and significant contributions of teachers across the United States in strengthening the nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being. It specifically designates National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5–9, 2025, to raise public awareness and encourage greater respect for the teaching profession. Ultimately, this measure serves as a formal expression of gratitude from Congress to educators nationwide.