Legislative Activity

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees, contractors, and service members affected by a government funding lapse starting October 1, 2025, receive retroactive back pay for the period they worked without funding. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from initiating permanent staffing reductions or furloughs during such a lapse. These provisions are designed to provide financial security and stability to essential government personnel during periods of lapsed appropriations.

The Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 updates existing water research law to explicitly include the artificial intelligence industry in federal water research initiatives. The bill authorizes $16 million annually through 2029 for Water Resources Research Institutes. Furthermore, it mandates that 20% of these funds must be dedicated to research addressing water problems that cross state boundaries.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, honoring its long history since the Continental Navy. It expresses deep appreciation for the courage and service of all Navy personnel, past and present, who have defended the nation. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian aid, and technological advancement.

This resolution designates September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid program. The program provides crucial financial assistance to local school districts that educate students living on or whose parents work on federal property. This recognition highlights the federal government's ongoing commitment to ensuring quality education in these uniquely impacted communities.

The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 ensures federal agencies compensate contractors for employee costs incurred due to government funding lapses or shutdowns. This act mandates contract price adjustments to cover reasonable expenses for furloughed or impacted contractor employees, up to a specified weekly limit. The law also provides necessary appropriations to cover these adjustments and requires public reporting on the compensation provided.

The Small Communities Transit Improvement Act increases the dedicated federal transit funding share for small cities with high transit usage from 3% to 5%. This change adjusts the formula for distributing public transportation grants to better support these transit-dependent communities.

This resolution officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It celebrates the immense and vital contributions of Latinos to the United States across culture, the economy, and civic life. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities honoring this heritage.

The Pray Safe Act of 2025 establishes a Federal Clearinghouse within the Department of Homeland Security to share evidence-based best practices for the safety and security of nonprofit organizations and houses of worship. This Clearinghouse will also serve as a central resource for identifying and accessing relevant federal security grant opportunities. The Act mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congress on existing federal security funding for these organizations. This entire Act is set to expire four years after its enactment.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "National Truck Driver Appreciation Week." It serves to recognize the vital role of the nation's 3.5 million truck drivers who move the vast majority of American freight. The bill honors their dedication and essential contributions to the economy, supply chain, and national security without enacting new laws or programs.

The CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act establishes a federal grant program to help student parents remain in college by making childcare accessible. The Secretary of Education can award five-year grants to eligible colleges and universities to provide on-campus or subsidized childcare services to student parents who qualify for Pell Grants. Grantees must ensure the funded programs meet specific quality benchmarks within three years and report annually on student outcomes. The Act authorizes $500 million annually for this program from Fiscal Years 2026 through 2031.

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the national understanding and prevention of stillbirths. It authorizes federal grants to help states enhance stillbirth surveillance, data collection, and analysis, ensuring all collected data remains de-identified. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of clear federal guidelines for standardized data collection and the development of public educational materials regarding stillbirth risk factors.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act nullifies two specific Executive Orders related to federal labor-management programs and prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce them. Furthermore, the Act ensures that all existing collective bargaining agreements between the federal government and labor organizations remain fully in effect until their original expiration dates. This legislation solidifies current federal union contracts while removing the authority of the voided orders.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to grant Congress and the states clear authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. It explicitly allows for setting reasonable spending limits and establishing public financing systems for political campaigns. The amendment also permits banning spending by corporations and other legal entities while safeguarding the freedom of the press.

The Stop CMV Act of 2025 establishes a framework for voluntary newborn screening for congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) across the United States. It tasks states with developing testing procedures, while authorizing federal funding through HRSA grants to support implementation and CDC grants for data collection and education. The bill also directs the NIH to expand research into CMV screening, prevention, and treatment.

The Child Care Modernization Act of 2025 aims to significantly update federal child care funding by increasing state flexibility, broadening eligibility for assistance, and strengthening workforce support. The bill mandates that states develop plans ensuring child care payment rates cover actual costs, determined by new cost estimation models. Furthermore, it establishes new grant programs to fund the startup, expansion, and physical improvement of child care facilities.

This resolution expresses support for designating November 16, 2025, as "National Warrior Call Day" to combat isolation and suicide among service members and veterans. It encourages all Americans to reach out and connect with those who have served to strengthen vital support structures. The day aims to foster peer-to-peer connection as a critical step in addressing the mental health challenges faced by our military community.

This resolution formally condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honors his life and legacy as a devoted husband, father, and founder of Turning Point USA. It recognizes his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses across the nation. The Senate also extends its deepest sympathies to his surviving family.

The FAMILY Act establishes the Family and Medical Insurance Leave program, creating a new office within the Social Security Administration to manage paid benefits for qualified caregiving and serious health conditions. This law outlines eligibility requirements, a tiered formula for calculating monthly benefit payments, and protections against employer retaliation for taking leave. The Act also provides funding mechanisms for states that already have similar paid leave programs in place.

The Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025 establishes advance funding mechanisms for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and the Indian Health Service (IHS), beginning in fiscal year 2026. This legislation requires these agencies to provide Congress with detailed budget estimates looking one year ahead of the proposed budget year. Additionally, the bill mandates annual consultation with Tribal nations and reporting on resource sufficiency for the upcoming fiscal year.