Legislative Activity

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to bolster organic agriculture by expanding research initiatives, providing grants for transitioning to organic practices, and enhancing data collection on organic production and markets. It establishes a coordinated research initiative across agricultural agencies, extends funding for organic research and extension programs, and promotes research into the economic and environmental impacts of organic farming. The act also supports partnerships with various educational institutions and prioritizes projects involving on-farm research and traditional ecological knowledge.

This resolution recognizes the importance of the Arctic Council for international cooperation, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the Arctic region. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to the council and its work while addressing the impacts of climate change, geopolitical shifts, and increased strategic competition in the Arctic. The resolution supports enhanced collaboration within the council, increased U.S. investment in Arctic affairs, and the prioritization of peace, security, and environmental protection in the region. It also emphasizes the need for a U.S. Arctic Ambassador-at-Large to lead Arctic diplomacy.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to improve collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring. It includes adding definitions for "Indian Tribe" and "Native Hawaiian organization," and it mandates engagement with affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, community acidification networks, and Indigenous knowledge groups. The act also requires the inclusion of representatives from Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in advisory boards and emphasizes collaboration with these groups in vulnerability assessments and research planning. Additionally, the bill prioritizes the use of NOAA resources for underserved populations and makes several technical corrections to the original act.

The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 aims to foster sustainable growth in the "Blue Economy" by designating and supporting Ocean Innovation Clusters. These clusters, composed of diverse stakeholders, will promote collaboration, innovation, and economic development related to oceans and Great Lakes resources. The Act directs federal agencies to support these clusters through partnership managers, technical knowledge exchange, and measurement of their economic impact. Additionally, it establishes a grant program to fund the operation and administration of Ocean Innovation Clusters, with the goal of creating self-sustaining entities that drive regional economic benefits.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of devices that convert semiautomatic firearms into machine guns. It requires individuals who legally owned modified firearms before the enactment of the BUMP Act to register them. The act amends both title 18 of the U.S. Code and the Internal Revenue Code to include these devices under the regulatory scope of machine guns.

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act amends Title 18 to restrict the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of specific gas-operated semi-automatic firearms, devices that increase a firearm's rate of fire, and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (over 10 rounds). The bill provides exceptions for governmental use, certain transfers to family members, and firearms lawfully possessed before enactment, and it allows Byrne grants to be used for buy-back programs for gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. It also tasks the Attorney General and ATF with publishing a list of prohibited firearms, reviewing applications for new firearms, and establishing a Firearm Safety Trust Fund to cover associated costs. Finally, the bill establishes penalties for violations of the Act.

The "Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies Act of 2025" aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid by incentivizing the use of grid-enhancing technologies. It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish a "shared savings incentive" that returns a portion of the savings from these technologies to project developers. The Act also requires transmission operators to report congestion-related costs and directs the Department of Energy to create an application guide and provide technical assistance for deploying these technologies. Finally, the Act mandates the creation of a public congestion cost map to identify areas needing grid improvements.

This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act, giving states more control over which contaminants trigger a response. It broadens eligibility for EPA grants, prioritizing aid for disadvantaged communities, small communities lacking financial capacity, and owners of private wells. These changes aim to improve states' ability to respond to contaminants in drinking water.

The "Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act" amends the tax code to include certain travel trailers and campers in the definition of "floor plan financing." This change allows businesses that finance these types of vehicles to deduct interest expenses, similar to how they do for other types of vehicles. This applies to trailers and campers designed for temporary living during recreational, camping, or seasonal use, and is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

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 "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" allows above-the-line tax deductions for union dues and other employee-related business expenses. This amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure these deductions are not subject to certain limitations, providing tax relief for workers. These changes will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Protecting American Households From Rising Energy Costs Act of 2025" prohibits the export and resale of liquefied natural gas and petroleum products to entities operating in or controlled by China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, with penalties for violations. The Secretary of Energy may waive these prohibitions in the event of a national security emergency.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14193, which imposed duties on goods imported from Canada. The resolution ends the emergency declaration made under the authority of the National Emergencies Act.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.

The "Defending Americas Future Elections Act" repeals Executive Order 14248, which is related to preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections. It prevents the executive order's implementation and restricts the use of federal funds to access state voter registration and election-related records. This act reinforces that Congress and the States have authority over elections, not the President.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

The "Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025" aims to retain foreign students with advanced STEM degrees in the U.S. by streamlining the visa application process and creating a pathway to lawful permanent residency for those with job offers in related fields. It mandates stricter verification and reporting for STEM student visas while also allowing STEM graduates with advanced degrees and qualifying job offers to apply for permanent residency, including their spouses and children. The act also permits foreign STEM students to obtain or extend their student visas even if they intend to seek permanent residency.

This resolution designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to highlight the importance of local news in American democracy. It recognizes the decline of local news outlets and the negative impact this has on informed citizens and communities. The resolution acknowledges local journalism as a public good and affirms its valuable contributions.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 ensures the Department of Agriculture honors existing agreements with farmers and related entities by releasing committed funding and settling outstanding debts. It prevents the cancellation of contracts unless there is a violation and requires a 60-day notice to Congress before closing any Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development Service Center office.