Legislative Activity

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

This resolution designates March 7, 2025, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" to celebrate the lifelong benefits of speech and debate training. It highlights how these programs foster essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration while recognizing the dedication of educators in preparing students for civic and professional success.

This resolution designates February 15–22, 2025, as "National FFA Week" to celebrate the National FFA Organization’s vital role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. It commemorates the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the FFA’s Federal charter. The bill encourages nationwide participation in honoring the organization's long-standing commitment to leadership, personal growth, and career success.

The "Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude broadband grants from gross income. This exclusion applies to grants from programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and other federal and state broadband initiatives. It prevents grantees from receiving a double benefit by disallowing deductions or credits for expenditures covered by these grants and requires a reduction in the property's adjusted basis by the grant amount. This change is effective for taxable years ending after March 11, 2021.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces who fought in this pivotal World War II engagement. It recognizes the strategic importance of the battle, the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi, and the enduring legacy of those who served. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the strong bond of friendship and reconciliation between the United States and Japan today.

The "Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2025" allows individuals to import prescription drugs from approved Canadian pharmacies under specific conditions, including a valid U.S. prescription and adherence to quality and safety standards. The imported drugs must be for personal use, up to a 90-day supply, and must match the U.S.-approved version in active ingredients, dosage, and strength. Certain types of drugs, like controlled substances and biological products, are excluded from importation. The Secretary will establish and maintain a list of approved Canadian pharmacies that meet strict criteria to ensure drug safety and quality.

The "Equal COLA Act" amends title 5 of the United States Code to equalize cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annuities under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It adjusts FERS annuities annually based on the percentage change in the price index, ensuring parity in COLA benefits for retirees under both systems. This adjustment applies retroactively and prospectively to annuities covered by section 8462.

This bill aims to improve mental health services for veterans by addressing workforce challenges within the VA, enhancing Vet Center infrastructure and outreach, and tailoring programs to better meet the needs of women veterans. It also focuses on suicide prevention, mental health support for veterans with spinal cord injuries, and improved coordination between the VA and DoD for transitioning service members. By expanding grant programs, mandating reports, and updating service delivery models, the legislation seeks to ensure veterans receive comprehensive and accessible mental health care.

The EAGLES Act of 2025 would reauthorize and expand the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) within the Department of Homeland Security. The NTAC would be responsible for training, consultation, research, and information sharing related to threat assessment and targeted violence prevention, with a new focus on school violence prevention. The bill authorizes \$10,000,000 annually from 2026-2030 for these activities and requires a report to Congress on its implementation. The goal of the act is to standardize threat assessments and proactively prevent targeted violence through early intervention and support.

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel that is at least equal to the federal rate provided to government employees. It also mandates that the VA process and pay these mileage allowances within 90 days of receiving a complete and accurate claim. This bill aims to reduce the financial burden on veterans when traveling to receive medical care.

This resolution formally expresses the Senate’s gratitude to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, law enforcement, and all personnel involved in the January 20, 2025, Presidential Inauguration. It commends these groups for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication in ensuring a safe and successful event despite unexpected logistical challenges.

The "Future Logging Careers Act" amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, modifying child labor laws related to logging operations. It defines "logging operation" and "mechanized operation," and it exempts 16 and 17-year-olds working in logging jobs deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor if they are employed by their parent or guardian in a logging operation owned or operated by them.

The "Financing Our Energy Future Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "qualifying income" for publicly traded partnerships involved in green energy projects. This expansion includes income from various renewable energy activities, such as generating and storing power from renewable sources, processing biomass, utilizing carbon capture technologies, and producing renewable chemicals. These changes aim to incentivize investment in and development of green energy technologies by allowing more green energy companies to qualify for PTP status. The amendments will take effect for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Help Our Kelp Act of 2025" establishes a grant program within the Department of Commerce to conserve, restore, and manage kelp forest ecosystems. Grants will be awarded to various entities, including fishing industry members, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes, for projects addressing kelp forest decline and promoting long-term resilience. The federal government can fund up to 85% of project costs, with specific funding set aside for Indian Tribes. The act authorizes \$5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for this program.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" aims to improve access to non-opioid pain management for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2026. It eliminates the standard deductible and places qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs on the lowest cost-sharing tier. The bill also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring quicker access to alternative pain relief options.

This resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the vital role of CTE in preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers. It highlights the importance of workforce training in meeting modern economic needs and encourages educators, parents, and administrators to promote CTE as a valuable and respected educational pathway.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

This comprehensive bill addresses online safety for minors through two main actions: Title I establishes federal restrictions on social media platforms, banning accounts for children under 13 and prohibiting personalized content recommendations for all users under 18. Title II updates existing law to require schools receiving federal subsidies to block student access to social media platforms while using school resources. Overall, the legislation aims to fundamentally change how minors interact with social media both at home and in educational settings.

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conduct periodic reviews of the maximum coverage amounts for Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. Beginning in 2026, these reviews must occur every five years to compare current coverage against inflation-adjusted benchmarks. The findings will be reported to Congress to help ensure that life insurance benefits remain aligned with economic changes for military families.