Legislative Activity

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 "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 "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 "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 "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 "Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act" enhances the existing paid family and medical leave credit by allowing the credit to be calculated based on wages paid or total premiums paid for qualifying insurance policies. It modifies eligibility criteria for both employers and employees, and requires outreach programs to increase awareness of the credit. This bill also ensures that employers cannot deduct the portion of paid premiums equal to the credit amount.

The JOBS Act of 2025 expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to include students enrolled in high-quality, short-term career and technical education programs. By supporting training that leads to industry-recognized credentials, the bill aims to better align postsecondary education with the needs of high-demand job sectors. Additionally, the legislation lowers the minimum Pell Grant threshold to increase financial aid accessibility for students pursuing these career-focused pathways.

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.

This resolution designates January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month" to celebrate the vital role mentors play in fostering youth development and community strength. It highlights the academic, social, and career benefits of mentoring while calling for increased collaboration to expand access to these life-changing relationships. By promoting quality mentoring programs, the bill aims to close the national mentoring gap and ensure more young people have the guidance needed to reach their full potential.

The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act, or NO BAN Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination based on religion and national origin in nonimmigrant visas and immigration benefits. It limits the President's authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens, requiring specific justification, narrow tailoring, and congressional consultation. The Act also mandates reports on visa applicants and the impact of any suspensions or restrictions. Finally, it allows affected parties to sue the government if these regulations are not followed.

This resolution affirms that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is vital to advancing American national security interests. It highlights the agency's role in promoting global stability, mitigating foreign threats, and maintaining U.S. leadership in an era of strategic competition.

This resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the vital role school counselors play in students' academic, social, and emotional development. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges students face and the importance of adequately supporting school counseling programs. The resolution encourages Americans to participate in events that highlight the importance of school counselors in helping students succeed.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests starting in 2028. This legislation establishes a formal coverage and payment framework for these innovative blood-based tests while ensuring they complement, rather than replace, existing cancer screening protocols.

The Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 authorizes the posthumous awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his lifelong dedication to civil rights, justice, and equality. This legislation honors his legacy as a champion for constitutional guarantees and his courageous stand against the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.