Legislative Activity

The Equality Act comprehensively amends federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across key areas of American life. This legislation expands existing protections in public accommodations, employment, housing, credit access, and jury service. Its purpose is to ensure consistent and clear nationwide enforcement of non-discrimination principles for LGBTQ individuals and women.

The Claiming Age Clarity Act standardizes the terminology used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when discussing retirement ages. This legislation replaces terms like "full retirement age" and "early eligibility age" with clearer, consistent language such as "standard monthly benefit age" and "minimum monthly benefit age." The SSA is mandated to update all official materials to reflect this new terminology by January 1, 2027.

This bill mandates that the Social Security Administration (SSA) implement a new schedule for mailing paper Social Security statements to beneficiaries, beginning no later than January 1, 2027. The frequency of these mailed statements increases with the recipient's age, ensuring regular updates even for those with online accounts. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes necessary appropriations to cover the administrative costs associated with this expanded mailing requirement starting in fiscal year 2026.

The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 establishes the Chesapeake National Recreation Area across Maryland and Virginia to protect and interpret the natural and historical resources of the Chesapeake Bay. The Secretary of the Interior will manage the area, acquiring land only through donation or willing sale, strictly prohibiting eminent domain. The Act also creates a temporary 19-member Advisory Commission to guide management planning and coordinate with existing Bay programs.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 makes the existing adoption tax credit fully refundable, allowing taxpayers to receive the benefit even if they owe no tax. This is achieved by relocating the credit within the tax code and updating related references. The bill also mandates the Treasury Department to issue regulations establishing a standardized third-party affidavit form for verifying adoption expenses. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit for issuers of qualifying municipal bonds used for infrastructure projects. This credit reimburses the issuer for 28% of the interest paid on the bond. While the interest remains tax-exempt for the bondholder, it must be treated as taxable income for the issuer for federal purposes.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of devices or modifications that significantly increase the firing rate of semiautomatic firearms to mimic machinegun function. Existing owners of such modified firearms must register them within 120 days of enactment to maintain lawful possession. This legislation updates federal law by classifying these rate-of-fire-enhancing modifications as regulated items under the National Firearms Act.

The American Family Act fundamentally restructures the Child Tax Credit by replacing the annual lump sum with advance monthly payments for qualifying children. This legislation establishes a new refundable monthly credit of up to $360 per child, alongside a separate $500 non-refundable credit for other dependents. These advance payments are subject to income phase-outs and will reconcile with the final tax return. The old annual Child Tax Credit is terminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act restricts the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill establishes a federal process for determining which specific firearms are banned and makes it illegal to possess magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after the enactment date. Furthermore, it allows states to use federal Byrne grant funds to establish buy-back programs for these prohibited items. Violations of the new prohibitions carry significant fines and potential prison sentences.

The Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025 significantly expands and makes permanent the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without qualifying children by lowering the minimum age, substantially increasing the credit amount, and raising income thresholds. It also allows taxpayers to elect to use higher prior-year earned income to calculate their current EITC benefit. Furthermore, the bill permanently extends current EITC application rules for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It tasks the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) with reviewing state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, taking over administration where state laws fall short. The Act explicitly protects existing labor agreements while prohibiting strikes or lockouts that would endanger public safety services. Finally, it ensures that existing state or local laws providing equal or greater protections are not preempted by this federal minimum standard.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 systematically increases the federal minimum wage to \$17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be indexed to median wage growth. This legislation also phases out the subminimum wage for tipped employees and workers with disabilities, requiring them to eventually earn the standard federal minimum wage. Furthermore, the bill repeals the special minimum wage for workers under 20 once their rate catches up to the standard minimum.

The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to expand dual or concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students. These grants will help colleges partner with local school districts to allow students, particularly those from low-income or rural backgrounds, to earn college credit tuition-free while still in high school. Funds can be used for teacher training, outreach, and ensuring earned credits easily transfer to higher education institutions.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

The Save Our Seafood Act exempts nonimmigrant aliens working as fish processors from the annual numerical cap on H-2B temporary work visas. This change specifically targets workers involved in handling, preparing, freezing, or packing seafood to ensure the industry has access to necessary labor. The bill provides clear definitions for "fish" and "processor" related to this exemption.

The IDEA Full Funding Act mandates specific federal funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs, excluding preschool services, starting in fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and beyond. This legislation establishes a formula that requires the government to allocate the greater of a set dollar amount or a percentage of a calculated amount based on the number of students served and average per-pupil spending. The goal is to significantly increase and stabilize federal contributions to special education services over the next decade.

This Act authorizes the minting and issuance of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins must be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility. The bill also enhances program integrity by dedicating new funding to oversight and establishing educational outreach for providers with unusual billing patterns. Finally, it mandates new resources, training, and public data reporting to ensure the quality and accessibility of virtual care for all beneficiaries.

The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act establishes a new income-contingent student loan repayment plan designed to lower monthly payments based on family size and income relative to the poverty line. This plan offers loan forgiveness after 10 years for undergraduate-only debt or 15 years for debt including graduate loans. Furthermore, the bill eliminates interest accrual that exceeds the borrower's calculated monthly payment.