Legislative Activity

This resolution directs the Secretary of State to provide Congress with a report on El Salvador's human rights practices, focusing on alleged violations like torture, forced disappearances, and denial of due process. It asks for details on U.S. efforts to promote human rights in El Salvador and to ensure that U.S. security assistance does not support activities that violate human rights or lead to the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens or residents. The report should also assess conditions in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) and actions taken to address allegations of human rights abuses against U.S. citizens/residents.

The "Contaminated Wells Relocation Act" enables NASA to enter into agreements with Chincoteague, Virginia, for up to five years to cover expenses related to removing contaminated drinking water wells on NASA property and establishing new wells on town-controlled land. These agreements will detail plans for relocating the remaining three wells, specify new well locations, and estimate relocation costs. NASA is required to submit these agreements to the relevant Senate and House committees within 18 months of the Act's enactment.

The Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025 aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by increasing international collaboration, authorizing sanctions on foreign individuals and vessels involved in IUU fishing or trade in endangered species, and requiring regular reports to Congress on global IUU fishing activities and efforts to address them. The Act empowers the President to impose measures such as blocking property, denying entry to the U.S., and prohibiting access to U.S. ports for those engaged in these illicit activities. It also prioritizes working with allies and international organizations to deploy technology and hold accountable those involved in IUU fishing, with a particular focus on the actions of the People's Republic of China.

The PEER Support Act aims to enhance mental health and substance use disorder recovery support by formally recognizing and supporting peer support specialists. It mandates the Office of Management and Budget to create a specific job category for peer support specialists and establishes an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to promote their training, integration, and professional development. Additionally, the Act requires a report on criminal background checks for peer support specialists, with recommendations to reduce barriers to certification.

The Religious Workforce Protection Act allows religious workers facing delays in their green card process to extend their nonimmigrant R-1 visas while their applications are pending. It also provides job flexibility for these workers and waives the one-year foreign residency requirement for those who had to leave the U.S. due to the R-1 visa's five-year limit. This bill aims to support religious organizations by ensuring they can retain needed personnel without unnecessary immigration hurdles.

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.

The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act mandates the State Department to create a national registry of Korean Americans separated from family in North Korea since the Korean War, to facilitate reunions. It requires the Secretary of State to include family reunion progress in discussions with North Korea and consult with South Korea. Additionally, the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues must report annually on the registry's status, reunion progress, and North Korea's actions regarding family reunions. The bill allocates \$1,000,000 for these activities.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.

The "Expanding Medical Education Act" aims to increase the number of medical and osteopathic medicine schools, especially in underserved areas and at minority-serving institutions, through grants to higher education institutions. These grants will support the establishment, expansion, and improvement of medical education programs, with a focus on recruiting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and developing curriculum relevant to underserved populations. The act requires regular reporting to Congress and the public on the program's impact on healthcare access and workforce development.

The "Safe Schools Improvement Act" aims to prevent bullying and harassment in public schools by requiring states to establish and enforce policies that prohibit bullying and harassment based on various characteristics, including race, sex, disability, and religion. It mandates the collection and reporting of data on bullying incidents and requires biennial evaluations of programs and policies to combat bullying. The Act ensures that schools provide annual notice of prohibited conduct and grievance procedures to students, parents, and educational professionals. This bill seeks to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act authorizes the State Department and USAID to carry out the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative in eligible Caribbean countries. The initiative aims to promote safety, security, and the rule of law; counter transnational crime; advance law enforcement and justice sector capacity; promote crime prevention; strengthen security sector disaster response; combat corruption; counter malign influence; and support effective messaging of U.S. security assistance. It requires the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to submit an implementation plan and annual progress reports to Congress. The Act also promotes natural disaster response and resilience in beneficiary countries through coordination, information sharing, and improved rapid-response mechanisms.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency concerning energy declared by the President in January 2025. The resolution nullifies Executive Order 14156, effectively ending the emergency powers invoked under the National Emergencies Act.

This bill designates the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System to promote awareness of George C. Marshall, Jr.'s historical significance. The George C. Marshall International Center will manage the affiliated area, with the Secretary of the Interior authorized to provide technical and financial assistance. This designation does not grant the Secretary of Interior authority to acquire property or assume financial responsibility for the house's operation.

This resolution expresses the Senate's opposition to deploying U.S. military assets or personnel to "take over" Gaza. It emphasizes the importance of Palestinian self-determination, warns against the negative consequences of U.S. control over Gaza, and highlights public and congressional concerns about unauthorized military action and financial expenditure. The resolution underscores that the U.S. should not use its military or resources to control Gaza.

The "Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act" establishes a Director of Foreign Assistance within the State Department to optimize the impact of foreign assistance by aligning resources with foreign policy goals, measuring effectiveness, and promoting transparency. This director will lead strategic planning, budget processes, and program evaluations, ensuring resources are obligated in a timely manner. The act also affirms USAID's status as an independent agency and emphasizes the importance of congressional oversight in foreign assistance management.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

The "African Diaspora Heritage Month Act of 2025" directs the President to annually proclaim a month as African Diaspora Heritage Month, recognizing the significant contributions and heritage of the approximately 50 million people in the U.S. who are part of the African diaspora. It encourages state and local governments, as well as the people of the United States, to observe the month with relevant programs and activities. The act highlights the economic, cultural, and social impact of the African diaspora, emphasizing their role in shaping government policy and fostering cross-cultural engagement. It also recognizes their commitment to family, community, and work ethic, as well as their right to access Federal resources and participate in civil life.

The "Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act" extends and expands programs aimed at supporting the mental health of healthcare providers. It reauthorizes initiatives that encourage the use of mental health and substance use disorder services by healthcare professionals, and broadens the eligibility for entities receiving funds to include those focused on reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers. The act also extends the program's authorization through 2029.

The "Saving the Civil Service Act" limits the ability of federal agencies to move positions out of the competitive service, ensuring that civil service positions are filled based on merit and qualifications. It restricts the transfer of positions between different types of service, requires employee consent for certain transfers, and mandates reporting to Congress on any changes made. The goal is to prevent political influence over career civil servants and maintain a nonpartisan, professional civil service.