Legislative Activity

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

The Insurance Data Protection Act aims to protect the confidentiality of insurance companies' data by limiting the subpoena power of the Office of Financial Research and ensuring that financial regulators coordinate with other agencies before collecting data from insurance companies. It facilitates the sharing of non-public information among federal and state agencies and insurance regulators while maintaining confidentiality and legal privileges. The act also clarifies that existing agency disclosure requirements apply to data submitted to financial regulators.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the enforcement of animal welfare regulations by clarifying definitions, prohibiting unlicensed dealers, and increasing penalties for violations. It empowers the Attorney General to take civil action, seize animals, and seek warrants for enforcement, while also ensuring that penalties and fines can cover the costs of animal care during legal proceedings. The Act mandates collaboration between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to share information on repeat offenders. Ultimately, this bill seeks to ensure that federal courts have jurisdiction over Animal Welfare Act violations.

This resolution designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week" to recognize the importance of national parks for recreation, education, and economic contributions. It encourages people to visit and support these parks while acknowledging the role of the National Park Service in protecting these resources for future generations.

The SAFE Act mandates that companies disclose any financial support received from the Chinese government, including details about the conditions and any ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This includes disclosing any Chinese Communist Party committees within the company and information about officers or directors with connections to the Chinese government or party. The SEC must update its rules to reflect these changes within 180 days.

The "Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025" mandates that detention agencies promptly notify the next of kin or emergency contact when an individual in their custody dies, becomes seriously ill, or is seriously injured. It requires the Attorney General to establish policies for federal detention agencies and to develop model policies for state, local, and tribal agencies, including best practices for collecting emergency contact information, timely notifications, and compassionate communication. The Act emphasizes the importance of upholding the dignity of incarcerated individuals and supporting their families during difficult times, but does not create legal obligations for emergency contacts or establish a private right of action.

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.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The specific rule being targeted is the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation, Waiver of Preemption." This action effectively blocks California's ability to implement these stricter pollution standards.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

The "Save Our Seafood Act" exempts certain fish processing workers from the numerical limitations on H2B nonimmigrant visas, facilitating the employment of foreign workers in the U.S. seafood processing industry. This exemption applies specifically to positions such as fish roe processors, technicians, and supervisors. The Act defines "fish" broadly to include various types of aquatic life, while clarifying who qualifies as a "processor" under this legislation.

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.

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 "FISCAL Act" amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, requiring schools to offer a variety of milk options, including both fluid and plant-based milk, in school lunch programs. Plant-based milk must meet USDA nutritional standards or those set by the Secretary if USDA guidelines don't apply. The bill updates references to milk throughout the Act to reflect these changes.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 limits the scope of court-ordered relief, such as injunctions and declaratory judgements, to only the parties directly involved in a case. It modifies the rules for temporary restraining orders and clarifies the scope of judicial review. The act ensures that courts cannot grant relief to non-parties unless those parties are represented.

The "Coordinated Support for Rural Small Businesses Act" establishes an Office of Rural Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA), led by an Assistant Administrator, to focus on supporting rural small businesses. This office will coordinate with the Department of Agriculture, host outreach events, advise on policies, and improve awareness of available programs. The SBA Administrator must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the Office's activities and its impact on rural businesses.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The "Safeguarding Medicaid Act" mandates asset verification for all Medicaid applicants and recipients nationwide, requiring states to implement electronic asset verification programs and report data to the federal government. It requires states to apply a resources eligibility test to determine if an individual qualifies for Medicaid based on their assets, ensuring that those with excessive resources are not eligible, with the state determining the maximum resource amount allowed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must establish a federal tracking system to monitor savings resulting from asset verification, and states must report detailed eligibility and renewal data. Non-compliant states may be required to implement corrective action plans.

The "One Agency Act" aims to consolidate federal antitrust enforcement by transferring the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust powers, staff, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This transfer seeks to eliminate overlapping enforcement, reduce taxpayer costs, and provide more regulatory certainty for businesses. The Attorney General will oversee the transition, manage ongoing cases, and have the authority to modify or rescind agreements and rules related to antitrust enforcement. The FTC will no longer have the authority to start new investigations or enforcement actions related to antitrust laws without the Attorney General's approval.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act" seeks to ensure open competition on federal and federally funded construction projects by preventing requirements or prohibitions related to agreements with labor organizations. It promotes federal government neutrality in labor relations, aims to reduce construction costs, and expands job opportunities, especially for small and disadvantaged businesses. The Act allows exemptions only in special circumstances, such as threats to public health or national security, but not based on labor disputes.