Legislative Activity

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 Secure Americas Financial Exchanges Act (SAFE Act) mandates that stock exchanges require listed companies to disclose any financial support received from the People's Republic of China (PRC). Companies must also reveal details about internal Chinese Communist Party (CCP) structures and any leadership ties to the PRC government. These new transparency rules aim to inform investors about potential foreign influence on publicly traded entities.

The Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025 establishes mandatory national standards for promptly and compassionately notifying emergency contacts when an individual dies, is seriously injured, or becomes seriously ill while in government custody. The Act requires federal, state, and local detention agencies to create and implement specific notification policies, including strict timelines for reporting deaths. These rules aim to uphold human dignity by ensuring families receive timely and detailed information following a critical incident involving a detained loved one.

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.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulation. By disapproving the rule, Congress immediately cancels the EPA's submission, preventing it from taking legal effect. This action effectively rejects the EPA's attempt to implement those specific California standards.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

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 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 FISCAL Act, or Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches Act, updates the National School Lunch Program requirements regarding milk offerings. This legislation mandates that participating schools must offer both traditional fluid milk and plant-based milk options. The bill also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish nutritional standards for any plant-based milk that does not already meet existing guidelines.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 generally restricts federal courts from issuing orders that affect non-parties to a lawsuit or granting emergency relief in certain state/federal disputes under diversity jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies language regarding who can seek declaratory judgments and limits the scope of judicial review over agency actions. Overall, this legislation aims to narrow the scope of judicial authority in issuing certain types of relief and clarifying participation in specific legal challenges.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

This bill, the Coordinated Support for Rural Small Businesses Act, strengthens the Small Business Administration's (SBA) focus on rural enterprises by establishing a dedicated Assistant Administrator to lead the Office of Rural Affairs. The legislation mandates increased coordination between the SBA and the Department of Agriculture to improve program awareness and address specific rural challenges, such as access to capital. Furthermore, the Act requires the SBA to host targeted outreach events and submit annual public reports detailing the office's operations and coordination efforts to Congress.

The Safeguarding Medicaid Act mandates that all applicants and recipients of Medicaid across all states and territories must undergo asset testing, removing existing exemptions for age, blindness, or disability. This legislation requires states to incorporate resource eligibility checks alongside income verification for most applicants, with limited exceptions for continuous coverage groups. Furthermore, the bill establishes federal tracking of savings resulting from these new asset verification requirements and mandates regular public reporting from states on their eligibility review processes.

The Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA Act) ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from mandating or barring contractors from entering into agreements with labor unions. This promotes open bidding, reduces taxpayer costs, and prevents discrimination based on union membership. The law requires federal agencies to remain neutral regarding project labor agreements for both direct contracts and federal grants.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act mandates that federal banking agencies must cease using "reputational risk" as a factor in the supervision, examination, or rating of depository institutions. This legislation aims to ensure regulators focus solely on a bank's financial safety and soundness, rather than public perception or political pressure. The Act requires all relevant agencies to remove references to reputational risk from their guidance and policies within 180 days of enactment.

The One Agency Act consolidates federal antitrust enforcement authority entirely within the Department of Justice (DOJ), eliminating the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) role in this area. This restructuring transfers all FTC antitrust functions, personnel, and assets to the DOJ's Antitrust Division to streamline enforcement and reduce redundancy. The bill makes extensive technical amendments across various laws to replace FTC references with the Attorney General. All changes take effect at the start of the first full fiscal year beginning at least 90 days after enactment.

This bill extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through December 31, 2026. It specifically pushes back both the program's funding authority and its overall expiration date. This action ensures the continued operation and financing of the NFIP for an additional three years.