Legislative Activity

The United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War in recognition of their service and bravery. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds going back to the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

This resolution expresses the Senate's formal opposition to deploying United States military assets or personnel to take over the Gaza Strip. It emphasizes that such an action lacks congressional authorization, risks American lives, and would undermine U.S. interests and regional stability. The measure reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination while rejecting the prospect of a new, costly, and extended military engagement in the region.

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 "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, requiring supervisor consultation and discreet conduct. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of national security or public safety threats or medical emergencies. The Act mandates annual training, detailed reporting of enforcement actions, and evidence suppression for violations, enhancing oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.

The "Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025" aims to protect postal workers by allocating funds for high-security collection boxes and electronic mailbox keys. It mandates the appointment of dedicated attorneys to prosecute crimes against postal employees and directs the Sentencing Commission to update guidelines to ensure that assaulting or robbing a postal worker is treated as severely as assaulting a law enforcement officer.

This resolution formally declares racism a public health crisis in the United States, acknowledging it as a systemic driver of profound health inequities and disparities. It commits to a nationwide strategy to dismantle discriminatory policies, address the social determinants of health, and ensure equitable outcomes for all racial and ethnic minority groups.

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.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

The "Caring for All Families Act" amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand the definition of family to include domestic partners, in-laws, adult children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and other individuals with close family-like relationships. It also allows employees to take additional leave for parental involvement in school or community organizations, and to attend to family medical needs or the care of elderly individuals with close family-like ties. These provisions apply to both private-sector and federal employees, ensuring broader access to family and medical leave for caregiving and family wellness purposes.

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.

The Access to Counsel Act of 2025 ensures that individuals undergoing secondary or deferred immigration inspection at ports of entry have a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel and interested parties. The bill mandates that these individuals be granted access to representation to assist in their inspection process and provides specific protections for lawful permanent residents regarding the abandonment of their status. These measures aim to uphold due process rights for travelers and immigrants arriving at U.S. borders.

The Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025 aims to restrict the flow of firearms to criminal organizations by banning the future sale of .50 caliber rifles and expanding federal background check requirements to include designated foreign narcotics traffickers. The bill also removes legal immunity for firearm manufacturers and sellers who knowingly conduct business with these sanctioned individuals. Additionally, it mandates that federal firearms licensees report the sale of multiple rifles to the same person within a five-day period.

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.

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 Keep Our PACT Act ensures federal support for public education by establishing mandatory funding increases for Title I programs and special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By providing a decade-long roadmap for increased investment, the bill aims to fulfill long-standing federal commitments to school districts and students with disabilities. This legislation designates these funds as emergency spending to ensure consistent, reliable resources for schools across the country.

This resolution designates January 30, 2025, as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. It recognizes Fred Korematsu's resistance to the unjust incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The resolution encourages reflection on the importance of political leadership, vigilance, justice, and civil rights.

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.

The Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to support community-based mentoring initiatives for at-risk youth. These programs provide structured guidance from trained mentors to help young people develop social-emotional skills, improve academic outcomes, and prepare for postsecondary education and the workforce. The legislation prioritizes underserved communities and mandates a federal study to evaluate the effectiveness of these mentoring strategies in fostering long-term career and educational success.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that the U.S. should remain committed to the Paris Agreement, support policies at all levels of government to reduce global warming pollution, and encourage actions by businesses, investors, and individuals to combat climate change. It recognizes the economic benefits of clean energy investments and the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.