Legislative Activity

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act aims to provide reinstatement eligibility for federal employees who are veterans and were unfairly removed from their civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the date the Act is signed into law. This legislation also mandates that Executive agencies regularly report to Congress on the number and reasons for any veteran dismissals during the specified period.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly restrict the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens in immigration custody. It mandates immediate testing for pregnancy upon intake and establishes a strong presumption against detention unless extraordinary, case-by-case public safety risks are proven. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and requires comprehensive medical care, including reproductive health services, alongside detailed public reporting on detention statistics and restraint incidents.

Tyler's Law mandates a federal study to evaluate the current practices, costs, and patient impacts of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Department of Health and Human Services will issue guidance advising hospitals on whether to make fentanyl testing a routine procedure. This aims to improve overdose care by ensuring comprehensive substance identification.

The Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act of 2025 establishes new, aggressive federal standards for wildfire response times on public lands, aiming for initial evaluation within 30 minutes and full suppression deployment within three hours. The bill mandates that relevant federal agencies develop and report on plans to meet these goals, including necessary increases in firefighting fleets and streamlined contracting processes. This legislation seeks to significantly improve the speed and coordination of federal wildfire suppression efforts nationwide.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

This resolution supports designating March 3-7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to highlight the role of social and emotional learning in academic success and well-being. It recognizes SEL's impact on students' mental health and career readiness while advocating for expanded access to SEL programs for students and teachers. The resolution also encourages federal agencies to identify opportunities to promote social and emotional learning.

The Keep Americans Safe Act generally bans the sale, transfer, and possession of ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement, government use, and existing lawful possession. The bill mandates serial numbers and manufacturing dates on newly produced devices. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs targeting these large-capacity magazines.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 expands access to mental health evaluations, refines the criteria for healthcare provider credentialing, and clarifies enrollment calculations for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. It also adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026-2090, ensuring adequate resources for the program by considering enrollment numbers and increasing funding by 7% annually, with a possible 25% increase in 2026. Finally, the Act mandates a report to Congress on the program's long-term budget needs and potential funding adjustments.

This resolution condemns the U.S. delegation's vote against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine, which aligned the U.S. with Russia and other autocratic regimes. It criticizes the failure to identify Russia as the aggressor and demands collaboration with Ukraine and European allies in future UN efforts. The resolution reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

The "Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025" aims to bolster the air traffic control workforce by enhancing training programs, providing financial support to educational institutions, and improving mental health resources for controllers. It establishes an Enhanced-CTI grant program, promotes the use of Terminal Simulation Systems, and mandates the creation of a mental health training course for aviation professionals. The act also requires reports on airport surveillance technology and radar systems.

This resolution congratulates the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. It recognizes key players like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Cooper DeJean, and celebrates the pride the team brings to Philadelphia. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to team leaders.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This bill increases the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under CHAMPVA to the child's 26th birthday, regardless of marital status. It does not limit eligibility for children who are incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability.

The "Caring for Survivors Act of 2025" increases dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses of veterans. It also modifies the requirements for survivors of veterans who were totally disabled at the time of death, reducing the required period of continuous disability rating before death from 10 to 5 years, and introduces proportional compensation for ratings less than 10 years.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" aims to lower prescription drug costs by setting annual cost-sharing limits. Starting in 2026, individual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000, and family expenses at $4,000 under qualified health plans. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The act also ensures that group health plans adhere to cost-sharing limits set by the Affordable Care Act.

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.