Legislative Activity

This Senate resolution urges the Department of Agriculture to immediately use its contingency funds and interchange authority to ensure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is fully financed. The Senate asserts the administration has a legal obligation to use these existing resources to support millions of vulnerable Americans through November. This measure expresses a position and does not enact new law.

The Armed Forces Pay Act of 2025 ensures continued funding for the pay and allowances of members of the Armed Forces and certain civilian intelligence employees through fiscal year 2026, should full appropriations bills not be enacted. This temporary measure provides necessary financial continuity until regular appropriations legislation is passed or until September 30, 2026. The Act also authorizes intelligence-related funds for FY 2026 until the relevant Intelligence Authorization Act is signed into law.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week, observed annually from October 23rd through 31st, to promote drug prevention education. It recognizes the ongoing national drug crisis, particularly the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The bill encourages all Americans to wear red ribbons and participate in activities that promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act provides relief for federal employees and certain contractors affected by government shutdowns lasting 14 days or more, starting in fiscal year 2026. During these lapses in appropriations, federal student loan payments must be suspended, and no interest will accrue on those loans. Furthermore, suspended payment periods will count toward loan forgiveness requirements and be reported positively to credit agencies.

This resolution officially designates November 1, 2025, as National Bison Day to recognize the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the North American bison. It honors the bison's status as the national mammal, its importance to Indian Tribes, and its role in conservation and rural economies. The resolution encourages nationwide observance of this day annually on the first Saturday of November.

This resolution designates October 30, 2025, as a national day of remembrance to honor the hundreds of thousands of individuals who contributed to the United States nuclear weapons program since World War II. It specifically recognizes the service and sacrifices of workers like uranium miners, plutonium processors, and atmospheric test participants. The day serves to acknowledge those who developed serious illnesses as a result of their patriotic service to the nation's defense.

The Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act requires the FCC to create and maintain a public list of entities holding U.S. communications licenses that are owned or controlled by covered foreign adversaries. This process involves an initial list based on existing ownership reporting and a subsequent rulemaking to identify entities with other types of FCC authorizations. The FCC must update this transparency list annually.

The Military and Federal Employee Protection Act ensures that federal employees, military members, and covered contractors receive their full standard compensation for work performed or time furloughed during a lapse in government appropriations occurring after September 30, 2025. This bill appropriates necessary funds for agencies to make these retroactive payments. Payments must be made promptly, generally within seven days of enactment for furloughed individuals. This legislation guarantees that no covered individual loses pay due to a government shutdown during the specified period.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees, contractors, and service members affected by a government funding lapse starting October 1, 2025, receive retroactive back pay for the period they worked without funding. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from initiating permanent staffing reductions or furloughs during such a lapse. These provisions are designed to provide financial security and stability to essential government personnel during periods of lapsed appropriations.

The TREATS Act modifies existing law to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. Specifically, it allows a single telehealth evaluation to satisfy the prior in-person evaluation requirement for prescribing certain Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances approved for addiction treatment. This change aims to improve the delivery of necessary therapy services via remote care.

The Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 ensures that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue without interruption, even if Congress fails to pass the Department of Agriculture's budget for fiscal year 2026. This legislation authorizes automatic funding from the Treasury to maintain payments and cover any retroactive benefits missed due to the delay. This temporary funding mechanism remains active until the regular fiscal year 2026 appropriations are officially enacted.

This bill, the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act, extends the authorization for the Congressional Award Program for an additional five years, moving the termination date from 2023 to 2028. It also updates the statutory language regarding the description of the Congressional Award medals. These changes are effective retroactively to October 1, 2023.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning October 19, 2025, as "National Character Counts Week." It emphasizes the critical role of families, schools, and communities in teaching foundational ethical values like trustworthiness and responsibility to young people. The designation encourages nationwide activities and programs focused on strengthening the character of America's youth.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating the second Monday in October 2025 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day." It formally recognizes the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the United States and encourages public observance to celebrate their history and culture. The measure also voices support for establishing this day as an official Federal holiday.

This resolution expresses support for designating October 5 through October 11, 2025, as National 4-H Week. It recognizes 4-H as a vital youth development program that empowers millions of young people through hands-on learning. The bill encourages citizens to celebrate the organization's significant impact on developing confident and compassionate leaders.

This resolution designates September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid program. The program provides crucial financial assistance to local school districts that educate students living on or whose parents work on federal property. This recognition highlights the federal government's ongoing commitment to ensuring quality education in these uniquely impacted communities.

The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 ensures federal agencies compensate contractors for employee costs incurred due to government funding lapses or shutdowns. This act mandates contract price adjustments to cover reasonable expenses for furloughed or impacted contractor employees, up to a specified weekly limit. The law also provides necessary appropriations to cover these adjustments and requires public reporting on the compensation provided.

This resolution officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It celebrates the immense and vital contributions of Latinos to the United States across culture, the economy, and civic life. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities honoring this heritage.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately cancels the CMS rule regarding "Market Integrity and Affordability." Essentially, Congress is overturning this specific executive branch regulation before it can take effect.

This resolution calls on the President to formally recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine alongside a secure State of Israel, consistent with international law and the two-state solution. It outlines historical context and current obstacles, urging an end to settlement expansion and violence from all sides. Ultimately, the bill seeks to advance a negotiated peace that ensures security for Israel and self-determination for Palestinians.