Legislative Activity

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 "Financial Freedom Act of 2025" amends Section 404(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, giving fiduciaries the ability to select any investment type for individual accounts, as long as participants have a broad range of investment options. This act prohibits favoring or disfavoring any investment type, except based on risk-return characteristics. It also specifies that the Secretary cannot restrict investments offered through self-directed brokerage windows and ensures that diversification and prudence requirements are met when participants control assets within such windows.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.

The "Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act" or the "ABC Act" requires a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to simplify processes and improve communication for family caregivers. This includes reducing red tape, improving website accessibility, and providing timely and accessible information. The act mandates regular reports to Congress on the progress and impact of these improvements. Additionally, the act encourages states to conduct similar reviews to reduce administrative burdens on caregivers at the state level.

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.

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 "SHORT Act" seeks to amend federal laws regarding short-barreled rifles and shotguns by removing them from the purview of the National Firearms Act, thereby eliminating specific taxes, registration requirements, and restrictions on interstate commerce related to these weapons, and requiring the destruction of existing related records. The bill also clarifies that federal compliance with possessing these weapons satisfies any corresponding state or local requirements. It also preempts state and local governments from enforcing certain laws that tax, mark, record, or register these weapons.

The "Rural Veterinary Workforce Act" allows veterinarians working in underserved rural areas to be exempt from paying federal income tax on student loan repayment assistance received from federal or state programs. This bill aims to incentivize veterinary professionals to practice in rural communities, addressing the shortage of veterinary services in these areas. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This resolution celebrates the 204th anniversary of Greek independence and reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Greece, rooted in shared democratic values. It recognizes Greece's role as a valued NATO ally and acknowledges the contributions of the Greek-American community to the United States. The resolution also highlights the importance of the U.S.-Greece partnership in areas like energy security and regional stability.

The "China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2025" requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report on the financial risks the People's Republic of China poses to the United States. The report will assess potential impacts on U.S. and global financial systems, evaluate current protective policies, and analyze the reliability of China's economic data. It also recommends actions for the U.S. government to mitigate these risks and safeguard U.S. interests, including collaboration with international organizations. The report will be submitted to key congressional committees, relevant international bodies, and made available to the public.

The "Stop CARB Act of 2025" prevents California and other states from setting their own emission standards for nonroad vehicles and engines used in sectors like construction, agriculture, and rail. This bill eliminates existing and denies any pending waivers that allow states to exceed federal emission standards. By amending the Clean Air Act, the bill ensures that only the federal government can regulate emissions for these types of vehicles and engines. Additionally, the bill repeals the ability for states to adopt California's stricter emission standards for new motor vehicles.

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 Agricultural Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Care Act of 2025 directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the accessibility of substance use disorder treatment and mental health care for farmers and ranchers. The study will identify barriers, successful programs, and best practices, and provide recommendations for improving access to and utilization of these services in agricultural communities. This report will be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and relevant congressional committees.

The GENIUS Act of 2025 establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, defining key terms, outlining who can issue stablecoins, and setting requirements for reserves, disclosures, and compliance. It creates a process for federal and state regulators to approve and supervise stablecoin issuers, addressing consumer protection, anti-money laundering measures, and interoperability standards. The Act also clarifies that payment stablecoins are not securities or commodities and prioritizes stablecoin holders' claims in insolvency proceedings. Finally, the act directs the Treasury to establish reciprocal agreements with countries that have similar payment stablecoin regulations.

The Financial Integrity and Regulation Management Act (FIRM Act) removes "reputational risk" as a supervisory factor for federal banking agencies when overseeing financial institutions. This bill prohibits these agencies from using reputational risk to regulate, supervise, or examine banks, ensuring that all legal businesses and citizens have equal access to financial services. The Act requires federal banking agencies to report to Congress on their implementation of these changes.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President, with Senate approval, to appoint the Chief of the Forest Service. Appointees must have significant experience in forest and natural resources management. The President must submit a nomination within 30 days of the bill's enactment.

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.

The "Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act" amends title 49 of the United States Code to broaden criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities. It expands the scope of prohibited actions to include vandalizing, tampering, disrupting the operation or construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of pipelines.

The "Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025" repeals the EPA's multi-pollutant emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles. It also amends the Clean Air Act to prevent regulations from mandating specific technologies in vehicles or limiting vehicle availability based on engine type. The EPA must revise existing regulations to comply with these changes within 24 months.