Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the FCC from implementing measures intended to bridge the digital divide for students' home internet access.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2025, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, acknowledging the ongoing crisis and need for increased awareness, resources, and updated research. It calls on the public to remember the lives lost and support the victims' families, while also urging the Department of Justice to conduct a new study to update statistics on this critical issue.

The Stand with Israel Act amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to prohibit U.S. funds from going to the United Nations or any of its entities that discriminate against Israel. Discrimination includes actions such as expelling or suspending Israel's membership or restricting its participation in a way that is not on par with other member states. The Act ensures that no funds from the Department of State or any other federal agency can be used for contributions that violate this prohibition.

The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse in the definition of aggravated felonies. This change would mean immigrants convicted of these crimes would be subject to deportation.

The "Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025" amends federal law to include fentanyl distribution resulting in death as felony murder. Individuals who distribute a fentanyl mixture of 2 grams or more, or a fentanyl analogue mixture of 0.5 grams or more, and death results, can be charged with first-degree murder. The individual must have had knowledge or reason to know that the substance contained fentanyl or its analogues. Conviction can result in a sentence of life imprisonment.

The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 makes the adoption tax credit refundable, allowing more families to benefit from it regardless of their tax liability. It also streamlines the process for verifying legal adoptions through standardized affidavits. These changes apply to taxable years after December 31, 2024, with provisions to carry forward any excess credit from the previous year.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The specific rule being targeted is the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation, Waiver of Preemption." This action effectively blocks California's ability to implement these stricter pollution standards.

The "Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025" amends the National Labor Relations Act to specify that Indian Tribes, and businesses they own and operate on their lands, are not considered employers under the Act. It defines key terms like "Indian Tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands" to clarify the scope of this exemption, ensuring tribal labor sovereignty.

The "Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act" amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose information about the sameness of a proposed generic drug to the listed drug, and to issue guidance on how sameness is determined. This ensures generic drug manufacturers understand the requirements for approval, and prevents the Secretary from changing a determination of sameness unless specific conditions are met. It also protects trade secrets and confidential information while promoting transparency.

The "Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025" directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and report to Congress on the practices of pharmacy benefit managers and other intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain, including their impact on drug prices and competition. The FTC is required to identify any legal or regulatory barriers hindering antitrust enforcement in the pharmaceutical industry and suggest improvements for transparency and competition. Additionally, the FTC must report on complaints of anticompetitive behavior by sole-source drug manufacturers and recommend policies to enhance enforcement.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act" amends the Social Security Act to increase the resource limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples in 2025. After 2025, these limits will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index. This update aims to allow SSI recipients to save without losing their benefits, encouraging financial stability.

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 "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 Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act amends title 38 of the United States Code to expand eligibility for the disabled veterans outreach program. This expansion includes spouses and surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces. These individuals will now have access to career services under this program.

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.

The "Cross Border Aerial Law Enforcement Operations Act" allows the Department of Homeland Security to establish a joint aerial law enforcement program with Canada within 50 miles of the border, mirroring an existing maritime agreement, to enhance cross-border security. It requires protections for civil rights and liberties, congressional notification, and specific training for participating officers. The Act also mandates a report on the use of unmanned aircraft systems along the northern border and prohibits additional funding for implementation.

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.