Legislative Activity

The "Clergy Act" allows clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security to revoke that exemption, enabling them to receive Social Security benefits. To do so, they must file an application by the due date of their federal income tax return for the second taxable year starting after December 31, 2027. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Social Security, must also develop a plan to inform clergy members about this new option.

The "Veterans Border Patrol Training Act" establishes a pilot program to train transitioning service members as Border Patrol agents through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. It mandates annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and participant demographics. The program will end five years after it is established.

The Officer John Barnes Act requires the Bureau to inform claimants of their benefit eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a claim.

This resolution urges the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under UNSCR 2231 due to Iran's repeated violations of the JCPOA and advancements in its nuclear program. It condemns Iran's non-compliance and the support it receives from Russia and China. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports sanctions to curb Iran's nuclear and missile programs. It calls for the E3 to act before the expiration of the snapback option in October 2025.

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 REPLACE Act mandates the President to waive fees for individuals and households affected by a major disaster who are receiving individual assistance and have lost critical documents. It requires the Secretary of State and the Director of USCIS to publicize the availability of these fee waivers and submit annual reports to Congress detailing the number of waivers granted and associated costs.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

The "Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act" amends existing legislation to allow research and extension grants for land-grant institutions to study and promote ungulate grazing land management techniques for wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery on both public and private lands. This includes researching the economic benefits and increasing social support for these activities while ensuring compatibility with practices that protect against adverse environmental effects and improve soil health. The act also focuses on sharing this information through educational materials and outreach programs for landowners, land managers, and livestock owners.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The "Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act" amends the Veterans Community Care Program to prioritize continuity of care for veterans. This ensures veterans can maintain consistent relationships with healthcare providers and receive uninterrupted treatment through the program.

The "Eliminate Lavish Incentives To Electric Vehicles Act" repeals several clean energy tax credits, including those for new and used clean vehicles, qualified commercial clean vehicles, and excludes electric vehicle recharging property from the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. These changes would take effect for vehicles or property purchased (or under binding contract) more than 30 days after the Act's enactment.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "National Right-to-Work Act" aims to protect individual employees' rights to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to eliminate mandatory union membership or fees as a condition of employment. This ensures that employees cannot be forced to join or contribute to a union against their will. The changes apply to agreements made or renewed after the Act's enactment.

The "Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025" amends the filing deadline for pre-existing reporting companies. Companies in existence before January 1, 2024, now have until January 1, 2026, to file their reports.

The "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act" establishes new federal crimes and penalties for individuals who intentionally flee from law enforcement officers while operating a vehicle near the U.S. border. Convictions under this law can lead to imprisonment, fines, and immigration consequences such as inadmissibility or deportation. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the enforcement and impact of this law.

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2025 aims to support rural hospitals by allowing states to waive certain distance requirements for critical access hospital designation, enabling more rural hospitals to qualify for this status based on community need and service expansion. It also directs a study on Medicare payment systems for rural hospitals to ensure financial sustainability and access to care, and requires a transition plan for Critical Access Hospitals to transition to new payment models within 10 years. This act is designed to prevent hospital closures in underserved rural areas by providing financial relief and updated payment structures.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.