Legislative Activity

The Open App Markets Act aims to foster competition by prohibiting large companies that control both an operating system and an app store from unfairly favoring their own services. This bill prevents these "covered companies" from forcing developers to use their in-app payment systems or from leveraging sensitive business data to benefit their own competing apps. Furthermore, it mandates that these companies allow users greater choice in setting default apps and installing software from alternative sources, while preserving necessary security and privacy exceptions. Enforcement will be handled by the FTC, State Attorneys General, and developers who suffer harm will have the right to sue for damages.

This concurrent resolution expresses Congress's strong support and deep appreciation for America's law enforcement professionals. It recognizes the increasing dangers, high trauma exposure, and current staffing shortages facing officers nationwide. The resolution calls for enhanced safety measures, better resources, increased penalties for assaulting officers, and improved mental health support for law enforcement personnel. Ultimately, it urges all levels of government to provide the necessary support for officers to effectively protect their communities.

This Senate resolution formally condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, specifically citing the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. It reaffirms the Senate's commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of politically motivated violence. The resolution calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such acts, upholding the right of all citizens to live without fear of religious or political intimidation.

This Act establishes enhanced, mandatory prison sentences for individuals who use open flames or incendiary devices, including burning the U.S. flag, while committing specified federal crimes. The purpose is to increase penalties for actions that endanger public safety or government property during the commission of a felony. This new penalty is separate from the punishment for the underlying crime and does not apply to constitutionally protected speech.

The TERMS Act mandates that online service providers clearly disclose their rules and processes for account termination or suspension *before* users sign up. This legislation requires providers to give advance written notice of most account restrictions, detailing the violation and appeal options. Furthermore, providers must publish annual transparency reports detailing enforcement actions taken against users. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these new standards.

The Delivering On Government Efficiency in Spending Act mandates increased transparency by requiring federal agencies to report detailed information on all Treasury payments for public posting. It also enhances government integrity by granting the Treasury access to sensitive data, like new hire and tax records, to verify recipients and prevent improper payments. Furthermore, the bill requires agencies to verify bank account information before disbursing funds to ensure accuracy. These measures aim to improve oversight, reduce fraud, and increase accountability in federal spending.

This Act mandates that any final convention or agreement on pandemic preparedness resulting from the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Negotiating Body must be treated as a formal treaty. Consequently, the United States cannot adopt or implement such an agreement without receiving the "advice and consent" of the Senate. This ensures that the Senate has a final, two-thirds majority vote on any binding international health instrument negotiated by the WHO.

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote the export of advanced civil nuclear energy technology to allies and developing nations. It creates new White House coordination roles and working groups to develop long-term export strategies and financing mechanisms. Furthermore, the bill authorizes international cooperation, training, and financial support to help partner nations adopt safe, secure, and reliable nuclear power while countering influence from competitors like Russia and China.

This resolution formally declares the nation's foundational belief in the inherent right to life for every human being, including the unborn. It recognizes the Supreme Court's decision to return authority over life protection laws to the people and their elected officials. Furthermore, the bill establishes an annual "Life Month" to commend organizations supporting life and urge lawmakers to enact protections for the unborn.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act establishes a new, faster process for the government to deport non-citizens who are members of criminal gangs or terrorist organizations, or who have been convicted of specific serious crimes. This process mandates detention and bars these individuals from seeking withholding of removal. The law specifically defines vulnerable groups for the purpose of determining which misdemeanor convictions qualify for this expedited action.

The DEFIANCE Act of 2025 establishes a federal civil right of action against the non-consensual creation, possession, or sharing of sexually explicit "intimate digital forgeries," such as deepfakes. This legislation defines these forgeries and allows victims to sue producers or sharers for significant statutory damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief. The Act aims to provide victims with a clear legal remedy against image-based sexual abuse facilitated by modern technology while preserving existing state laws.

The Drone Espionage Act updates federal law to explicitly include "video" alongside "photographic negatives" when prohibiting the unauthorized taking or transmission of defense information. This amendment ensures that individuals illegally capturing or sharing sensitive video footage are subject to the existing penalties under U.S. Code Section 793.

This Act mandates that the U.S. government actively oppose restrictions imposed by major international financial institutions on financing for fossil fuel and civil nuclear energy projects. The Treasury Secretary must direct U.S. representatives to reverse current policies blocking these energy sources and promote financing for reliable, affordable power in developing nations. Furthermore, U.S. funding to the World Bank's lending arm may be significantly reduced until it certifies the removal of these financing bans and adopts policies promoting these energy projects.

The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act directs the FAA to establish new rules within one year to allow civil supersonic flight over U.S. airspace. This authorization is strictly conditioned on the aircraft being operated in a manner that prevents any sonic boom from reaching the ground. The goal is to safely reintroduce faster-than-sound commercial travel domestically.

The Conscience Protection Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections for healthcare entities and individuals who object to participating in specific medical procedures, such as abortion, based on moral or religious beliefs. It prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such services and significantly bolsters enforcement mechanisms within the Department of Health and Human Services. Furthermore, the Act explicitly grants individuals and affected parties the right to file private lawsuits seeking damages when these conscience protections are violated.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from requiring firearms retailers to use a unique Merchant Category Code (MCC) that singles them out. This ensures that credit and debit card transactions for firearms and ammunition are treated the same as general retail purchases. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing this prohibition and reporting annually to Congress on compliance efforts.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the recent rule finalized by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) concerning overdraft lending practices at very large financial institutions. By passing this resolution, Congress is effectively vetoing and preventing the enforcement of that specific BCFP regulation.

The DRIVE Act prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from issuing any new rules that would mandate speed limiting devices on commercial motor vehicles. This legislation prevents the federal government from setting a maximum speed cap for eighteen-wheelers through future regulations.