Legislative Activity

The BE GONE Act, or Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the list of crimes considered "aggravated felonies." Specifically, this bill adds "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence" to the list of offenses that trigger severe immigration consequences. This change broadens the scope of crimes that can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.

The Safeguarding Charity Act clarifies that an organization's federal income tax exemption will not automatically be considered "Federal financial assistance" under federal law. This change applies to tax-exempt organizations and retirement plans unless another specific law explicitly states otherwise. The Act ensures that tax benefits are not automatically counted as federal aid moving forward.

The Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act clarifies the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority to require specific clinical testing for biosimilar drug approval. This legislation ensures the FDA can mandate studies on immunogenicity, pharmacodynamics, or comparative efficacy when necessary for licensure. The FDA must provide applicants with written justification for any required extra testing before the application submission date.

The Veterans First Act of 2025 reallocates \$2 billion previously designated for foreign aid to fund critical construction and renovation projects for state-run veterans' homes. This legislation provides grants to states to build new facilities or upgrade existing ones, ensuring better care for veterans. The bill permanently rescinds the specified foreign aid funding to secure this dedicated resource for domestic veteran support.

The Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act of 2025 establishes the process for transferring ownership of the completed cleanup site in Moab, Utah, from the U.S. government to Grand County, Utah, at no cost. This transfer is contingent upon the Secretary of Energy determining cleanup is complete and is subject to necessary health and safety restrictions. Crucially, the U.S. government retains necessary water rights for any ongoing environmental responsibilities, and Grand County is permanently restricted from selling the land to private entities.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of the Honorable Mia Bourdeau Love, former Representative for the State of Utah. It recognizes her historic achievements, including being the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, and celebrates her dedication to faith, family, and public service. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to her family and concludes by noting the Senate will adjourn for the day in her memory.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulation. By disapproving the rule, Congress immediately cancels the EPA's submission, preventing it from taking legal effect. This action effectively rejects the EPA's attempt to implement those specific California standards.

This bill mandates the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue the final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife within 60 days of enactment. The purpose is to finalize the gray wolf's delisting based on the previously published rule. Furthermore, this reissuance cannot be challenged or reviewed in federal court.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

The Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act exempts specific less-than-lethal projectile devices from certain federal restrictions under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This exemption applies only to devices that cannot fire standard ammunition, are designed to minimize serious injury, and meet specific design criteria regarding ammunition feeding mechanisms. The bill also establishes a process for manufacturers to seek a ruling from the Attorney General on whether their device qualifies for this exemption.

The Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act requires the FDA to confirm whether a generic drug's inactive ingredients match the brand-name version upon request. If differences exist, the FDA must specify which ingredients and amounts deviate from the original drug. This measure aims to streamline the generic drug approval process by providing clarity on formulation equivalence.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 generally restricts federal courts from issuing orders that affect non-parties to a lawsuit or granting emergency relief in certain state/federal disputes under diversity jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies language regarding who can seek declaratory judgments and limits the scope of judicial review over agency actions. Overall, this legislation aims to narrow the scope of judicial authority in issuing certain types of relief and clarifying participation in specific legal challenges.

The LOCAL Foods Act of 2025 expands exemptions under the Federal Meat Inspection Act for small-scale, personal meat processing. This allows individuals who partially own livestock to process the resulting meat for their household, guests, or employees without federal inspection. The bill requires owners to maintain strict control and identification of the meat, even when using agents for slaughtering or transport, to prevent it from entering commercial channels.

The SHORT Act aims to revise federal firearms tax definitions and eliminate disparate federal treatment of short-barreled rifles and shotguns used for lawful purposes. It also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons if they are involved in interstate commerce. Finally, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal records related to the registration and transfer of these firearms.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail under the National Trails System Act. The proposed trail would stretch approximately 280 miles along the ancient Lake Bonneville shoreline from the Idaho-Utah border to Nephi, Utah. This study will determine the viability of officially recognizing this significant natural feature as a national trail.

The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act permanently reauthorizes and mandates the use of the E-Verify system for nearly all U.S. employers, phasing in requirements over one year. The bill significantly increases penalties for non-compliance and establishes new procedures for reverification and information sharing between federal agencies. Furthermore, it offers liability protection to employers who use the system in good faith and directs the creation of a demonstration program for small businesses in rural areas.

This bill proposes the complete termination of the Department of Education. It sets a firm deadline of December 31, 2026, for the federal agency to cease all operations. If enacted, this would eliminate the federal oversight body for education programs.