Legislative Activity

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 PARTS Act of 2025, or Protecting Americans Right To Silence Act, updates the federal definition of a "firearm silencer" or "firearm muffler." This legislation clarifies that both complete sound-reducing devices and the main housing component of such a device are legally considered silencers if designed to attach to a portable firearm. This change ensures that the core components intended for noise reduction are regulated under existing federal law.

The Public Health Improvement Act establishes term limits for the Directors of the CDC and NIH, restricts the scope of the CDC's strategic plan, and restructures the appointment process for the CDC's advisory committee. It also clarifies the Secretary of HHS's authority to regulate communicable disease vectors and requires Congressional approval for extending public health emergencies. Finally, the Act mandates the transfer of several key public health offices from the CDC to the NIH within two years.

The Freedom to Haul Act of 2025 prohibits the EPA from implementing or enforcing the Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle emission rules. Furthermore, the bill prevents the EPA from issuing tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. This ensures manufacturers retain flexibility in meeting pollution standards.

The Federal Workforce Freedom Act prohibits federal employees from organizing or participating in labor unions for collective bargaining purposes. This legislation immediately terminates all existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and unions. Furthermore, the Act repeals Chapter 71 of title 5 of the U.S. Code, which previously governed federal labor-management relations.

The End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act of 2025 prohibits the use of any federal money for gender transition procedures, including for federal employees and at federal facilities. This ban also extends to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, preventing individuals from using federal premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to cover plans that include these procedures. The law strictly defines "gender transition procedures" while excluding treatments for certain disorders of sex development or procedures necessary to prevent imminent death.

This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of Delta Air Lines, acknowledging its historical roots as the first aerial crop-dusting company and its evolution into a major global airline. It recognizes Delta's significant impact on connecting people worldwide, its commitment to community, and its achievements in service and reliability.

The Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025 prohibits all federal funding and support for research utilizing human fetal tissue obtained as a result of an induced abortion. The bill restricts federal agencies to only conducting or supporting research using tissue obtained after a miscarriage or stillbirth, subject to new regulations. Furthermore, it makes it illegal for individuals to solicit or knowingly accept donations of human fetal tissue obtained pursuant to an induced abortion.

The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025 amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit states from receiving waivers to set new vehicle emission standards that restrict the sale or use of new cars with internal combustion engines. This legislation invalidates any existing or future state standards that directly or indirectly limit traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Furthermore, the bill mandates the revocation of any previously granted waivers that conflict with this new restriction.

The Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act of 2025 prohibits U.S. National Laboratories from granting access to foreign nationals from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or Cuba, regardless of the length of their intended visit. This immediate ban applies to both current and future visitors and assignees from these specified countries. Exceptions can only be granted by the Secretary of Energy if they certify that the benefit to the U.S. outweighs the national security risks, following consultation with the FBI. Any granted waiver must be reported to Congress within 30 days.

This bill prohibits "natural asset companies"—entities that own the rights to ecological performance of land—from entering into any agreement concerning land or natural assets located within the State of Utah. Essentially, it bans these specific types of corporations from making deals involving Utah property or its underlying resources.

The Justice for Murder Victims Act amends Title 18 of the United States Code to allow prosecution for homicide regardless of the time between the act/omission and the victim's death, while maintaining the standard statute of limitations. It prohibits the death penalty if the death occurs more than 1 year and 1 day after the act/omission, and specifies that first-degree murder in such cases will be punishable by imprisonment for any term of years or for life. This amendment applies to acts or omissions occurring after the enactment of this law.

This joint resolution disapproves of and nullifies the National Park Service rule concerning motor vehicle usage within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to defund sanctuary jurisdictions, defined as those that obstruct the sharing of immigration status information or compliance with federal detainment requests, by making them ineligible for certain federal funds. This act requires the Department of Homeland Security to report annually to Congress, identifying non-compliant jurisdictions.