Legislative Activity

The No Cuts to Public Schools Act ensures that critical federal education programs, including IDEA and key ESEA titles, maintain their funding levels from Fiscal Year 2024 through 2027. If annual appropriations bills result in a reduction for any of these designated programs, the Treasury must automatically provide the necessary funds to cover the shortfall. This legislation guarantees stability for essential educational services without counting against standard budgetary scorekeeping rules.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

This resolution supports the continuation of arms control agreements, particularly with Russia and China, to reduce nuclear threats and prevent nuclear war. It condemns nuclear threats, urges compliance with the New START Treaty, and encourages diplomatic talks for future arms control agreements. The resolution emphasizes the importance of U.S. leadership in reducing nuclear risks and promoting international stability through arms control.

The "Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025" aims to reduce health risks associated with extreme heat by establishing the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It also creates the NIHHIS Interagency Committee to coordinate federal efforts in preparing for, planning for, and responding to extreme heat events. The Act mandates the development of a strategic plan to improve data collection, research, and communication related to heat-related illnesses and deaths, and authorizes $5,000,000 annually from 2025 through 2029 for these activities.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that the U.S. should remain committed to the Paris Agreement, support policies at all levels of government to reduce global warming pollution, and encourage actions by businesses, investors, and individuals to combat climate change. It recognizes the economic benefits of clean energy investments and the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

This bill amends the Long-Term Leasing Act to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land within the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). This update extends the existing leasing authority to include these tribal lands.

The "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025" aims to establish that a first-use nuclear strike by the U.S. is a major act of war that requires a declaration of war by Congress. It prohibits the use of federal funds for any first-use nuclear strike unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war. A "first-use nuclear strike" is defined as a nuclear attack initiated without confirmation of a prior nuclear strike against the U.S., its territories, or its allies. This bill seeks to reinforce Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and provide checks and balances on the President's power to authorize nuclear weapon use.

The "Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025" increases excise taxes on fuel used by private jets and eliminates certain air transportation excise tax exemptions. It establishes the "Funding to Support Clean Communities Trust Fund," which will be funded by the increased taxes and used for grants and activities that deploy air quality monitoring systems, improve public transit and passenger rail infrastructure near airports, and improve public transportation in disadvantaged communities. At least 50% of the funds must be used for projects in disadvantaged communities, prioritizing those most affected by air pollution.

The "BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act" prevents recent fossil fuel executives and lobbyists (within 10 years of appointment) from becoming heads of key departments or political appointees in agencies focused on energy, environment, and science. This includes barring them from serving in these roles in an acting capacity. The bill aims to limit the influence of the fossil fuel industry in government.

The "Extend the TikTok Deadline Act" extends the deadline for the President to take action regarding TikTok from 270 days to 540 days, as initially set by the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This extension allows more time for potential negotiations, investigations, or other actions related to the app's ownership and data security concerns.