Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The "Rural Veterinary Workforce Act" allows veterinarians working in underserved rural areas to be exempt from paying federal income tax on student loan repayment assistance received from federal or state programs. This bill aims to incentivize veterinary professionals to practice in rural communities, addressing the shortage of veterinary services in these areas. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This resolution supports the designation of May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to bring attention to mental health challenges within the agricultural community. It aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness among farmers and farmworkers, who face unique stressors and have higher suicide rates. The resolution promotes the use of available resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and encourages the prioritization of mental well-being in agriculture.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.

The "Suicide Prevention Act" aims to enhance suicide prevention efforts through two key grant programs. One program expands self-harm surveillance by providing grants to public health departments for real-time data sharing with the CDC, while the other awards grants to hospital emergency departments for implementing suicide prevention services, including screening, short-term intervention, and referrals. Both programs require regular reporting and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and data privacy and are authorized to receive \$30,000,000 each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes \$25.5 billion in appropriations for NASA, allocating funds across exploration, space operations, technology, science, and STEM engagement. It directs NASA to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit, supports commercial space development, and establishes standards for lunar activities. The act also focuses on advancing aeronautics research and development, enhancing STEM education, and refining NASA's policies and collaborations. Finally, the bill restricts collaboration with China and promotes public-private talent exchange to protect U.S. interests and foster innovation.

The Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2025 aims to increase landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program, particularly in high-opportunity neighborhoods, by offering financial incentives such as one-time payments, security deposit assistance, and landlord liaison bonuses. It also establishes a fund to support these initiatives and authorizes funding for the Tribal HUD-VASH program. The bill streamlines housing quality standards by accepting inspections from other housing programs and allowing pre-approval of units and modernizes the Section 8 Management Assessment Program. Finally, it mandates the use of small area fair market rents in certain metropolitan areas to expand housing options and requires annual reports on the Act's effectiveness.

The "Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2025" aims to preserve and improve affordable multifamily rental housing in rural areas by establishing a Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program. This program allows the Secretary to restructure existing loans, offer rental assistance contracts, and provide technical assistance to maintain affordable housing for low-income residents and farm laborers. The act also provides rural housing vouchers to eligible households and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a plan and advisory committee to further preserve affordable rental projects and prevent tenant displacement. Finally, it allocates funding for technological improvements to manage multifamily housing loans.

The "Undertaking Negotiations on Investment and Trade for Economic Dynamism Act" or the "UNITED Act," aims to enhance the economic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom through a comprehensive trade agreement. It grants the President the authority to negotiate such an agreement, targeting tariff and non-tariff barriers, while ensuring consultation with Congress throughout the negotiation process. The Act sets a deadline for initiating negotiations and specifies that any agreement cannot be waived, suspended, or terminated without congressional approval, emphasizing adherence to trade priorities and accountability.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act allows the National Guard Bureau to credit funds received as reimbursement from states for the use of military property to the original or a currently available appropriate account. These funds can only be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, replacement, or similar functions directly related to assets used by National Guard units operating under State active duty status.

The Apprenticeships to College Act aims to strengthen the connection between apprenticeship programs and educational institutions. It directs the Secretaries of Labor and Education to form an agreement supporting a college consortium. This consortium will focus on aligning education and apprenticeship records, providing guidance on funding, and creating credit awarding systems for apprenticeship program participants. Participation in the consortium is voluntary for higher education institutions and apprenticeship sponsors.

The "Broadband Buildout Accountability Act" shields the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), with a specific exception for 5 U.S. Code § 552, to balance transparency and program efficiency.

The "Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025" aims to bolster the air traffic control workforce by enhancing training programs, providing financial support to educational institutions, and improving mental health resources for controllers. It establishes an Enhanced-CTI grant program, promotes the use of Terminal Simulation Systems, and mandates the creation of a mental health training course for aviation professionals. The act also requires reports on airport surveillance technology and radar systems.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The ENABLE Act permanently extends provisions that allow for increased contributions to ABLE accounts and rollovers from 529 education savings accounts, providing ongoing financial benefits for individuals with disabilities. It amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove the expiration date for increased contributions and ensures the continuation of rollovers from 529 programs to ABLE programs indefinitely. The act also modifies retirement savings contribution definitions and repeals a paragraph from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 to align with these changes. These amendments are effective for taxable years ending after the enactment date of this act and for distributions made after this enactment.

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 "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

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 "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.