Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates November 1, 2025, as National Bison Day to recognize the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the North American bison. It honors the bison's status as the national mammal, its importance to Indian Tribes, and its role in conservation and rural economies. The resolution encourages nationwide observance of this day annually on the first Saturday of November.

The Pay Our Capitol Police Act ensures that the United States Capitol Police will continue to receive funding for salaries and essential expenses for Fiscal Year 2026, even if standard appropriations are delayed. This bill provides continuing appropriations to cover excepted employees, emergency workers, and necessary support staff. Funds spent under this Act will be charged against future official appropriations once enacted. The authority granted by this Act terminates on September 30, 2026, or earlier if standard appropriations are passed.

This bill modifies existing limitations on the transfer of defense articles from the United States to the Republic of Cyprus. Specifically, it extends the duration for which waivers concerning these transfers can be applied from one fiscal year to three fiscal years. The legislation aims to adjust security assistance and sales requirements related to Cyprus.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that active duty and reserve military personnel continue to receive pay and essential allowances if Congress has not passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026 by the start of that year. This legislation provides automatic continuing appropriations to cover military salaries, support staff, and necessary contractor payments during any funding lapse. The authority granted by this Act is set to terminate on September 30, 2026, or sooner if a comprehensive budget is enacted. Furthermore, the provisions of this Act are made retroactively effective as of September 30, 2025.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that members of the Armed Forces, along with essential Department of Defense civilian personnel and contractors, continue to receive pay and allowances in fiscal year 2026 if regular appropriations are not enacted. This measure provides temporary, continuing funding to support active service members. This authority automatically terminates upon the enactment of a new appropriations law or by January 1, 2027.

This resolution formally condemns the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel of October 7, 2023, and supports Israel's right to self-defense. It further condemns antisemitic and destructive protests within the United States. Ultimately, the resolution calls for an outcome that ensures Israel's survival, eliminates Hamas's ability to operate, and secures the release of all remaining hostages.

This resolution expresses support for designating October 5 through October 11, 2025, as National 4-H Week. It recognizes 4-H as a vital youth development program that empowers millions of young people through hands-on learning. The bill encourages citizens to celebrate the organization's significant impact on developing confident and compassionate leaders.

The Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act aims to combat illegal drug manufacturing by tightening regulations on equipment used to make counterfeit pills. This bill expands the definition of regulated persons to include those dealing in specific pill-making machinery and their critical parts. It mandates permanent serial numbers on these machines and parts, requiring transaction reporting to the Attorney General. Furthermore, the Act prohibits the removal or alteration of these required identification numbers.

The Federal Government Spectrum Inventory Act mandates the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to produce an annual public report detailing the Federal Government's use of radio frequencies between 225 MHz and 50 GHz. This report must include official allocation tables, usage details, and planned future applications for these critical spectrum bands. The goal is to increase transparency regarding how federal agencies utilize these shared national resources.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

This resolution formally condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honors his life and legacy as a devoted husband, father, and founder of Turning Point USA. It recognizes his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses across the nation. The Senate also extends its deepest sympathies to his surviving family.

The CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act of 2025 updates the Conservation Reserve Program to enhance flexibility for farmers, particularly regarding land management. Key changes include allowing continuous enrollment for certain wildlife enhancement lands and establishing specific, limited conditions under which emergency haying may occur during the final weeks of nesting season. Furthermore, the bill introduces cost-sharing for necessary grazing infrastructure and significantly raises the maximum annual CRP rental payment cap to \$125,000.

This resolution formally honors the life and dedicated service of Undersheriff Brandon Gaede, who tragically died in the line of duty. It expresses the deepest condolences of the Senate to his family and recognizes his ultimate sacrifice for public safety. The measure also calls for support for his surviving family from all levels of government.

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act aims to significantly upgrade the reliability and reach of the NOAA Weather Radio network through infrastructure modernization, expanded coverage in underserved areas, and improved alert specificity. It also establishes national standards for flash flood warning systems in high-risk zones, ensuring alerts function even without reliable internet or cell service. Furthermore, the bill protects critical NOAA warning-related positions from hiring freezes and mandates a 10-year staffing plan for the National Weather Service.

The MARA Act of 2025 aims to establish and grow a regulated domestic offshore aquaculture industry by creating a dedicated Office of Aquaculture for centralized oversight. The bill sets up a framework for assessing commercial-scale demonstration projects under strict environmental and safety standards. Finally, it provides significant federal support through workforce development, financing mechanisms, and mandated scientific studies to guide future regulation.

This resolution formally honors the life and dedicated service of fallen Kansas Deputy Elijah Ming. It expresses the deepest condolences of the Senate to his family and loved ones. The measure further calls upon all levels of government to support the family following his tragic sacrifice in the line of duty.

This bill establishes the Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act to direct the VA and DoD to create a comprehensive research program on menopause and mid-life health for servicewomen and veterans. The legislation mandates an evaluation of current research, identifies knowledge gaps—especially concerning military service exposures—and requires the submission of strategic plans to Congress. Ultimately, this Act aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare delivery for menopause-related conditions affecting women who serve or have served.

The Hire Student Veterans Act expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to incentivize employers for hiring veterans actively using federal educational assistance benefits. This legislation modifies eligibility requirements, allowing employers to claim the tax credit for hiring veterans utilizing benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Furthermore, it removes the standard minimum employment period requirement for these specific veteran hires, potentially allowing employers to claim the credit sooner.

The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 expands eligibility for the Public Safety Officers Death Benefits program to include certain retired law enforcement officers. This legislation provides benefits to retired officers, or their families, if their injury or death resulted from a targeted attack directly related to their prior service. These changes are effective immediately and apply retroactively to qualifying incidents occurring on or after January 1, 2012.

The Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act establishes the new **Veteran Small Business Start-up Credit** to incentivize entrepreneurship among veterans and their spouses. This credit allows eligible veteran-owned small businesses operating in underserved communities to claim a tax credit of up to $7,500 annually based on qualified start-up expenditures. The provision aims to support veteran business creation by offering a direct financial benefit during the initial years of operation.