Legislative Activity

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

The Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act establishes a new tax credit and grant program to incentivize grocery stores, food banks, and mobile vendors to operate in designated "food deserts." This financial support aims to increase access to fresh food in underserved communities across the nation. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture update its Food Access Research Atlas annually to reflect new food retailers.

The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act makes student loan repayment or forgiveness amounts received by veterinarians participating in state-based programs tax-free. This exclusion applies to funds received through programs designed to increase veterinary services in underserved areas. This tax benefit will take effect for amounts received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

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 Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit to incentivize investments in upgrading existing hydroelectric facilities. This credit covers improvements focused on fish passage, water quality, safety, and habitat restoration at qualified dams. Furthermore, the bill allows for elective direct payment or transferability of this new credit.

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 Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses as eligible hires. This allows employers to claim the tax credit for hiring individuals certified as spouses of active-duty military personnel. The provision applies to wages paid for individuals hired after the Act's enactment date.

The Suicide Prevention Act establishes two key initiatives to combat self-harm and suicide. First, it creates a national program for real-time syndromic surveillance and tracking of self-harm behaviors across public health departments. Second, it authorizes grants for hospital emergency departments to implement comprehensive screening, immediate care, and follow-up services for patients at risk of suicide upon discharge. Both programs aim to improve data collection for targeted prevention and enhance post-crisis care coordination.

The Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2025 aims to increase the participation of private landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, particularly in high-opportunity neighborhoods. It establishes new incentives, such as one-time payments and security deposit assistance, funded by the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund. The Act also modernizes inspection standards, requires the use of specific Small Area Fair Market Rents, and mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness.

The Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2025 establishes a permanent program to keep existing subsidized rural rental housing affordable and in good repair through loan restructuring and enhanced tenant notification. It also modifies eligibility for rural housing vouchers when property financing matures or ends. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of an affordability plan and an advisory committee to guide the preservation of USDA-financed rural housing projects.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act ensures that funds reimbursed to the National Guard Bureau by states or territories are directly returned to the specific budget account that covered the initial expense. These returned funds are strictly limited to being used for the repair, maintenance, or replacement of the military assets involved. This guarantees that reimbursement money directly supports the readiness of the equipment used by the National Guard.

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 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 "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of 529 education savings accounts for expenses related to postsecondary credential programs. These programs include workforce training, professional certifications, and licenses. This change expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and testing fees associated with recognized postsecondary credentials. The bill aims to make workforce training and professional certifications more accessible and affordable.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by honoring the profound contributions and resilience of African Americans throughout United States history. It acknowledges both the struggles of the past and the significant achievements of individuals who have shaped the nation’s progress. By recognizing this history, the resolution encourages all Americans to reflect on our shared past and continue working toward a future of unity and justice.

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 Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act of 2025 amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide grants and loans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the preservation of single-family housing that is at least 25 years old. It sets specific requirements for the use of funds, including owner-occupancy, lease terms, and income limits for ADUs, and it caps the amount of assistance available for both single-family housing and ADUs. The act also allows recipients to use up to 20% of the funds for administrative costs and authorizes an appropriation of $200,000,000 for these purposes.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces who fought in this pivotal World War II engagement. It recognizes the strategic importance of the battle, the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi, and the enduring legacy of those who served. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the strong bond of friendship and reconciliation between the United States and Japan today.

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.