Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses deep concern over the rising trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression across the United States. It strongly opposes censorship in schools and libraries, citing constitutional rights and the harm done to democratic discourse. The measure urges local entities to protect students' access to diverse viewpoints and calls for the reversal of restrictive orders impacting educational materials.

The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 ensures federal agencies compensate contractors for employee costs incurred due to government funding lapses or shutdowns. This act mandates contract price adjustments to cover reasonable expenses for furloughed or impacted contractor employees, up to a specified weekly limit. The law also provides necessary appropriations to cover these adjustments and requires public reporting on the compensation provided.

This resolution officially designates October 8, 2025, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." It recognizes the critical role hydrogen technology plays in achieving future energy independence and environmental goals. The designation aims to promote awareness of the benefits of clean, efficient hydrogen fuel cells for transportation and power generation.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." It recognizes the critical economic, ecological, and protective value of estuaries to the nation. The bill applauds ongoing efforts by federal, state, and local partners to study, protect, and restore these vital coastal environments.

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.

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the national understanding and prevention of stillbirths. It authorizes federal grants to help states enhance stillbirth surveillance, data collection, and analysis, ensuring all collected data remains de-identified. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of clear federal guidelines for standardized data collection and the development of public educational materials regarding stillbirth risk factors.

The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 requires colleges receiving federal aid to update their campus safety reports with comprehensive anti-harassment policies that specifically address technology-facilitated harassment. This legislation also establishes a competitive grant program to fund campus initiatives focused on harassment prevention, counseling, and training. Crucially, the Act supplements existing civil rights laws without overriding any current student protections or legal remedies.

The Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2025 amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination in housing based on source of income, veteran status, or military status. This expansion broadens protections to cover lawful income sources, including housing vouchers and various benefits, alongside military service. The Act ensures these new protected classes are covered across all aspects of the housing transaction, from advertising to rental agreements.

The Stop CMV Act of 2025 establishes a framework for voluntary newborn screening for congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) across the United States. It tasks states with developing testing procedures, while authorizing federal funding through HRSA grants to support implementation and CDC grants for data collection and education. The bill also directs the NIH to expand research into CMV screening, prevention, and treatment.

The Billionaires Income Tax Act fundamentally changes how the wealthiest Americans are taxed by requiring them to pay taxes annually on the unrealized gains of their investment assets, eliminating indefinite tax deferral. It also removes several existing tax deferral mechanisms and imposes stricter tax consequences on these "applicable taxpayers" regarding investment income, expatriation, and deferred compensation. In essence, the bill aims to ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay taxes yearly on their growing wealth rather than waiting until assets are sold.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act nullifies two specific Executive Orders related to federal labor-management programs and prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce them. Furthermore, the Act ensures that all existing collective bargaining agreements between the federal government and labor organizations remain fully in effect until their original expiration dates. This legislation solidifies current federal union contracts while removing the authority of the voided orders.

The FAMILY Act establishes the Family and Medical Insurance Leave program, creating a new office within the Social Security Administration to manage paid benefits for qualified caregiving and serious health conditions. This law outlines eligibility requirements, a tiered formula for calculating monthly benefit payments, and protections against employer retaliation for taking leave. The Act also provides funding mechanisms for states that already have similar paid leave programs in place.

This resolution officially designates September 25, 2025, as "National Lobster Day." It recognizes the lobster's significant historical, economic, and cultural importance to the United States, highlighting the industry's long-standing commitment to sustainability. The measure encourages Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities celebrating this iconic seafood.

The Equal Employment for All Act of 2025 significantly amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit employers from using credit checks when making most hiring or firing decisions, even with applicant consent. This new restriction only allows credit checks for jobs requiring national security clearance or when specifically mandated by another law. The Act ensures that applicants cannot be penalized simply for refusing to authorize a credit check unless one of these narrow exceptions applies.

The Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act invalidates pre-dispute agreements that force individuals into private arbitration for employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights claims. This legislation protects the right of individuals and groups to pursue legal action in court rather than being compelled into private arbitration before a dispute arises. It ensures that courts, not arbitrators, decide if this new law applies to a specific agreement. The Act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

This Act officially establishes the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025 to honor the life and groundbreaking civil rights achievements of the late legal pioneer. The bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to her family in recognition of her service, including her role in *Brown v. Board of Education*. Furthermore, it permits the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

This resolution officially recognizes suicide as a serious and preventable public health crisis impacting the nation, highlighting its significant role as a leading cause of death, especially among young people. It expresses strong support for designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for prioritizing suicide prevention efforts and improving access to high-quality mental health and substance use disorder services.

This Senate resolution expresses a profound lack of confidence in Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing numerous actions that allegedly undermine public health, scientific integrity, and the legal duties of his office. The resolution details accusations of illegal funding cuts, mass firings of career staff, and the dismantling of key advisory committees. Therefore, the Senate declares that the Secretary should be removed from his position.

The TRACE Act mandates updates to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) to specifically track cases occurring on federal land or in U.S. territorial waters. This legislation requires the Attorney General to add a distinct data field to record these specific locations for missing persons reports. Furthermore, the Act requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number of missing persons cases linked to these federal jurisdictions.

This Act officially renames the VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and dedicated veterans advocate, Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha. The designation recognizes his extraordinary military service and lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans. This legislation ensures his legacy is permanently associated with the facility where he received compassionate care.