Legislative Activity

The Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025 significantly updates the 1974 Privacy Act by modernizing definitions for records, PII, and processing to reflect current technology. It strengthens individual protections by requiring agencies to cite specific legal authority for data use and imposing stricter rules on data matching. Furthermore, the bill increases consequences for violations, allowing individuals to sue for damages (guaranteed minimum of $1,000) and upgrading criminal penalties for unauthorized access to a felony.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinas across the United States. It highlights their achievements in diverse fields while acknowledging ongoing disparities, such as the wage gap. Ultimately, the measure calls for continued investment in the future of Latinas as a vital part of the nation's growth.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and halt a specific proposed export of defense articles to Israel. It specifically blocks the shipment of 20,000 Colt Carbine fully automatic rifles, valued at over \$1 million. The resolution targets items controlled under Category I of the United States Munitions List intended for the Israel National Police.

This Senate resolution clarifies that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 only addressed the PRC's representation at the UN and does not endorse China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. The resolution strongly opposes the People's Republic of China's efforts to misuse this vote to isolate Taiwan internationally. It reaffirms the U.S. position that the issue of Taiwan's final status remains unsettled and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in global organizations.

The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to combat dangerous urban heat islands, which disproportionately affect low-income communities. This program will fund eligible entities for projects such as planting trees, installing cool roofs, and creating cooling centers. A minimum of 75% of the funds must be directed toward designated high-need census tracts, emphasizing community engagement and environmental justice in project selection.

This resolution condemns the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong government for systematically dismantling Hong Kong's promised autonomy and democratic freedoms. It specifically denounces the imposition and expansion of sweeping national security laws used to suppress dissent, arrest activists, and target journalists. The resolution urges international accountability for these actions and calls for the immediate release of all political detainees.

The America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act seeks to permanently protect hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands across Utah by designating them as official wilderness areas. This designation ensures the preservation of unique ecological, geological, and cultural resources under the highest level of federal protection. The bill also establishes administrative rules, including securing water rights and managing state inholdings, while explicitly safeguarding existing livestock grazing and Tribal rights.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment granting Congress and the states the explicit authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. If ratified, it would allow for setting reasonable limits on spending intended to influence elections to protect democratic fairness. The amendment also specifically empowers regulators to treat corporations and other entities differently than individuals regarding election spending, while explicitly protecting the freedom of the press.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 mandates the Department of Agriculture to immediately honor and pay all existing, unfrozen contracts with farmers and related entities. This legislation prevents the cancellation of signed agreements unless the terms have been violated by the recipient. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 60 days' notice to Congress before closing any local Farm Service Agency, NRCS, or Rural Development offices.

The Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a strict 130-day service limit within any 365-day period for individuals serving as special Government employees in the executive branch. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a public, searchable database listing key details for "Covered Special Government Employees" (those above GS-11 level not on advisory committees). Finally, it requires executive agencies to publicly release the financial disclosure reports filed by these Covered SGEs, with limited exceptions for national security or specific exemptions.

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.

This resolution strongly affirms religious freedom as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It expresses deep concern over the increasing global threats, persecution, and destruction of religious sites worldwide. The bill urges the State Department to prioritize the promotion of religious freedom through diplomatic engagement, support for activists, and the use of sanctions against violators.

This resolution formally recognizes the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across the United States. It celebrates their historic achievements in areas such as military service, science, the arts, and civil rights leadership. The bill also emphasizes the importance of continued investment to overcome barriers these women face in accessing justice, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen protections against sex-based wage discrimination and close the gender pay gap. It enhances enforcement by tightening employer defenses for pay disparities, expanding anti-retaliation protections, and increasing penalties for violations. The bill also mandates new data collection by the EEOC and establishes grant programs to support negotiation skills training.

The WATCH Act establishes new federal oversight for foreign laboratories receiving U.S. funding for animal research, primarily from the NIH. These labs must now undergo mandatory quarterly inspections to ensure compliance with established animal welfare standards. Failure to pass these inspections and correct deficiencies can result in the suspension or revocation of federal funding.

The No Unreasonable Payments, Coding, Or Diagnoses for the Elderly (No UPCODE) Act aims to reform how Medicare Advantage plans are paid by requiring the use of two full years of health data for risk adjustment starting in 2026. This legislation also mandates that diagnoses obtained solely through chart reviews or health risk assessments cannot be used to increase plan payments. Furthermore, the bill requires an analysis of coding differences between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare to ensure fair payment adjustments.

This resolution expresses strong support for the nation's public K-12 schools and condemns any efforts to defund or dismantle the Department of Education. It affirms the crucial federal role in ensuring equitable funding and support for students, especially those with disabilities and from low-income families. The resolution warns that weakening the Department would severely disrupt vital programs serving millions of students nationwide.

The Smoke Exposure Research Act directs the Department of Agriculture to conduct comprehensive research on mitigating wildfire smoke taint in wine grapes. This research will focus on identifying harmful chemical compounds, developing rapid testing methods, and creating preventative or remedial tools for growers. The effort mandates collaboration with land-grant universities in key wine-producing states and authorizes $6.5 million annually for this purpose from 2026 through 2030.

The Putting Veterans First Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to support military-affiliated federal employees by reversing past unfair employment actions and establishing new procedural safeguards against future disciplinary actions. It also imposes significant limitations, increased transparency, and accountability measures across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding personnel actions, office closures, and contracting. Furthermore, the Act strengthens protections, mental health support, and employment assistance for civil servants while mandating extensive public reporting on VA operations and staffing.

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.