Legislative Activity

The "Paying a Fair Share Act of 2025" introduces a new tax on high-income taxpayers with an adjusted gross income exceeding $1,000,000, referred to as the "fair share tax". This tax aims to ensure wealthy individuals pay a minimum level of tax and contribute to deficit reduction. The tax is calculated based on a percentage of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income above a certain threshold, taking into account charitable contributions and other tax liabilities. The Act expresses the Senate's intention for broader tax system reforms, including eliminating loopholes and simplifying the tax code.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

This resolution expresses Congressional support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, recognizing the achievements and contributions of the transgender community while raising awareness of the discrimination and violence they face. It acknowledges the disproportionate oppression faced by transgender individuals in various areas, celebrates their progress in political representation and media, and urges Americans to observe the day with events that honor transgender individuals and their advocacy for equality.

The "Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025" amends Title 5 of the United States Code to modernize the Privacy Act by updating definitions, strengthening protections for individuals' personally identifiable information, and increasing penalties for violations. It broadens the definition of "records" and "system of records" to include any personally identifiable information processed by an agency and includes data from matching programs. The bill also introduces stricter rules for data collection, use, and disclosure, and enhances civil remedies and criminal penalties for non-compliance, including felony charges for selling or misusing records for malicious purposes. Certain provisions of the Act take effect immediately for specific government entities and programs, while the remaining amendments will be implemented two years after enactment.

This resolution affirms religious freedom as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It expresses concern over increasing global threats to religious freedom, condemning persecution, violence, and imprisonment based on faith. The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize religious freedom in foreign policy, utilize sanctions against violators, and support human rights advocates.

This resolution condemns China's actions in Hong Kong that undermine its autonomy, rule of law, and the freedoms of its citizens. It calls for the release of political prisoners, criticizes the erosion of Hong Kong's legal and business environment, and urges governments to hold China accountable through existing legislation and multilateral efforts. The resolution also expresses solidarity with the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms.

The "Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to help urban areas combat extreme heat, particularly in underserved communities. Grants will fund projects like tree planting, cool pavements, and cooling centers. At least 75% of grant funds must be used for projects in covered census tracts. The program is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2033.

America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act designates specific areas in Utah as wilderness, providing them the highest level of federal protection to preserve their natural state, diverse ecosystems, and historical and cultural resources. The Act outlines administrative provisions for managing these wilderness areas, including land management, water rights, road setbacks, and the continuation of livestock grazing, while also protecting state and tribal rights. It ensures the preservation of these lands for future generations, balancing recreational opportunities with ecological conservation. The Act also removes the land from being subject to public use, mining, and mineral leasing, subject to valid rights existing when the Act is enacted.

This resolution recognizes and celebrates the heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinas to the United States across various sectors, including the economy, arts, sciences, and military. It also acknowledges the economic disparities Latinas face, such as the wage gap, and emphasizes the importance of investing in their future to address these challenges and ensure their continued growth and impact.

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.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Congress and states to regulate campaign finance, setting reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures to promote democracy, political equality, and the integrity of government and elections. It aims to clarify the power to differentiate between natural persons and corporations in campaign finance regulations, potentially restricting corporate spending in elections. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from any restrictions.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 ensures the Department of Agriculture honors existing agreements with farmers and related entities by releasing committed funding and settling outstanding debts. It prevents the cancellation of contracts unless there is a violation and requires a 60-day notice to Congress before closing any Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development Service Center office.

This resolution addresses concerns that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is misrepresenting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 to falsely claim sovereignty over Taiwan. It reaffirms the U.S.'s "one China policy," which differs from the PRC's "One China Principle," and emphasizes that the U.S. does not take a position on Taiwan's sovereignty. The resolution supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations and encourages other nations to strengthen ties with Taiwan, while also countering China's narrative on Resolution 2758.

The "Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025" aims to limit the use of special Government employees to 130 days per year and increase transparency by requiring a public database of these employees, including their positions, pay rates, and tenures. The Act also mandates the public release of financial disclosures filed by these employees, with exceptions for national defense information. This bill seeks to ensure that individuals temporarily working for the government are appropriately classified and that their activities are transparent to the public.

This resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. It recognizes their significant achievements across various sectors, including military service, business, medicine, and the arts. The resolution also emphasizes the need to invest in the future of these women by addressing barriers they face in justice, healthcare, education, and economic advancement.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance the enforcement of equal pay requirements by modifying the "bona fide factor" defense, protecting employees who discuss their wages, and enhancing penalties for equal pay violations. It requires training and directs research, education, and outreach to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. The Act also prohibits employers from relying on wage history when considering prospective employees and mandates the collection of compensation data by the EEOC. Finally, the Act establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace and provides small business assistance.

The "No UPCODE Act" aims to refine Medicare Advantage risk adjustment by utilizing two years of diagnostic data, excluding diagnoses from chart reviews or health risk assessments, and addressing coding differences between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare. This bill requires the Secretary to evaluate and adjust for coding pattern differences to ensure fair payments. These changes would start in 2026.

The WATCH Act mandates quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving federal funding for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. It requires the creation of an inspection process and grants the authority to issue compliance certifications, which will be publicly accessible. Non-compliant labs will have the opportunity to correct issues, but failure to comply may result in the suspension or revocation of grants. This act aims to harmonize global animal testing standards and promote ethical research practices.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, recognizing the Department's vital role in supporting students with disabilities, low-income families, and English language learners. It affirms that federal investment in public education is crucial and should not be diverted to private schools through vouchers. The resolution condemns any actions that would defund public education, weaken the Department of Education, or shift education funding responsibilities to state and local governments.

This bill aims to prioritize veterans and military families by amending titles 5 and 38 of the United States Code to provide protections for employees, benefits, and programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It focuses on safeguarding the rights and job security of VA employees and civil servants, ensuring transparency in VA operations, and restoring services and programs that may have been reduced or eliminated. The bill also seeks to enhance employment opportunities for veterans, military spouses, and caregivers, while improving the security and integrity of VA data and systems. Additionally, it addresses financial oversight of VA contracts and mandates increased reporting requirements to improve transparency and accountability.