Legislative Activity

This resolution designates January 30, 2025, as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. It recognizes Fred Korematsu's resistance to the unjust incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The resolution encourages reflection on the importance of political leadership, vigilance, justice, and civil rights.

The Build Housing with Care Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to integrate child care services into affordable housing developments. By funding the construction, renovation, and operation of co-location facilities, the Act aims to increase access to child care, particularly in underserved "child care deserts." Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive study to evaluate the intersection of housing and child care affordability for public housing residents.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (Global HER) Act ensures that foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) remain eligible for U.S. foreign assistance regardless of the legal health services or advocacy they provide using their own non-U.S. funds. By overriding restrictive policies, the bill protects the autonomy of these organizations to deliver comprehensive care and engage in advocacy, provided their activities comply with local laws and would be legal if performed in the United States.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that the U.S. should remain committed to the Paris Agreement, support policies at all levels of government to reduce global warming pollution, and encourage actions by businesses, investors, and individuals to combat climate change. It recognizes the economic benefits of clean energy investments and the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act aims to reduce double taxation for residents of Taiwan and the U.S. by lowering withholding rates on cross-border income and establishing clear tax residency rules. Additionally, the bill authorizes the President to negotiate a formal tax agreement with Taiwan, ensuring congressional oversight and public transparency throughout the process. This legislation seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment while ensuring reciprocal tax benefits for both nations.

The Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025 prohibits the use of federal funds for a first-strike nuclear attack unless Congress has explicitly authorized it through a declaration of war. This legislation aims to establish constitutional checks and balances by ensuring that a nuclear strike cannot be initiated without congressional approval, except in response to an existing nuclear attack against the United States or its allies.

The Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025 increases excise taxes on private jet fuel to generate revenue for the newly established Funding to Support Clean Communities Trust Fund. This fund will finance air quality monitoring, public transit improvements, and rail infrastructure, with at least 50% of the resources dedicated to disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.

The "BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act" prohibits individuals who have served as fossil fuel industry executives, lobbyists, or trade association leaders within the past 10 years from holding senior federal positions. This legislation aims to prevent conflicts of interest by barring these industry insiders from key leadership roles in departments and agencies responsible for energy, environmental, and climate policy.

The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program to expand access to quality, affordable child care in underserved "child care deserts." By providing federal matching funds, the legislation supports states and tribal entities in developing the early childhood workforce and constructing or renovating child care facilities. These grants aim to increase provider retention, improve compensation, and enhance the availability of care during nontraditional hours.

The Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 establishes an EPA grant program to help communities protect themselves from the health risks of wildland fire smoke. This initiative provides funding to state, local, and Tribal agencies to establish public clean air centers and distribute free, high-quality air filtration units to vulnerable, low-income households.

The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025 establishes permanent, specialized base pay rates for federal wildland firefighters to replace expiring temporary salary increases. The bill also introduces a new incident response premium pay for those deployed to fire incidents and mandates paid rest and recuperation leave to support firefighter well-being. These measures aim to provide long-term financial stability and improved working conditions for the federal wildland firefighting workforce.

The Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025 strengthens oversight of Presidential Inaugural Committees by mandating detailed public disclosure of all expenditures of $200 or more. The bill prohibits donations from foreign nationals, bans the use of funds for personal expenses, and requires that any leftover money be donated to tax-exempt charitable organizations within 90 days.

The Saving the Civil Service Act protects the merit-based federal hiring system by placing strict limits on the ability of agencies to move civil service positions into the excepted service. It requires employee consent for job transfers, caps the number of positions that can be reclassified during a presidential term, and mandates annual reporting to Congress. These measures ensure that federal employment remains grounded in professional standards rather than political appointments.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans made to veterans within the definition of "member business loans." This change allows credit unions to better support veteran-owned businesses by facilitating easier access to capital.

The United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2025 seeks to normalize relations between the two nations by repealing the long-standing trade embargo and associated economic sanctions. The bill lifts restrictions on trade, travel, and remittances, while authorizing expanded telecommunications cooperation. Additionally, it encourages diplomatic negotiations to address outstanding property claims and human rights concerns.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act provides for the admission of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while maintaining a smaller federal district to serve as the seat of the U.S. government. This legislation establishes the framework for the transition, including the transfer of property, the restructuring of local and federal authorities, and the granting of full congressional representation to the new state's residents. It also creates a transition commission to ensure the orderly shift of legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities.

The Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act establishes a 13-member commission tasked with investigating the legacy of slavery and systemic discrimination in the United States. The commission is charged with documenting these historical injustices and their ongoing impact on living African Americans to develop formal proposals for reparatory justice. Ultimately, the body will submit its findings and recommendations for remedies, including potential compensation and educational initiatives, to Congress.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to premium tax credits by removing the current income eligibility cap, allowing more households to qualify for financial assistance. The bill also introduces a new sliding scale for premium contributions to ensure health insurance costs remain more manageable for families. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.