Legislative Activity

This resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the vital role school counselors play in students' academic, social, and emotional development. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges students face and the importance of adequately supporting school counseling programs. The resolution encourages Americans to participate in events that highlight the importance of school counselors in helping students succeed.

The Keep Our PACT Act ensures federal support for public education by establishing mandatory funding increases for Title I programs and special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By providing a decade-long roadmap for increased investment, the bill aims to fulfill long-standing federal commitments to school districts and students with disabilities. This legislation designates these funds as emergency spending to ensure consistent, reliable resources for schools across the country.

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 Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests starting in 2028. This legislation establishes a formal coverage and payment framework for these innovative blood-based tests while ensuring they complement, rather than replace, existing cancer screening protocols.

The Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 authorizes the posthumous awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his lifelong dedication to civil rights, justice, and equality. This legislation honors his legacy as a champion for constitutional guarantees and his courageous stand against the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025 amends the tax code to exclude state-sponsored catastrophe mitigation payments from an individual's gross income. This legislation ensures that homeowners receiving financial assistance to harden their properties against natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and earthquakes are not unfairly taxed on those funds. The provision is retroactive to the 2022 tax year, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim the exclusion on past returns.

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 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 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 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 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.