Legislative Activity

The Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025 amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow credit reporting agencies to include positive payment histories for rent and utility bills. This change aims to help more consumers build a stronger credit history by recognizing on-time payments for essential services. The bill also provides specific protections for consumers with utility payment plans and mandates a government review of the impact of these new reporting standards.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 (VETS Opportunity Act of 2025) updates how independent study programs qualify for VA educational assistance. This legislation mandates that eligible programs must feature regular and meaningful communication between students and instructors after the course begins. This clarification applies to institutions already participating in federal student financial aid programs, with the changes taking effect for terms starting on or after August 1, 2025.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

The BOP SCAN Mail Act mandates the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to stop synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, from entering federal facilities via mail. This strategy requires digitizing mail delivery so inmates receive digital copies within 24 hours, while physical mail is delivered later if cleared of contraband. The ultimate goal is to achieve 100% scanning capacity to enhance security and alleviate staffing burdens within the BOP.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act clarifies the location flexibility for the museum, confirming it can be situated within the National Mall Reserve. This legislation also establishes a clear process for transferring administrative control of sites managed by other federal agencies to the Smithsonian Institution. Furthermore, it mandates that the Museum's Board of Trustees actively seek guidance from diverse sources to ensure exhibits accurately reflect the full spectrum of Latino cultures and viewpoints. The Secretary of the Smithsonian must report regularly to Congress on compliance with these diversity requirements.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility. The bill also enhances program integrity by dedicating new funding to oversight and establishing educational outreach for providers with unusual billing patterns. Finally, it mandates new resources, training, and public data reporting to ensure the quality and accessibility of virtual care for all beneficiaries.

The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act updates the Port Infrastructure Development Program to ensure fairer distribution of funding. This legislation mandates that project selections for both major and smaller port improvements must achieve equitable geographic representation across the United States. The goal is to spread vital port investments more evenly nationwide.

The Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act eliminates the federal transfer tax previously imposed on certain firearms. This legislation repeals Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code and updates related tax provisions accordingly. The Act explicitly clarifies that it does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any new oversight authority over firearms.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 generally restricts federal courts from issuing orders that affect non-parties to a lawsuit or granting emergency relief in certain state/federal disputes under diversity jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies language regarding who can seek declaratory judgments and limits the scope of judicial review over agency actions. Overall, this legislation aims to narrow the scope of judicial authority in issuing certain types of relief and clarifying participation in specific legal challenges.

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.

The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to prohibit the authorization, support, or funding of any event promoting antisemitism. To enforce this, the bill mandates that institutions adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. This ensures federal funding is contingent upon actively preventing antisemitic activities on campus.

This bill proposes the complete termination of the Department of Education. It sets a firm deadline of December 31, 2026, for the federal agency to cease all operations. If enacted, this would eliminate the federal oversight body for education programs.

The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act permanently reauthorizes and mandates the use of the E-Verify system for nearly all U.S. employers, phasing in requirements over one year. The bill significantly increases penalties for non-compliance and establishes new procedures for reverification and information sharing between federal agencies. Furthermore, it offers liability protection to employers who use the system in good faith and directs the creation of a demonstration program for small businesses in rural areas.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit state and federal correctional facilities from using signal jamming systems within their housing areas. This legislation permits prisons to deploy jammers specifically to block communications involving contraband devices or incarcerated individuals. Any facility choosing to use this technology must adhere to strict operational rules, including location limitations and pre-approval notification to local public safety officials and the Bureau of Prisons.

The College Employment Accountability Act mandates that institutions receiving federal funds must use the E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. Any finding that a college has hired unauthorized aliens or failed to participate in E-Verify will result in the immediate loss of all federal student and institutional aid. The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting violations to the Department of Education.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act prohibits Federal Reserve banks from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly to individuals. This legislation explicitly bans the Federal Reserve Board from developing or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Fed and is widely available to the public. Congress asserts that any such digital currency must be explicitly authorized by Congress, not created unilaterally by the Federal Reserve.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 aims to restrict the power of U.S. District Courts to issue broad nationwide injunctions. This legislation mandates that any order for injunctive relief must be narrowly tailored, applying only to the specific parties involved in the lawsuit or limited to the geographic boundaries of the judicial district where the court sits. The goal is to prevent federal courts from issuing sweeping orders that affect the entire nation.

The Restraining Judicial Insurrectionist Act of 2025 establishes special procedures for lawsuits challenging executive branch actions. When a lawsuit seeks to block a major executive or presidential order, a special three-judge panel must be convened instead of a single judge. This panel requires a majority vote to issue any temporary or permanent injunction against the executive branch.