Legislative Activity

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.

The Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act exempts specific less-than-lethal projectile devices from certain federal restrictions under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This exemption applies only to devices that cannot fire standard ammunition, are designed to minimize serious injury, and meet specific design criteria regarding ammunition feeding mechanisms. The bill also establishes a process for manufacturers to seek a ruling from the Attorney General on whether their device qualifies for this exemption.

The Driving Forward Act permanently extends an existing exemption allowing certain school bus drivers to bypass the "under-the-hood" portion of their skills test. This change codifies the rules previously established in a 2024 Federal Register notice. States utilizing this exemption must still report annually on the number of drivers who qualify under these permanent terms for the next six years.

The Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime Act (BOLIVAR Act) prohibits federal agencies from contracting with any entity known to have significant business operations with the unrecognized Venezuelan regime. This restriction includes broad definitions of "business operations" but contains specific exceptions for humanitarian aid, U.S. national security interests, and supporting U.S. government activities. The Secretary of State must approve any use of these exceptions and notify Congress.

This resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the vital and substantial contributions of the over 1.2 million female agricultural producers to the U.S. economy and global food supply. The measure encourages citizens to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, and economic impact women have across the entire agricultural sector.

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.

This resolution officially designates March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day" to celebrate the Osceola wild turkey, a subspecies unique to Florida. It recognizes the significant economic and conservation contributions of turkey hunting to the state. The day encourages nationwide observance to honor this important part of Florida's heritage and ecology.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

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.

The Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 aims to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments for children by expanding the FDA's authority to require pediatric investigations for molecularly targeted cancer drugs. It also extends the incentive program that grants priority review vouchers to encourage the development of drugs for rare pediatric diseases. The bill mandates studies on the effectiveness of these new requirements and the existing voucher system.

This resolution designates March 6, 2025, as "National Slam the Scam Day" to combat government imposter scams and other pervasive scams. It aims to raise awareness and promote education to protect individuals, especially older adults, from financial losses and identity theft. The resolution encourages reporting scams and supports the efforts of law enforcement, consumer groups, and financial institutions in preventing these scams. It also honors those who are actively fighting against government imposter scams.

The Make American Flags in America Act of 2025 mandates that all U.S. flags displayed or purchased by federal agencies must be 100% manufactured in the United States using entirely domestic materials. This requirement takes effect for purchases within 90 days and for display within two years of enactment. Additionally, the bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study and report on the current enforcement of country-of-origin labeling for American flags.

The Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act expands the definition of the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA) to officially include the Osceola Camp. This legislation also mandates that the Secretary take action within two years to protect structures within the newly added Osceola Camp from flooding, in consultation with the Tribe.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act ensures that funds reimbursed to the National Guard Bureau by states or territories are directly returned to the specific budget account that covered the initial expense. These returned funds are strictly limited to being used for the repair, maintenance, or replacement of the military assets involved. This guarantees that reimbursement money directly supports the readiness of the equipment used by the National Guard.

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act aims to reduce contraband in prisons by increasing penalties for providing or attempting to provide a phone to an inmate. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to review and update policies regarding inmates who make, possess, or try to obtain prohibited items to improve safety.

The "Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025" establishes a CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice to counter threats from countries like China, prevent intellectual property theft, and protect U.S. infrastructure. It requires the Attorney General to develop strategies, coordinate with agencies like the FBI, and report annually to Congress on the initiative's progress, resource allocation, and impact on Chinese espionage efforts. The initiative will expire six years after enactment.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

This resolution honors the 17 victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. It expresses the Senate's condolences to the families and friends of the victims and acknowledges the resilience of the Parkland community. The resolution also recognizes the upcoming 7-year anniversary of the tragedy and expresses gratitude to the first responders.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.