Legislative Activity

The Aid Accountability Act of 2025 establishes strict penalties for violations related to the proper use of foreign assistance funds. Federal employees who knowingly violate these rules face termination and permanent ineligibility for future government employment, in addition to restitution. Recipients of federal funds found in violation will be barred from receiving future federal funding. The Secretary of State is responsible for determining violations and reporting final decisions to Congress within 60 days.

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.

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.

This Act authorizes the minting and issuance of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins must be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations.

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 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 Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025 aims to protect students belonging to single-sex social organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, from punitive action by federally funded colleges. This legislation ensures that schools cannot penalize students or organizations solely based on membership limitations restricted to one sex. Ultimately, the Act safeguards students' freedom to associate with these groups without facing disadvantages compared to members of co-ed organizations.

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.

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 Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell a limited series of gold, silver, and clad coins to honor the life and legacy of baseball legend and humanitarian Roberto Clemente. These coins must feature designs celebrating both his athletic achievements and his activism, with final approval resting with the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Clemente Foundation and family. All proceeds from the mandated surcharges on the coin sales will be directed to the Roberto Clemente Foundation to support its charitable and educational programs. The issuance of these coins is strictly limited to the calendar year 2027.

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 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 "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025" amends Title IX to prohibit schools receiving federal funding from allowing individuals born male to participate in female athletic programs. Sex is defined as determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth. This bill aims to ensure fair competition for women and girls in sports.