Legislative Activity

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act significantly overhauls regulations for firearm dealers by mandating stricter physical security, requiring quarterly inventory checks, and increasing associated licensing fees. The bill also repeals outdated restrictions on ATF data sharing and establishes new compliance and recordkeeping standards, including mandatory video surveillance for sales. Furthermore, it introduces new licensing and operational requirements for online firearm transfer facilitators.

The American Innovation Act establishes significant, multi-year funding authorizations for key federal science and technology agencies, including the NSF, DOE Office of Science, DoD, NIST, and NASA. This legislation sets specific budget ceilings through fiscal year 2035, with subsequent funding automatically adjusted for inflation. Furthermore, these appropriations are protected from sequestration and do not expire at the end of the fiscal year.

The FEMA Independence Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President. This act separates FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and outlines the transfer of all existing FEMA functions, staff, and assets to the newly independent agency. It also updates leadership titles and makes conforming amendments across various federal laws to reflect FEMA's new status.

The Ensuring Access to Specialty Care Everywhere (EASE) Act requires the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a new model focused on improving access to specialty health services. This "Specialty Health Care Services Access Model" will utilize provider networks, often based in rural areas, to deliver coordinated specialty care to eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries living in underserved regions. The model aims to leverage digital tools to connect patients with necessary specialists through established, qualified provider networks.

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Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility.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.

This Act mandates the Department of Labor to establish comprehensive, enforceable standards for preventing workplace violence in healthcare and social service settings. It requires covered employers to develop and implement written prevention plans, conduct risk assessments, provide thorough training, and maintain detailed incident logs. The legislation also amends the Social Security Act to ensure facilities receiving Medicare funds comply with these new federal workplace safety requirements.

The Paying a Fair Share Act of 2025 introduces a new "Fair Share Tax" targeting high-income taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeding $1,000,000. This tax is calculated as 30% of AGI (minus a modified charitable deduction) but only applies to income that exceeds existing regular income tax, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and payroll taxes. The Senate views this bill as an immediate step to ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share and reduce the national deficit while encouraging broader tax reform.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to recognize the critical importance of local journalism. It highlights the severe decline of local news outlets across the country, which has created numerous "news deserts." The measure affirms that local news is vital for a healthy democracy and community engagement.

The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act establishes a new income-contingent student loan repayment plan designed to lower monthly payments based on family size and income relative to the poverty line. This plan offers loan forgiveness after 10 years for undergraduate-only debt or 15 years for debt including graduate loans. Furthermore, the bill eliminates interest accrual that exceeds the borrower's calculated monthly payment.

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 Convenient Contraception Act ensures that individuals covered by group health plans or insurance can obtain a full 365-day supply of their covered contraceptives at once. This upfront supply must be provided without any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. The requirement takes effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and mandates federal outreach to inform providers and consumers of this new option.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to significantly expand and reform the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to address soaring energy costs and climate-related weather emergencies. The bill mandates increased, uncapped funding for the program and establishes new protections against utility shutoffs and late fees for recipients. Furthermore, it streamlines eligibility requirements, prioritizes energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades for low-income homes, and requires energy suppliers to partner with states on affordability initiatives.

This concurrent resolution formally supports the goals and ideals of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. It recognizes the achievements of the transgender community while acknowledging the ongoing discrimination and violence they face. The resolution encourages public observance of the day and celebrates the progress and leadership within the transgender community.

The Hot Foods Act of 2025 amends the rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to generally allow beneficiaries to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods. This legislation removes the previous general ban on buying such items with SNAP benefits. However, retailers participating in SNAP will now face a limit, as hot, ready-to-eat food sales cannot exceed 50% of their total gross sales.

The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to combat dangerous urban heat islands, which disproportionately affect low-income communities. This program will fund eligible entities for projects such as planting trees, installing cool roofs, and creating cooling centers. A minimum of 75% of the funds must be directed toward designated high-need census tracts, emphasizing community engagement and environmental justice in project selection.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment granting Congress and the states the explicit authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. If ratified, it would allow for setting reasonable limits on spending intended to influence elections to protect democratic fairness. The amendment also specifically empowers regulators to treat corporations and other entities differently than individuals regarding election spending, while explicitly protecting the freedom of the press.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinas across the United States. It highlights their achievements in diverse fields while acknowledging ongoing disparities, such as the wage gap. Ultimately, the measure calls for continued investment in the future of Latinas as a vital part of the nation's growth.

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 Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 mandates the Department of Agriculture to immediately honor and pay all existing, unfrozen contracts with farmers and related entities. This legislation prevents the cancellation of signed agreements unless the terms have been violated by the recipient. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 60 days' notice to Congress before closing any local Farm Service Agency, NRCS, or Rural Development offices.