Legislative Activity

The COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 permanently prohibits all new oil and gas leasing and development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas. This legislation ensures the protection of these key ocean regions from future drilling exploration.

This resolution supports designating a week in April as Black Maternal Health Week to raise national awareness of the severe maternal health crisis facing Black women and birthing people in the U.S. It highlights that systemic racism and discrimination drive unacceptable disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The resolution calls for specific investments and policy changes, including expanded postpartum coverage and culturally competent care, guided by the voices of the affected community.

The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 establishes an Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services to support victims of gun violence. This council will define key terms, assess the needs of victims and service providers, and identify best practices for support. Its primary goal is to share comprehensive information on available medical, financial, and mental health resources with the public and relevant government bodies. The council will operate for five years and is required to issue detailed reports on resource gaps and recommendations for improvement.

This resolution expresses strong support for library staff across the United States and recognizes the essential, expanded community services libraries provide. It advocates for funding commensurate with these vital roles and defends the civil rights and intellectual freedom of library workers against censorship and threats. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the fundamental right of all citizens to freely access information and resources within their communities.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The Find It Early Act mandates that certain individuals at increased risk for breast cancer receive comprehensive screening and diagnostic imaging coverage without any out-of-pocket costs. This coverage expansion applies across private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA health care programs. These changes are set to take effect starting January 1, 2026.

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act restricts the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill establishes a federal process for determining which specific firearms are banned and makes it illegal to possess magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after the enactment date. Furthermore, it allows states to use federal Byrne grant funds to establish buy-back programs for these prohibited items. Violations of the new prohibitions carry significant fines and potential prison sentences.

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost federal support for organic agriculture. It establishes a new initiative to coordinate and strategically plan USDA organic research efforts across multiple agencies. The bill also increases funding and updates focus areas for the existing Organic Research and Extension Initiative, including climate change mitigation and traditional ecological knowledge. Finally, it mandates new research programs focused on the transition to organic farming and comprehensive economic studies of the organic sector.

The National Biotechnology Initiative Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive, whole-of-government effort to advance U.S. biotechnology for national security and economic competitiveness. This law mandates the creation of a National Biotechnology Coordination Office and an Interagency Committee to oversee a national strategy focused on research, data management, workforce development, and regulatory streamlining. Participating agencies must align their efforts to accelerate commercialization, manage biosecurity risks, and enhance public understanding of biotechnology.

The American Family Act fundamentally restructures the Child Tax Credit by replacing the annual lump sum with advance monthly payments for qualifying children. This legislation establishes a new refundable monthly credit of up to $360 per child, alongside a separate $500 non-refundable credit for other dependents. These advance payments are subject to income phase-outs and will reconcile with the final tax return. The old annual Child Tax Credit is terminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This resolution supports the goals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative by calling for equal educational opportunities and civil rights protections for all students, especially LGBTQI+ youth. It highlights the negative impact of bullying, harassment, and discriminatory state laws on student mental health and academic success. The bill encourages communities nationwide to adopt policies that actively prevent discrimination and foster inclusive school environments.

The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act establishes a dedicated Title X Clinic Fund to provide consistent, long-term financial support for family planning clinics. This funding, set for ten years, includes annual allocations for services and facility improvements. The bill also mandates that clinics receiving these funds offer comprehensive, non-directive counseling options to patients with positive pregnancy tests.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of devices or modifications that significantly increase the firing rate of semiautomatic firearms to mimic machinegun function. Existing owners of such modified firearms must register them within 120 days of enactment to maintain lawful possession. This legislation updates federal law by classifying these rate-of-fire-enhancing modifications as regulated items under the National Firearms Act.

The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 establishes "Ocean Innovation Clusters" across the nation to boost sustainable economic activity in the "Blue Economy." The Secretary of Commerce will designate at least seven geographically diverse clusters composed of businesses, academia, and government partners. These clusters will receive federal grants and support to foster innovation, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration in ocean-related industries. The Act also mandates the creation of physical collaboration hubs to support these regional efforts.

The Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025 significantly expands and makes permanent the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without qualifying children by lowering the minimum age, substantially increasing the credit amount, and raising income thresholds. It also allows taxpayers to elect to use higher prior-year earned income to calculate their current EITC benefit. Furthermore, the bill permanently extends current EITC application rules for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 systematically increases the federal minimum wage to \$17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be indexed to median wage growth. This legislation also phases out the subminimum wage for tipped employees and workers with disabilities, requiring them to eventually earn the standard federal minimum wage. Furthermore, the bill repeals the special minimum wage for workers under 20 once their rate catches up to the standard minimum.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It tasks the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) with reviewing state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, taking over administration where state laws fall short. The Act explicitly protects existing labor agreements while prohibiting strikes or lockouts that would endanger public safety services. Finally, it ensures that existing state or local laws providing equal or greater protections are not preempted by this federal minimum standard.

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.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense of Congress that paraprofessionals and essential education support staff deserve fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions. It highlights the critical role these millions of workers play in schools while addressing current issues like low wages, benefit gaps, and job instability. The resolution calls for stable employment, living wages, affordable healthcare, and greater inclusion in school decision-making. Ultimately, it affirms that respecting support staff is vital for student success.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). It celebrates the success of this landmark legislation, which allows Tribal Nations to contract and manage federal programs like health and education for their communities. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.