Legislative Activity

The Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act formally expands the boundaries of the recreation area to include new lands, primarily in Oregon, and updates management directives for these additions. The bill also designates numerous new segments of the North Fork Smith River tributaries in Oregon for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Furthermore, it clarifies administrative rules, protects Tribal rights, and mandates a future study of the newly added areas.

The Stop Comstock Act aims to modernize and streamline federal laws concerning obscene materials. This legislation removes outdated and overly broad language, such as "indecent" and "immoral," from various sections of the U.S. Code and the Tariff Act. The bill focuses on technical clean-up to clarify existing statutes regarding the distribution and importation of materials.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly restrict the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens in immigration custody. It mandates immediate testing for pregnancy upon intake and establishes a strong presumption against detention unless extraordinary, case-by-case public safety risks are proven. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and requires comprehensive medical care, including reproductive health services, alongside detailed public reporting on detention statistics and restraint incidents.

This concurrent resolution expresses support for recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff for their essential care, courage, and dedication, particularly in light of increasing restrictions on abortion access. It affirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and patients' right to access care without fear of violence or criminalization. The resolution condemns actions that limit abortion access and expresses a vision for a future where everyone has full access to necessary care without penalty or stigma.

Tyler's Law mandates a federal study to evaluate the current practices, costs, and patient impacts of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Department of Health and Human Services will issue guidance advising hospitals on whether to make fentanyl testing a routine procedure. This aims to improve overdose care by ensuring comprehensive substance identification.

The Fair College Admissions for Students Act prohibits colleges and universities that receive federal student aid from giving preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors. This legislation aims to eliminate legacy and donor preferences in the college application review process. The ban will take effect starting with the second award year following the law's enactment.

The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, coolers, and loose-fill packaging starting January 1, 2028. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is tasked with defining terms and enforcing the ban, issuing written warnings for initial violations followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The law also grants the Administrator the authority to establish necessary regulations and allows states to take over enforcement duties under specific conditions.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states and tribes implement laws allowing for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill mandates specific due process protections for individuals subject to these orders and ensures that any issued ERPO is recognized and enforced across all states and tribes. Furthermore, it updates federal law to prohibit firearm possession by anyone subject to a qualifying court order and requires that these orders be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that federal anti-discrimination, labor, and equal access laws take precedence over religious freedom claims in specific circumstances. This legislation clarifies that RFRA protections cannot be used to override requirements in federal contracts or agreements involving government funding. Furthermore, the Act explicitly limits the application of RFRA to challenges against government actions, precluding its use in private litigation between non-governmental parties.

This resolution appoints specific senators to serve on the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The appointments include Senators McConnell, Fischer, and Hagerty to the Joint Committee on Printing, with Senators Padilla and Merkley also appointed. Senators McConnell, Fischer, and Hyde-Smith are appointed to the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library, along with Senators Padilla and Klobuchar.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 establishes new minimum fleet sizes for the Air Force's fighter aircraft inventory and delays the enforcement date for these higher requirements until 2030. The bill mandates strict quarterly reporting on new aircraft procurement and distribution, while prioritizing the assignment of new, advanced fighters to existing operational squadrons. Furthermore, it places a freeze on reducing the number of Air National Guard fighter squadrons through 2030 and requires an annual plan to ensure the Guard's fleet recapitalizes at the same pace as the active force.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

The Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act expands the list of water-related rebates and subsidies that homeowners do not have to count as taxable income. This change specifically covers payments received from public utilities or governments for installing water conservation, storm water management, or wastewater management improvements. These modifications apply to subsidies received after December 31, 2021.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

This bill aims to reform mining practices on federal lands by setting royalties on mineral extraction, introducing stricter permitting and environmental regulations, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines. It requires mining operators to pay annual fees and royalties, obtain permits for mineral activities, and provide financial assurances for land reclamation. The bill also prioritizes the protection of sensitive lands and mandates tribal consultation before mineral activities begin. These changes are intended to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and ensure fair compensation for the use of public lands.

This resolution condemns the United States' rejection of a United Nations resolution that condemned Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. It reaffirms the illegality of Russia's actions in Ukraine, dating back to 2014. The resolution supports the UN's call for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region.

This Act establishes a new Office within the State Department, led by a Special Envoy, dedicated to monitoring and combating international Islamophobia. It mandates that the State Department specifically track and report on acts of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim incitement in its annual human rights and religious freedom reports. The goal is to systematically address and document prejudice and violence targeting Muslims abroad.

The Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs' transportation grant program by including county and tribal organizations as eligible grant recipients. The bill sets the maximum grant amount to $60,000, but allows it to increase to $80,000 if a vehicle purchase is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It defines "rural" and "highly rural" using the Department of Agriculture's Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) coding system and authorizes such sums as may be necessary.

The Social Security Expansion Act aims to increase Social Security benefits across the board, including increased cost-of-living adjustments, expanded eligibility for students, and a higher minimum benefit for low-income earners. To fund these expansions, the bill raises payroll taxes on earnings above $250,000 and increases taxes on investment gains. It also establishes a new "Social Security Trust Fund" to manage the program's finances.

The Keep Americans Safe Act generally bans the sale, transfer, and possession of ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement, government use, and existing lawful possession. The bill mandates serial numbers and manufacturing dates on newly produced devices. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs targeting these large-capacity magazines.