Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, recognizing the Department's vital role in supporting students with disabilities, low-income families, and English language learners. It affirms that federal investment in public education is crucial and should not be diverted to private schools through vouchers. The resolution condemns any actions that would defund public education, weaken the Department of Education, or shift education funding responsibilities to state and local governments.

The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act of 2025 aims to combat machinegun conversion devices by directing federal agencies to develop a coordinated strategy to prevent their import and trafficking, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and improve data collection. It also amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow for the forfeiture of proceeds from illegal machinegun trafficking and requires the Attorney General to include data on machinegun conversion devices in the annual firearms trafficking report.

The "Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act of 2025" aims to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. cement, concrete, and asphalt industries by promoting research, development, and deployment of technologies that reduce emissions from production. This includes establishing research programs, demonstration initiatives, and manufacturing institutes focused on low-emissions materials. The Act also encourages the use of these materials in highway projects through grants and technical assistance to states, and forms an interagency task force to coordinate efforts and provide recommendations. Ultimately, the goal is to foster innovation, reduce environmental impact, and create domestic jobs in these sectors.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.

This bill aims to prioritize veterans and military families by amending titles 5 and 38 of the United States Code to provide protections for employees, benefits, and programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It focuses on safeguarding the rights and job security of VA employees and civil servants, ensuring transparency in VA operations, and restoring services and programs that may have been reduced or eliminated. The bill also seeks to enhance employment opportunities for veterans, military spouses, and caregivers, while improving the security and integrity of VA data and systems. Additionally, it addresses financial oversight of VA contracts and mandates increased reporting requirements to improve transparency and accountability.

The TRACE Act mandates the Attorney General to enhance the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System by including a data field to track missing persons whose last known location was on Federal land. It also requires an annual report to Congress detailing the number of missing persons cases linked to Federal lands.

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 Baltic Security Initiative Act aims to bolster the defense capabilities of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through increased security cooperation. Led by the Secretary of Defense, the initiative will focus on deterring Russian aggression, enhancing regional military cooperation, and improving cyber defenses. It authorizes \$350 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028, encouraging matching funds from the Baltic countries. A strategy report will be submitted to Congress, addressing security threats from Russia and China.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" transitions TSA personnel to standard federal employment rules under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring they receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, while maintaining current pay and benefits. It enhances collective bargaining rights for screening agents, requires reports on recruitment, implementation, and workplace safety, and addresses specific concerns within the Federal Air Marshal Service. The Act aims to improve job security, morale, and overall working conditions for TSA employees.

The "Expanding Medical Education Act" aims to increase the number of medical and osteopathic medicine schools, especially in underserved areas and at minority-serving institutions, through grants to higher education institutions. These grants will support the establishment, expansion, and improvement of medical education programs, with a focus on recruiting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and developing curriculum relevant to underserved populations. The act requires regular reporting to Congress and the public on the program's impact on healthcare access and workforce development.

The "Safe Schools Improvement Act" aims to prevent bullying and harassment in public schools by requiring states to establish and enforce policies that prohibit bullying and harassment based on various characteristics, including race, sex, disability, and religion. It mandates the collection and reporting of data on bullying incidents and requires biennial evaluations of programs and policies to combat bullying. The Act ensures that schools provide annual notice of prohibited conduct and grievance procedures to students, parents, and educational professionals. This bill seeks to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The "988 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act" aims to protect the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program from cybersecurity threats by improving coordination, mandating prompt reporting of vulnerabilities and incidents, and clarifying oversight responsibilities. It also requires a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate cybersecurity risks associated with the 988 Lifeline.

The "Stop Comstock Act" amends several sections of title 18 of the United States Code and the Tariff Act of 1930 to address and restrict the distribution and importation of obscene materials. It removes references to "indecent" materials and those related to abortion or immoral use, focusing on the prohibition of "obscene" content. The Act revises language concerning commerce and importation to align with its objectives, updating references and definitions accordingly.

The "Space National Guard Establishment Act of 2025" establishes a Space National Guard in select states as the reserve component of the Space Force, utilizing existing National Guard space operation units and personnel. It mandates the use of existing facilities and infrastructure, and requires regular briefings to Congress on the Space National Guard's implementation and operations. The bill also amends Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code to incorporate the Space National Guard into existing National Guard definitions and provisions.

The Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act expands the Smith River National Recreation Area, including land in both California and Oregon, and designates several segments of the North Fork Smith River tributaries and Rowdy Creek as wild and scenic rivers. It requires studies and updated management plans to protect the area's resources, incorporates tribal collaboration, and ensures continued wildland fire and vegetation management. The act also modifies land acquisition processes and extends fish and game management provisions to Oregon.

The "Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025" aims to address historical inequities in homeownership by providing down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. The bill establishes a grant program for states and eligible entities to offer down payment assistance, closing costs assistance, and interest rate reductions to qualified homebuyers. It prioritizes those with incomes up to 120% of the area median income, or 140% in high-cost areas, with a focus on ensuring fair housing practices. The bill also mandates housing counseling for recipients and requires detailed reporting to Congress on the program's impact and demographic reach.

Tyler's Law mandates a study by the Department of Health and Human Services on fentanyl testing practices in hospital emergency departments during overdoses. The study will assess testing frequency, costs, benefits, risks, and impacts on patient experience. Following the study, the DHHS will issue guidance on routine fentanyl testing, ensuring clinicians' awareness of substances included in drug tests, and the effects of fentanyl testing on future overdose risk and health outcomes.

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.

The "Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act" seeks to protect the health and safety of pregnant, lactating, and postpartum individuals in immigration detention by limiting their detention and restricting the use of restraints. It mandates pregnancy testing upon intake, generally prohibits detention unless the individual poses an immediate and serious risk, and ensures access to comprehensive healthcare services. The Act also requires detailed reporting on the detention and treatment of pregnant individuals and mandates training for DHS employees.

The Fair College Admissions for Students Act prohibits colleges and universities from giving admissions preference to applicants based on their relationships to donors or alumni. This law will go into effect the first day of the second award year after the enactment of this law.