Legislative Activity

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025, or VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, amends existing law regarding educational assistance programs for veterans. It mandates regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors in independent study programs at higher education institutions participating in federal student aid programs. This change applies to academic terms starting on or after August 1, 2025.

The "Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes and modifies the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program to reduce violent crime by allowing grant funds to be used for hiring crime analysts, covering overtime costs, and acquiring technology. It also requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Judiciary Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives detailing how the funds were spent, the community outreach efforts undertaken, and the number and description of violent crimes committed. Additionally, the bill includes support for multi-jurisdictional task forces and is also known as the Officer Ella Grace French and Sergeant Jim Smith Task Force Support Act of 2025. Finally, the bill extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The IDEA Full Funding Act amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to authorize and appropriate specific funding amounts for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It aims to increase federal funding for special education, gradually working towards full federal funding by fiscal year 2035. The funding is calculated based on the number of children with disabilities receiving special education and the average per-pupil expenditure in public schools. This act ensures that funds are available to states to support special education and related services for children with disabilities.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Congress and states to regulate campaign finance, setting reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures to promote democracy, political equality, and the integrity of government and elections. It aims to clarify the power to differentiate between natural persons and corporations in campaign finance regulations, potentially restricting corporate spending in elections. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from any restrictions.

The "Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for investments in hydroelectric facilities made to improve fish passage, water quality, sediment transport, dam safety, public access, and removal of obsolete river obstructions. This credit, equal to 30% of the investment, aims to incentivize the maintenance, enhancement, and restoration of hydroelectric facilities and river ecosystems. The bill also includes provisions for elective payments and the transferability of these credits, further encouraging investment in qualifying projects. It applies to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

The "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act" aims to broaden access to dental coverage by enabling individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans through the Health Insurance Exchange, irrespective of their enrollment status in a qualified health plan. This expands dental insurance options for individuals, promoting better oral health.

America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act designates specific areas in Utah as wilderness, providing them the highest level of federal protection to preserve their natural state, diverse ecosystems, and historical and cultural resources. The Act outlines administrative provisions for managing these wilderness areas, including land management, water rights, road setbacks, and the continuation of livestock grazing, while also protecting state and tribal rights. It ensures the preservation of these lands for future generations, balancing recreational opportunities with ecological conservation. The Act also removes the land from being subject to public use, mining, and mineral leasing, subject to valid rights existing when the Act is enacted.

This resolution focuses on protecting Iranian political refugees, particularly female former political prisoners, residing in Ashraf-3, Albania, from the Iranian regime's threats and actions. It condemns Iran's destabilizing activities and support for terrorism, while emphasizing the need for the refugees' rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The resolution calls for the U.S. government to support Albania in safeguarding these refugees in accordance with international law and opposes Iran's misuse of INTERPOL to target dissidents. It also highlights support for Mrs. Maryam Rajavi's Ten-Point Plan for the Future of Iran, which advocates for universal rights and equality.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

This resolution supports the designation of May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to bring attention to mental health challenges within the agricultural community. It aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness among farmers and farmworkers, who face unique stressors and have higher suicide rates. The resolution promotes the use of available resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and encourages the prioritization of mental well-being in agriculture.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance the enforcement of equal pay requirements by modifying the "bona fide factor" defense, protecting employees who discuss their wages, and enhancing penalties for equal pay violations. It requires training and directs research, education, and outreach to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. The Act also prohibits employers from relying on wage history when considering prospective employees and mandates the collection of compensation data by the EEOC. Finally, the Act establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace and provides small business assistance.

The WATCH Act mandates quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving federal funding for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. It requires the creation of an inspection process and grants the authority to issue compliance certifications, which will be publicly accessible. Non-compliant labs will have the opportunity to correct issues, but failure to comply may result in the suspension or revocation of grants. This act aims to harmonize global animal testing standards and promote ethical research practices.

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 Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Program Act of 2025 establishes a value-based payment model for radiation therapy under Medicare, providing per-episode payments to providers for cancer treatments. This program aims to improve the quality and efficiency of radiation oncology services while controlling costs, and includes incentives for meeting quality standards and offering patient-centered care, such as transportation assistance. The act also revises civil monetary penalties to allow transportation services for radiation oncology patients and exempts the program from budget neutrality adjustments. Most radiation therapy providers and suppliers will be required to participate in the program.

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 "ADS for Mental Health Services Act" requires large digital advertising platforms to report annually on the number, value, and focus of public service advertisements they display, particularly those related to mental, behavioral, and physical health resources. This data will then be compiled into a public report to Congress by the Federal Trade Commission. The goal is to increase transparency and understanding of the support provided for health-related public service announcements on major online platforms. The act does not supersede any existing privacy or data security laws.

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 Foreign Agents Transparency Act amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to clarify and strengthen the obligations of agents representing foreign principals. It modifies registration requirements, allows for enforcement actions even after an individual ceases to act as a foreign agent, and mandates annual reports from the Attorney General to Congress on FARA enforcement activities. These changes apply retroactively to individuals who have acted as agents of foreign principals within the five years before the bill's enactment.