Legislative Activity

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The NET Act requires the FCC to consider the availability of network equipment when evaluating the deployment of advanced telecommunications. This assessment is intended to ensure that the supply chain supports the advancement of telecommunications technology without imposing new information reporting requirements on providers. The Act updates references within the Communications Act of 1934 to align with these changes.

The "Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act" establishes a Director of Foreign Assistance within the State Department to optimize the impact of foreign assistance by aligning resources with foreign policy goals, measuring effectiveness, and promoting transparency. This director will lead strategic planning, budget processes, and program evaluations, ensuring resources are obligated in a timely manner. The act also affirms USAID's status as an independent agency and emphasizes the importance of congressional oversight in foreign assistance management.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The "Protecting Americans Privacy Act of 2025" aims to safeguard financial and tax information by restricting unauthorized access to the Treasury Department's payment systems and preventing the unlawful disclosure of tax returns. It prohibits specific individuals, including certain federal employees and contractors, from accessing these systems or disclosing tax information. Individuals harmed by violations can pursue legal action, with a minimum damage award of $250,000 for unauthorized access or disclosure. The act clarifies that it does not retroactively determine the legality of actions taken before its enactment.

The Cyber PIVOTT Act of 2025 establishes a program within CISA to provide education, training, and scholarships to students in cyber-related fields, requiring a service obligation in a government role. The program aims to address the cyber workforce shortage by partnering with educational institutions, offering skills-based exercises and internships, and providing resources for federal job opportunities. It also includes provisions for certification programs, additional scholarship opportunities for federal employees, and outlines the terms and repayment obligations for scholarship recipients. The act sets ambitious enrollment targets, aiming to significantly increase the number of students participating in the program over the next decade.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

The TORNADO Act aims to improve the forecasting, communication, and understanding of hazardous weather events, particularly tornadoes. It directs NOAA to enhance risk communication strategies, update forecasting technology, and assess the current tornado rating system. The Act also establishes a research program, VORTEX-USA, to improve tornado forecasting and communication, and mandates post-storm surveys to better understand the impact of severe weather events. Additionally, the Act requires a report examining the National Weather Service's technology for delivering timely hazardous weather and water alerts.

The "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act" updates terminology in the D.C. Official Code, replacing outdated terms like "substantially retarded persons" and "at least moderately mentally retarded" with the more respectful and accurate phrase "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" when referring to court jurisdictions. This change applies to the U.S. District Court, the Superior Court, and the Family Court within the District of Columbia.

The "Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025" modifies regulations for 403(b) plans under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These modifications broaden exemptions from registration provisions for certain interests, participations, or securities related to 403(b) plans, especially those subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or where the employer acts as a fiduciary, or are governmental plans as defined in section 414. The goal is to expand the types of trusts, plans, and accounts that are excluded from being defined as investment companies. It also updates a section regarding exemptions from registration requirements for securities, adding a reference to plans described in section 3(a)(12)(C)(iv) of the Act.

The "Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025" mandates a thorough vetting process for applicants seeking high-cost universal service funds for broadband deployment. It directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish rules ensuring that only technically, financially, and operationally qualified applicants receive funding. Applicants must submit detailed proposals demonstrating their capabilities and a viable business plan. The act also sets a minimum penalty of $9,000 per violation for pre-authorization defaults, aiming to ensure responsible use of universal service funds.

The "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025" amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to enhance the national response to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. It directs the creation of a national monitoring and forecasting network, promotes research and technology development for prevention and control, and ensures collaboration among federal, state, and local entities. The Act also authorizes appropriations for these activities and allows for waivers of non-federal share requirements under certain conditions, as well as providing definitions for Indian tribes and other organizations.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The American Music Tourism Act of 2025 directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to promote domestic and international travel to music-related destinations and events. This includes identifying and promoting locations and events significant to music tourism, supporting large meetings and exhibitions, and highlighting diverse destinations. The Act also mandates a biennial report on travel-related activities, findings, and challenges. "Music tourism" is defined as travel for music-related attractions, festivals, concerts, or events.

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

The "Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act" amends the Stafford Act to prohibit discrimination based on political affiliation when providing disaster relief. This ensures that disaster assistance is distributed fairly, regardless of a person's political beliefs.