Legislative Activity

The "Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025" amends the National Labor Relations Act to specify that Indian Tribes, and businesses they own and operate on their lands, are not considered employers under the Act. It defines key terms like "Indian Tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands" to clarify the scope of this exemption, ensuring tribal labor sovereignty.

The "BOP SCAN Mail Act" aims to combat the smuggling of synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl, into Federal correctional facilities through postal mail. It requires the Bureau of Prisons Director to develop and implement a strategy to equip facilities with technology to scan mail, protect staff and inmates, and ensure timely delivery of non-contraband mail. The strategy must include assessments, budgetary proposals, and address operational considerations, with a goal of 100% mail scanning capacity and annual progress reports to Congress. This act seeks to enhance safety and security within correctional facilities by intercepting dangerous substances and modernizing mail processing procedures.

The Religious Workforce Protection Act allows religious workers facing delays in their green card process to extend their nonimmigrant R-1 visas while their applications are pending. It also provides job flexibility for these workers and waives the one-year foreign residency requirement for those who had to leave the U.S. due to the R-1 visa's five-year limit. This bill aims to support religious organizations by ensuring they can retain needed personnel without unnecessary immigration hurdles.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

The MEGOBARI Act addresses concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia and its alignment with Euro-Atlantic values. It mandates reports on Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia, requires a 5-year strategy for U.S.-Georgia relations, and authorizes sanctions on individuals undermining Georgia's democracy or Euro-Atlantic integration. The Act also outlines increased support for Georgia if it realigns with its Euro-Atlantic agenda, and it will terminate 5 years after enactment.

The "SHORT Act" seeks to amend federal laws regarding short-barreled rifles and shotguns by removing them from the purview of the National Firearms Act, thereby eliminating specific taxes, registration requirements, and restrictions on interstate commerce related to these weapons, and requiring the destruction of existing related records. The bill also clarifies that federal compliance with possessing these weapons satisfies any corresponding state or local requirements. It also preempts state and local governments from enforcing certain laws that tax, mark, record, or register these weapons.

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.

The "Rural Veterinary Workforce Act" allows veterinarians working in underserved rural areas to be exempt from paying federal income tax on student loan repayment assistance received from federal or state programs. This bill aims to incentivize veterinary professionals to practice in rural communities, addressing the shortage of veterinary services in these areas. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The "Defining Male and Female Act of 2025" defines "sex" as a person's biological classification (male or female) at conception and provides definitions for related terms like "male," "female," "boy," "girl," "man," and "woman" to be used in interpreting federal laws and regulations. It specifies that "gender identity" will not be recognized by the federal government as a replacement for biological sex.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 allows state and federal correctional facilities to use jamming systems that interfere with wireless communications to or from contraband devices within the facility. The jamming system's operation must be limited to the housing facilities, and the state is responsible for funding the entire cost if a state correctional facility operates the system. Before implementing the system, correctional facilities must consult with local law enforcement and public safety officials and notify the Director of the Bureau of Prisons about its operation. This act limits the FCC's authority regarding jamming systems in correctional facilities.

The "Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2025" prioritizes the use of mass timber and other innovative wood products in federal building projects, emphasizing materials sourced from U.S. facilities and responsibly managed forests. It directs the Administrator of General Services and the Secretary of Defense to prioritize contracts that maximize the use of these wood products, especially those derived from restoration practices and forests at risk of wildfire. The Act also requires documentation verifying wood product sourcing and mandates a lifecycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of using innovative wood products in public buildings.

The "Stop CARB Act of 2025" prevents California and other states from setting their own emission standards for nonroad vehicles and engines used in sectors like construction, agriculture, and rail. This bill eliminates existing and denies any pending waivers that allow states to exceed federal emission standards. By amending the Clean Air Act, the bill ensures that only the federal government can regulate emissions for these types of vehicles and engines. Additionally, the bill repeals the ability for states to adopt California's stricter emission standards for new motor vehicles.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act" seeks to ensure open competition on federal and federally funded construction projects by preventing requirements or prohibitions related to agreements with labor organizations. It promotes federal government neutrality in labor relations, aims to reduce construction costs, and expands job opportunities, especially for small and disadvantaged businesses. The Act allows exemptions only in special circumstances, such as threats to public health or national security, but not based on labor disputes.

The PARC Act ensures that all National Park System units that charge an entrance fee must accept cash as a form of payment. This guarantees that individuals have access to these parks, regardless of their payment method.

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 HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to help first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers, become homeowners. It allows 100% financing (no down payment) for first-time homebuyers who qualify and eliminates monthly insurance premiums. The bill defines eligibility criteria, including housing counseling, employment requirements, and good standing as a first responder. It also authorizes appropriations for the program and requires reauthorization after 5 years.

The "Freedom to Haul Act of 2025" prevents the EPA from enforcing the Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. It also amends the Clean Air Act to ensure that vehicle emission regulations do not mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must revise existing regulations to comply with these changes within two years.

The "End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act of 2025" prohibits the use of federal funds for gender transition procedures and health benefits coverage that includes such procedures, while allowing individuals and entities to purchase separate coverage with non-federal funds. It clarifies that premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act cannot be used for health plans covering gender transition procedures. The bill defines key terms like "gender transition procedure" and provides specific exclusions, such as treatments for verifiable disorders of sex development or procedures necessary to prevent imminent death. This act aims to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund gender transition interventions, while not restricting access to these procedures when paid for with non-federal funds.

The "Precious Metals Parity Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat income from precious metals as qualifying income for regulated investment companies (RICs). This change allows RICs to include precious metals in their portfolios while maintaining their special tax status. The amendment applies to taxable years beginning after the enactment of the Act.