Legislative Activity

The Zero Based Regulations Act enforces a review of existing regulations, requiring agencies to justify their rules' costs and effectiveness, and to repeal a regulation before it is reviewed. To reinstate a repealed rule or create a new one, agencies must follow specific procedures, including public hearings and cost-benefit analyses, ensuring reduced regulatory burdens. Each agency must appoint a coordinator to manage the Act's implementation, and new regulations must meet strict criteria, such as reducing regulatory burdens or addressing public health threats, while repealing or simplifying existing rules. The Act aims to streamline and justify federal regulations through regular review and public input.

The Stand with Israel Act amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to prohibit U.S. funds from going to the United Nations or any of its entities that discriminate against Israel. Discrimination includes actions such as expelling or suspending Israel's membership or restricting its participation in a way that is not on par with other member states. The Act ensures that no funds from the Department of State or any other federal agency can be used for contributions that violate this prohibition.

This resolution recognizes the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day, celebrating its role in promoting tree planting, civic engagement, and the sustainable management of working forests. It acknowledges the importance of forests as a nature-based solution to climate change and highlights the Arbor Day Foundation's contribution to urban forestry. The resolution encourages U.S. residents to participate in Arbor Day activities.

The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 aims to deter and prevent the unlawful or wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad by enabling the Secretary of State to designate countries as State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention and requiring passenger certification regarding travel advisory awareness. It also establishes an advisory council on hostage-taking and wrongful detention and mandates a congressional report on components related to hostage affairs and recovery.

This bill amends the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to allow the use of existing rights-of-way for aquifer recharge without additional federal authorization, provided the Bureau of Land Management is notified beforehand. It exempts these uses from additional rent, except for for-profit entities, and clarifies that existing environmental regulations are not waived. The bill also makes minor technical corrections to the original act.

This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for additional Carey Act projects. It allows the Secretary to use funds to support the rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of dams developed and operating under Section 4 of the Act of August 18, 1894, after other eligible dams have received necessary funding. This ensures that available funds can be used to improve and maintain critical water infrastructure projects.

This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, modifying the cost-sharing requirements for conservation projects. The federal government's share of the cost increases from 75% to 90%, while the qualified youth or conservation corps' share decreases from 25% to 10%.

The "Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act" prevents states and local governments from imposing excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and related components if the manufacturers or dealers are engaged in interstate or foreign commerce. This limitation does not affect the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

The "BUST FENTANYL Act" aims to combat fentanyl trafficking by enhancing reporting on international narcotics control, studying efforts to address fentanyl trafficking from China and other countries, prioritizing the identification of individuals from China involved in fentanyl shipments, expanding sanctions on those involved in opioid trafficking, and requiring an annual report on efforts to prevent methamphetamine smuggling from Mexico. The act broadens the scope of sanctionable activities related to opioid trafficking and allows for penalties on foreign government entities and officials involved in such activities. It also seeks to strengthen international cooperation and address the role of financial systems in facilitating drug trafficking.

This resolution condemns China's actions in Hong Kong that undermine its autonomy, rule of law, and the freedoms of its citizens. It calls for the release of political prisoners, criticizes the erosion of Hong Kong's legal and business environment, and urges governments to hold China accountable through existing legislation and multilateral efforts. The resolution also expresses solidarity with the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms.

This resolution addresses concerns that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is misrepresenting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 to falsely claim sovereignty over Taiwan. It reaffirms the U.S.'s "one China policy," which differs from the PRC's "One China Principle," and emphasizes that the U.S. does not take a position on Taiwan's sovereignty. The resolution supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations and encourages other nations to strengthen ties with Taiwan, while also countering China's narrative on Resolution 2758.

The "United States African Development Foundation Dissolution Act" abolishes the United States African Development Foundation and repeals the African Development Foundation Act. All functions, assets, and responsibilities of the Foundation will be transferred to the Secretary of State. Official references to the Foundation will now refer to the Secretary of State or the Department of State.

The ATF Transparency Act aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the firearm transfer application process. It mandates administrative relief for denied firearm transfer applications, including appeals and reimbursement for attorney fees if the appeal is successful. The bill also requires timely processing of applications, with automatic approval if the Secretary fails to act within 3 business days, and directs reports and agreements related to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of women-owned businesses in the United States, which have experienced substantial growth and play a vital role in the nation's economy. It recognizes the increasing number of women-owned businesses, their employment figures, and their revenue generation. The resolution commends the entrepreneurial spirit of women business owners and celebrates their achievements.

The "End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act" prohibits FEMA from providing support to non-federal entities for sheltering and related activities that alleviate overcrowding in Customs and Border Protection holding facilities. It also rescinds any remaining funds previously transferred to FEMA from Customs and Border Protection for these purposes under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.

The "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to defund sanctuary jurisdictions, defined as those that obstruct the sharing of immigration status information or compliance with federal detainment requests, by making them ineligible for certain federal funds. This act requires the Department of Homeland Security to report annually to Congress, identifying non-compliant jurisdictions.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Foreign Relations to spend money from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, to cover expenses, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government entities. It sets specific spending limits for different periods, including allocations for consultants and staff training. The resolution also outlines the procedures for covering the committee's expenses and agency contributions, primarily through the Senate's contingent fund.

The Simplifying Subcontracting Act requires prime contractors to use plain language when soliciting subcontracts, making it easier for small businesses to understand the solicitations. Prime contractors must confirm they will use plain writing in solicitations and include this requirement in all subcontracts. Failure to comply requires the contractor to issue a new solicitation in plain writing within 30 days. The Small Business Administration will issue regulations to implement these requirements within 90 days.

The "Future Logging Careers Act" amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, modifying child labor laws related to logging operations. It defines "logging operation" and "mechanized operation," and it exempts 16 and 17-year-olds working in logging jobs deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor if they are employed by their parent or guardian in a logging operation owned or operated by them.

The American Values Act seeks to permanently enact provisions that prevent foreign aid from being used to fund abortions, involuntary sterilizations, or related biomedical research as methods of family planning. It also prohibits lobbying for or against abortion with foreign aid funds and ensures that the Peace Corps Act aligns with these restrictions.