Legislative Activity

The "National Right-to-Work Act" aims to protect individual employees' rights to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to eliminate mandatory union membership or fees as a condition of employment. This ensures that employees cannot be forced to join or contribute to a union against their will. The changes apply to agreements made or renewed after the Act's enactment.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The "1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act" repeals Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which mandated data collection on small business loans. This repeal aims to reduce compliance costs for financial institutions, especially smaller ones, and improve small businesses' access to credit by removing regulatory barriers. The act also makes related amendments to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

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 Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2025 aims to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by prohibiting unfair pricing practices, requiring transparency in pricing and reporting, and protecting whistleblowers who report violations. It mandates PBMs to disclose drug costs, fees, and payments received from drug manufacturers, and it empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the Act. The Act also requires reports and studies on PBM practices to promote competition and lower drug costs. This law does not override existing state laws.

The "Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025" amends the filing deadline for pre-existing reporting companies. Companies in existence before January 1, 2024, now have until January 1, 2026, to file their reports.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal agency rulemaking by requiring congressional approval for major rules with significant economic impact (over $100 million). It establishes procedures for congressional review and approval or disapproval of both major and non-major rules, mandates the publication of guidance documents, and sets expiration dates for major rules. The Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews of existing rules and includes a regulatory budget to control the costs of regulations. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study the number and economic impact of existing rules.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

This joint resolution disapproves a rule issued by the Forest Service regarding law enforcement and criminal prohibitions. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents it from taking effect. The rule in question was published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2023.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" exempts family farms and small businesses from being considered as assets when calculating eligibility for federal financial aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965. This exemption applies to family farms where the family resides and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees that the family owns and controls. These changes will apply to financial aid award years starting after the enactment of this Act.

The "Securing our Border Act" aims to enhance border security by increasing scanning at entry points, constructing a border wall, and incentivizing Customs and Border Protection agents. It mandates the transfer of funds to Customs and Border Protection for nonintrusive inspection systems to achieve a 100% scanning rate at all northern and southwest border land ports of entry. The Act also allocates funding for border wall construction along the southwest border and authorizes bonuses for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to aid in recruitment, retention, and relocation. Additionally, it amends immigration law to require the return or detention of aliens arriving from contiguous territories while awaiting asylum proceedings.

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 "Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2025" aims to streamline environmental reviews for forest projects that reduce hazardous fuels and address insect and disease risks, prioritizing these treatments in designated areas. It mandates the use of categorical exclusions in certain timber production areas and emphasizes wildfire and infestation risk reduction in project planning. The act also modifies Good Neighbor Agreements, allowing states to retain and use revenue from timber sales for further restoration efforts within the state.

The "Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act" amends the Stafford Act to allow Indian tribal governments to directly request and receive fire management assistance grants from FEMA. It ensures tribal governments can still receive assistance through a state if their direct request is not authorized. The President must update regulations to reflect these changes, consider the unique circumstances of tribal governments, and consult with them during the update process.

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 AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The American Beef Labeling Act of 2025 amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to mandate country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and ground beef. It requires the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to find a way to reinstate MCOOL for beef in compliance with World Trade Organization rules. The changes to beef labeling will take effect within one year of enactment.

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.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to prevent the rule's implementation.