Legislative Activity

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.

The "Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act" amends existing legislation to allow research and extension grants for land-grant institutions to study and promote ungulate grazing land management techniques for wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery on both public and private lands. This includes researching the economic benefits and increasing social support for these activities while ensuring compatibility with practices that protect against adverse environmental effects and improve soil health. The act also focuses on sharing this information through educational materials and outreach programs for landowners, land managers, and livestock owners.

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 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 "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the misuse of xylazine by classifying it as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, mandating its tracking, and directing the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. It also requires reports to Congress on the prevalence, trafficking, and misuse of illicit xylazine. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to accommodate legitimate animal uses of xylazine.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025, exempts individuals from immigrant visa limits if they are eligible for visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act and have a parent who naturalized under specific sections of past immigration laws related to Filipino veterans. This act aims to facilitate the reunification of families of Filipino veterans who served during World War II.

The Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025 establishes a Wildfire Intelligence Center within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior to improve the study, planning, coordination, and implementation of solutions for wildfire management. The center will facilitate collaboration and information sharing among federal and state agencies, tribal entities, academia, and the private sector, and provide real-time, science-based analytical services and decision support for all phases of fire management. A governing board with representatives from various federal agencies will administer the center, and an executive director will be appointed to manage daily operations and engage with the private sector. The center aims to enhance wildfire risk assessment, prediction, and response capabilities through improved data, technology, and coordination.

The "Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025" aims to protect postal workers by allocating funds for high-security collection boxes and electronic mailbox keys. It mandates the appointment of dedicated attorneys to prosecute crimes against postal employees and directs the Sentencing Commission to update guidelines to ensure that assaulting or robbing a postal worker is treated as severely as assaulting a law enforcement officer.

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.

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.

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 Sensitive Locations Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, requiring supervisor consultation and discreet conduct. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of national security or public safety threats or medical emergencies. The Act mandates annual training, detailed reporting of enforcement actions, and evidence suppression for violations, enhancing oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.

The She DRIVES Act mandates immediate updates to federal motor vehicle safety standards by requiring the use of new crash test dummies, specifically incorporating both male and female dummies in front and side impact tests. This legislation aims to improve vehicle crashworthiness by basing new injury criteria on real-world data that better reflects diverse body types. Furthermore, the bill establishes a roadmap for the Department of Transportation to continuously review and adopt more advanced testing devices used internationally.

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 "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 "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 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.

This resolution designates January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month" to recognize the positive impact of mentoring on youth development. It highlights mentoring's role in improving academic achievement, fostering leadership skills, and supporting at-risk youth. The resolution encourages expanding mentoring opportunities to address the significant need for mentors among young people nationwide. It also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of mentoring program staff and volunteers.

The "Access to Counsel Act of 2025" ensures individuals at ports of entry and during deferred inspection can access legal counsel and assistance. It allows consultations with counsel and interested parties, enabling them to advocate for the individual by providing information to examining officers. The bill also protects lawful permanent residents by ensuring they have the opportunity to seek legal advice before signing Form I-407, unless they knowingly waive that right. This act aims to provide due process and protect the rights of individuals seeking entry into the United States.

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.