Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The specific rule being targeted is the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation, Waiver of Preemption." This action effectively blocks California's ability to implement these stricter pollution standards.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

The DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding in higher education by amending the Higher Education Act of 1965. It requires institutions to disclose foreign gifts and contracts, particularly those from countries or entities of concern, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. The Act also mandates policies to manage conflicts of interest and potential espionage risks, and enhances interagency coordination for enforcement. Ultimately, the bill seeks to protect U.S. national security and academic integrity by ensuring greater accountability in foreign funding of higher education.

The "Housing Supply Frameworks Act" directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop guidelines and best practices for state and local zoning frameworks to support increased housing production and affordability. These guidelines will address issues like reducing parking minimums, increasing building heights, eliminating restrictions on accessory dwelling units, and streamlining development approvals. The Act also requires a report to Congress on the adoption and impact of these guidelines and abolishes the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse. Finally, the act authorizes $3 million in appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the act for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

This bill aims to improve rural housing programs by streamlining processes, preserving affordable housing, and increasing homeownership opportunities in Native communities. It includes provisions for rental assistance, loan restructuring, and grants for technical assistance and community development. The bill also focuses on updating technology, improving loan accessibility, and ensuring timely application reviews for rural housing assistance. Additionally, it supports the creation of accessory dwelling units and facilitates the transfer of properties to nonprofit organizations to maintain affordable housing options.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "RIFLE Act" repeals the existing tax on firearm transfers outlined in Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code, and makes corresponding technical corrections. This change removes the tax burden on the transfer of firearms. Additionally, the act clarifies that the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have authority over firearms regulated by the Internal Revenue Code.

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 "Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for investments in hydroelectric facilities made to improve fish passage, water quality, sediment transport, dam safety, public access, and removal of obsolete river obstructions. This credit, equal to 30% of the investment, aims to incentivize the maintenance, enhancement, and restoration of hydroelectric facilities and river ecosystems. The bill also includes provisions for elective payments and the transferability of these credits, further encouraging investment in qualifying projects. It applies to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

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 "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 Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act mandates the State Department to create a national registry of Korean Americans separated from family in North Korea since the Korean War, to facilitate reunions. It requires the Secretary of State to include family reunion progress in discussions with North Korea and consult with South Korea. Additionally, the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues must report annually on the registry's status, reunion progress, and North Korea's actions regarding family reunions. The bill allocates \$1,000,000 for these activities.

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 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 "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.