Legislative Activity

This bill establishes a national registry, managed by the Secretary of State, to track Korean American families separated by the Korean War who wish to reunite with relatives in North Korea. It mandates that U.S. diplomatic efforts with North Korea prioritize making progress on these family reunions. Furthermore, the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues must report annually on the registry's status and North Korea's cooperation.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

The MEGOBARI Act expresses Congressional concern over Georgia's democratic backsliding and reaffirms U.S. support for its Euro-Atlantic integration. The bill directs the Secretary of State to suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia upholds democratic commitments. Furthermore, it mandates reports on Russian influence and establishes a framework for imposing targeted sanctions on individuals undermining Georgia's stability or democratic progress. This entire Act is set to expire five years after enactment unless renewed.

This Senate resolution clarifies that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 only addressed the PRC's representation at the UN and does not endorse China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. The resolution strongly opposes the People's Republic of China's efforts to misuse this vote to isolate Taiwan internationally. It reaffirms the U.S. position that the issue of Taiwan's final status remains unsettled and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in global organizations.

The SHORT Act aims to revise federal firearms tax definitions and eliminate disparate federal treatment of short-barreled rifles and shotguns used for lawful purposes. It also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons if they are involved in interstate commerce. Finally, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal records related to the registration and transfer of these firearms.

The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act prohibits state and local governments from imposing excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or related parts when those sales involve interstate or foreign commerce. This measure specifically targets state-level taxation on the initial distribution of these items across state lines. Importantly, this Act does not affect the existing federal funding mechanism established by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act mandates that the Department of State regularly review and update its official guidelines governing U.S. relations with Taiwan. This process requires a comprehensive review every five years, followed by the reissuance of updated guidance to all relevant executive agencies. The Secretary of State must then report these updates to Congress, detailing how the new guidance supports U.S. objectives and noting any relaxed restrictions on relations.

The Defining Male and Female Act of 2025 establishes fixed, biological definitions for "male" and "female" based on reproductive function at conception for all federal law interpretations. This Act mandates that the federal government must use these biological definitions when defining sex, man, woman, and parental roles. Furthermore, it explicitly states that "gender identity" shall not be recognized as a substitute for biological sex in federal statutes or regulations.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit state and federal correctional facilities from using signal jamming systems within their housing areas. This legislation permits prisons to deploy jammers specifically to block communications involving contraband devices or incarcerated individuals. Any facility choosing to use this technology must adhere to strict operational rules, including location limitations and pre-approval notification to local public safety officials and the Bureau of Prisons.

This resolution celebrates the 204th anniversary of Greek independence and reaffirms the deep, shared commitment to democracy between the United States and Greece. It recognizes the historical ties, ongoing strategic partnership in security and energy, and the contributions of the Greek-American community. The bill ultimately honors Greece as a vital NATO ally and friend.

The WATCH Act establishes new federal oversight for foreign laboratories receiving U.S. funding for animal research, primarily from the NIH. These labs must now undergo mandatory quarterly inspections to ensure compliance with established animal welfare standards. Failure to pass these inspections and correct deficiencies can result in the suspension or revocation of federal funding.

This Act mandates an annual review of the Code of Federal Regulations using artificial intelligence systems developed in partnership with NIST to identify redundant or outdated rules. If an agency confirms an AI-flagged regulation is unnecessary, it must be removed or updated within 30 days using an expedited process. This legislation aims to rapidly streamline federal regulations by leveraging technology to eliminate obsolete requirements.

The Stop CARB Act of 2025 aims to centralize federal control over emission standards for off-road engines and vehicles by immediately repealing all state authority to set or enforce their own rules in this area. This legislation also eliminates the ability for other states to adopt California's stricter new motor vehicle emission standards. In essence, the bill strips states of their power to create pollution regulations that exceed federal requirements for specific engine types and vehicles.

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 PARTS Act of 2025, or Protecting Americans Right To Silence Act, updates the federal definition of a "firearm silencer" or "firearm muffler." This legislation clarifies that both complete sound-reducing devices and the main housing component of such a device are legally considered silencers if designed to attach to a portable firearm. This change ensures that the core components intended for noise reduction are regulated under existing federal law.

The Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act mandates that federal banking agencies must cease using "reputational risk" as a factor in the supervision, examination, or rating of depository institutions. This legislation aims to ensure regulators focus solely on a bank's financial safety and soundness, rather than public perception or political pressure. The Act requires all relevant agencies to remove references to reputational risk from their guidance and policies within 180 days of enactment.

The FIGHT China Act of 2025 establishes new government powers to safeguard U.S. national security against risks posed by the People's Republic of China. The bill imposes sanctions on specific foreign persons and prohibits U.S. investment in certain high-technology sectors involving entities from the "country of concern." Furthermore, it mandates reporting requirements and strengthens restrictions on U.S. persons holding securities in Chinese military-industrial complex companies.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses as eligible hires. This allows employers to claim the tax credit for hiring individuals certified as spouses of active-duty military personnel. The provision applies to wages paid for individuals hired after the Act's enactment date.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 repeals the EPA's recent multi-pollutant emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Furthermore, this Act prohibits the EPA from issuing future tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must update existing rules within 24 months to comply with these new restrictions.

The PROTECT USA Act of 2025 aims to shield U.S. companies deemed integral to national interests—such as those in manufacturing, energy, and mining—from complying with foreign sustainability due diligence regulations. It generally prohibits these essential entities from adhering to such overseas laws, particularly those like the EU's directive, unless specifically required by U.S. law or in the ordinary course of business. Furthermore, the Act prevents U.S. entities from facing adverse actions or having foreign court judgments enforced against them for complying with this federal prohibition.