Track Bernie's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This Act prohibits large-scale single-family rental property owners from deducting interest and depreciation expenses on their properties unless they sell to an individual owner-occupant or a qualified affordable housing nonprofit.
Raphael Warnock
Senator
GA
Raphael Warnock
Senator
GA
The Stop Predatory Investing Act targets large-scale single-family rental property owners who own 50 or more homes. This legislation disallows these "disqualified owners" from deducting interest paid on loans for these rental properties and bans them from claiming standard depreciation deductions. Exceptions allow for interest and depreciation deductions only if the property is sold to an individual owner-occupant or a qualified affordable housing nonprofit.
The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025 is a sweeping bill designed to lower housing costs, increase affordability through massive federal investment and regulatory reform, address historical housing discrimination, and enact significant changes to federal estate and gift taxation.
Elizabeth Warren
Senator
MA
Elizabeth Warren
Senator
MA
The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to aggressively tackle the national housing crisis through multiple avenues. It seeks to make housing more affordable by injecting massive funding into federal programs and incentivizing local regulatory reform to boost construction. Furthermore, the Act aims to reverse historical inequities by establishing new assistance for first-generation homebuyers and overhauling community reinvestment rules for banks. Finally, it strengthens anti-discrimination protections and enacts significant reforms to the federal estate and gift tax structure.
This bill prohibits the shackling and mandates the release of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens in immigration custody, except in extraordinary circumstances, while ensuring humane treatment and comprehensive medical care.
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly restrict the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens in immigration custody. It mandates immediate testing for pregnancy upon intake and establishes a strong presumption against detention unless extraordinary, case-by-case public safety risks are proven. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and requires comprehensive medical care, including reproductive health services, alongside detailed public reporting on detention statistics and restraint incidents.
This act repeals an existing exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure truckers are guaranteed overtime pay.
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act aims to ensure overtime pay for truck drivers by repealing a specific exemption within the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. This legislative change removes an existing loophole that previously excluded certain trucking roles from standard overtime requirements. Ultimately, the bill seeks to guarantee that truckers receive overtime compensation for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.
The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene food service ware, loose-fill packaging, and coolers starting January 1, 2028, with escalating fines for violations after an initial warning.
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, coolers, and loose-fill packaging starting January 1, 2028. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is tasked with defining terms and enforcing the ban, issuing written warnings for initial violations followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The law also grants the Administrator the authority to establish necessary regulations and allows states to take over enforcement duties under specific conditions.
This bipartisan act aims to improve healthcare access and affordability by modifying Medicaid and Medicare programs, extending public health initiatives, reauthorizing the SUPPORT Act, enhancing pandemic preparedness, and lowering prescription drug costs.
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
The Bipartisan Health Care Act aims to improve various aspects of the healthcare system, including Medicaid, Medicare, human services, and public health programs. It focuses on streamlining processes, increasing transparency, extending funding for critical services, and modernizing healthcare delivery. The act addresses issues such as prescription drug costs, telehealth access, maternal health, and pandemic preparedness. By reauthorizing and modifying key programs, this legislation seeks to enhance access to care, improve health outcomes, and ensure efficient use of healthcare resources.
This bill limits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) when federal anti-discrimination, labor, funding, and equal access laws are being enforced, and clarifies that RFRA can only be used to challenge government actions in litigation.
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that federal anti-discrimination, labor, and equal access laws take precedence over religious freedom claims in specific circumstances. This legislation clarifies that RFRA protections cannot be used to override requirements in federal contracts or agreements involving government funding. Furthermore, the Act explicitly limits the application of RFRA to challenges against government actions, precluding its use in private litigation between non-governmental parties.
This Act restores U.S. funding to UNRWA, mandates the cancellation of previous funding bans, and requires regular reporting on the agency's implementation of accountability reforms.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This Act aims to immediately restore U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support refugees across the region. It repeals previous legislative bans on UNRWA funding and directs the Secretary of State to resume payments promptly. The bill mandates regular reporting to Congress detailing UNRWA's progress in implementing accountability reforms recommended by the Independent Review Group.
Recognizes the week of March 3-7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to highlight the importance of social and emotional skills for students' academic success and well-being.
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
This resolution supports designating March 3-7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to highlight the role of social and emotional learning in academic success and well-being. It recognizes SEL's impact on students' mental health and career readiness while advocating for expanded access to SEL programs for students and teachers. The resolution also encourages federal agencies to identify opportunities to promote social and emotional learning.
This bill establishes a federal Truth and Healing Commission to investigate the history and impact of U.S. Indian Boarding School policies, mandates public testimony, and strengthens repatriation laws for associated cultural items.
Lisa Murkowski
Senator
AK
Lisa Murkowski
Senator
AK
This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.
The Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 updates regulations for mining on federal lands by setting fees, royalties, and environmental standards, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines.
Ben Luján
Senator
NM
Ben Luján
Senator
NM
This bill aims to reform mining practices on federal lands by setting royalties on mineral extraction, introducing stricter permitting and environmental regulations, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines. It requires mining operators to pay annual fees and royalties, obtain permits for mineral activities, and provide financial assurances for land reclamation. The bill also prioritizes the protection of sensitive lands and mandates tribal consultation before mineral activities begin. These changes are intended to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and ensure fair compensation for the use of public lands.
The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive lending practices by increasing transparency, empowering consumer control over bank accounts, and restricting lead generation in small-dollar lending.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive practices in electronic and small-dollar lending. It requires small-dollar lenders to register with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, ensures state laws apply to online and national bank loans, and restricts the distribution of sensitive financial information. The Act also expands consumer control over bank accounts by limiting remotely created checks and overdraft fees on prepaid accounts. Finally, the Act mandates a study on the impact of small-dollar lending on economic opportunity for Native American tribes.
The HOPE for Homeownership Act imposes new excise taxes on large investment entities that own excess single-family residences and disallows mortgage interest and depreciation deductions for those properties.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
The HOPE for Homeownership Act imposes new federal excise taxes on large investment entities, such as hedge funds, that own excess single-family residences. These taxes apply both at the time of purchase and annually based on the number of homes owned above a set limit. Furthermore, taxpayers subject to these new taxes are disallowed from claiming mortgage interest deductions or depreciation on those residential properties. The goal is to discourage large-scale corporate ownership of single-family homes.
This Act bans the sale and possession of ammunition feeding devices holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement and grandfathered owners, while allowing federal funds for buy-back programs.
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
The Keep Americans Safe Act generally bans the sale, transfer, and possession of ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement, government use, and existing lawful possession. The bill mandates serial numbers and manufacturing dates on newly produced devices. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs targeting these large-capacity magazines.
This bill establishes a new State Department office and mandates specific reporting requirements to monitor and combat acts of international Islamophobia and incitement against Muslims.
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
This Act establishes a new Office within the State Department, led by a Special Envoy, dedicated to monitoring and combating international Islamophobia. It mandates that the State Department specifically track and report on acts of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim incitement in its annual human rights and religious freedom reports. The goal is to systematically address and document prejudice and violence targeting Muslims abroad.
Condemns the U.S. delegation's vote against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine, which aligned the U.S. with Russia and other autocracies, and reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty. Urges future collaboration with Ukraine and European allies on UN resolutions regarding Ukraine.
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
This resolution condemns the U.S. delegation's vote against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine, which aligned the U.S. with Russia and other autocratic regimes. It criticizes the failure to identify Russia as the aggressor and demands collaboration with Ukraine and European allies in future UN efforts. The resolution reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This resolution ends the national emergency concerning energy declared in January 2025.
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
This joint resolution terminates the national emergency concerning energy declared by the President in January 2025. The resolution nullifies Executive Order 14156, effectively ending the emergency powers invoked under the National Emergencies Act.
A resolution to designate February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week," affirming Congressional support for strengthening public education and recognizing the vital role of educators, parents, and communities in ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education.
Susan Collins
Senator
ME
Susan Collins
Senator
ME
This resolution designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week," to recognize the importance of public education. It expresses Congress's support for strengthening public schools through various measures, including empowering educators, supporting student well-being, and promoting equal opportunities. The resolution emphasizes the vital roles of educators, parents, and community stakeholders in ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. It also acknowledges the importance of federal funding in supporting public schools.
The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to protect vulnerable communities by establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, providing grants for environmental law enforcement, and promoting community involvement in environmental decisions.
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to address environmental injustices by establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, which will be responsible for developing strategies, coordinating efforts, and administering grants to support environmental justice initiatives. It also establishes a grant program to assist state, local, and tribal governments in enforcing environmental laws in communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm. The act defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Ethan's Law incentivizes and requires responsible firearm storage, especially in households with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, to prevent accidental injuries, deaths, and misuse, and provides grants for states and tribes to implement similar safe storage laws.
Richard Blumenthal
Senator
CT
Richard Blumenthal
Senator
CT
Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.