Track Bernie's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This Act establishes employer liability for federal law enforcement agencies when their officers deprive individuals of their constitutional or legal rights.
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
Alejandro Padilla
Senator
CA
This Act establishes the **Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act** to create direct employer liability for federal law enforcement agencies when their officers violate an individual's constitutional or legal rights. It allows civil actions against the United States for officer misconduct, regardless of whether an official policy caused the violation or if the officer has individual immunity. This measure waives sovereign immunity for claims against federal agencies under these circumstances.
This bill prohibits the implementation of the WISeR model and similar payment models under the Medicare program to protect seniors' care.
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 aims to protect Medicare beneficiaries by prohibiting the implementation of the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model. This legislation prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from introducing the WISeR model or any substantially similar payment and service delivery system under Medicare.
The FAAN Act establishes a billion-dollar grant program to support nursing schools in increasing faculty and student numbers, modernizing education, and expanding capacity to address workforce shortages and public health emergencies.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
The FAAN Act establishes a new grant program to support nursing schools in addressing critical workforce shortages and modernizing education. These funds aim to increase faculty and student capacity, enhance preparedness for public health emergencies, and improve educational infrastructure. Priority is given to schools serving medically underserved, rural, or minority-serving areas.
This Act establishes new public consultation requirements for nuclear plant decommissioning, creates grant programs to support community advisory boards, and provides financial assistance to local governments impacted by stranded nuclear waste and plant closures.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 overhauls the process for closing nuclear power facilities by mandating increased public and state consultation for decommissioning plans and license transfers. It establishes new grant programs to fund local community advisory boards and provides direct financial assistance to communities dealing with stranded waste and economic disruption. Furthermore, the bill creates dedicated economic recovery accounts funded by plant operators to support long-term development in host communities.
This resolution congratulates the Vermont Green Football Club on winning the 2025 United Soccer League Two National Championship.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This resolution congratulates the Vermont Green Football Club on winning the 2025 United Soccer League Two National Championship. It recognizes their undefeated season, the historic achievement of securing a second consecutive national title for a Vermont soccer team, and their commitment to community values. The resolution officially commends the players, coaches, and staff for their success.
The Keeping All Students Safe Act bans dangerous restraint and seclusion in federally funded schools while establishing national standards, mandatory reporting, and state plans to promote safer, preventative behavioral interventions.
Christopher Murphy
Senator
CT
Christopher Murphy
Senator
CT
The Keeping All Students Safe Act prohibits dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in federally funded schools and educational programs. It establishes strict national standards for when physical restraint is permitted, mandates comprehensive staff training, and empowers parents with immediate notification rights and the ability to sue for violations. Furthermore, the bill requires states to submit plans, publicly report data on restraint incidents, and utilize federal grants to implement preventative, evidence-based safety strategies.
This act mandates the completion of a federal background check before any firearm transfer can occur, eliminating the previous three-day default transfer provision.
Richard Blumenthal
Senator
CT
Richard Blumenthal
Senator
CT
The Background Check Completion Act of 2025 mandates that a completed background check must occur before any firearm transfer can take place. This law removes the previous "default proceed" provision that allowed transfers after three business days if the check was incomplete. It also updates related federal laws to align with this new, stricter requirement.
This bill establishes a permanent U.S. program, led by a Special Envoy, to promote and defend the human rights of LGBTQI people globally through policy, foreign assistance, and mandatory reporting.
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
Edward Markey
Senator
MA
The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025 establishes a permanent program within the Department of State, led by a dedicated Special Envoy, to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTQI people globally. This bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive U.S. Global Strategy to address international discrimination and violence against this community. Furthermore, it authorizes foreign assistance to support local organizations and requires detailed reporting on LGBTQI human rights abuses in annual State Department reports.
This Act establishes a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers and imposes restrictions on U.S. assistance to countries that unlawfully kill or fatally injure aid workers, while also creating an independent group to investigate such incidents.
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
The Commitment to Aid Workers Act establishes a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers within the State Department to advocate for aid worker security and investigate incidents involving aid workers on U.S.-supported missions. The bill also amends existing law to prohibit certain U.S. security assistance to countries that unlawfully kill or fatally injure humanitarian aid workers. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of an independent inquiry group to assess the death or detention of aid workers and requires regular reporting to Congress on security challenges and coordination efforts.
This bill establishes comprehensive federal rights and protections for domestic workers, including overtime pay, guaranteed sick leave, written agreements, and creates a standards board to recommend future workplace improvements.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator
NY
Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator
NY
The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act seeks to establish comprehensive federal labor protections for domestic workers, including nannies, caregivers, and housekeepers. It mandates key standards such as overtime pay, earned sick leave, written work agreements, and fair scheduling practices. The bill also creates a standards board to recommend future workplace improvements and includes funding mechanisms to help states cover the costs of extending these protections to Medicaid-funded in-home care providers. Ultimately, this legislation aims to increase job security, predictability, and legal recourse for this historically excluded workforce.
This bill authorizes \$74 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the core functions and programs of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), excluding its programs in China.
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
This bill authorizes $74 million in U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Congress finds that UNFPA is essential for global sexual and reproductive health, preventing maternal deaths, and combating gender-based violence worldwide. The legislation affirms that supporting UNFPA is a strategic U.S. foreign policy priority that advances global health and stability.
This resolution condemns white supremacy, antisemitism, and the platforming of extremist figures like Nick Fuentes by media personalities and institutional leaders.
Charles Schumer
Senator
NY
Charles Schumer
Senator
NY
This resolution strongly condemns white supremacy, hate, and antisemitism, specifically targeting the promotion of these dangerous ideologies by Nick Fuentes. It further condemns Tucker Carlson and Kevin Roberts for platforming and defending Fuentes's documented antisemitic and Holocaust-denying statements. The resolution affirms the nation's commitment to fighting antisemitism and urges all leaders to reject these hateful views.
This act updates and indexes the Social Security lump sum death payment to a fixed amount of \$2,900, effective January 1, 2026.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act aims to update and index the Social Security lump sum death payment. This bill sets the fixed payment amount at \$2,900, effective January 1, 2026.
This resolution condemns anti-Palestinian hatred following the 2023 shooting in Burlington, Vermont, and affirms the right of all individuals to safety regardless of their identity.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This resolution condemns the anti-Palestinian hatred demonstrated by the November 25, 2023, shooting in Burlington, Vermont, which targeted students for wearing a Palestinian scarf and speaking Arabic. It expresses concern over the rising threats and violence against Palestinian communities linked to anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hatred during the Gaza conflict. The resolution affirms that no one in the U.S. should face violence due to their identity and condemns hateful language targeting Palestinians.
This bill prohibits the use of U.S. military force for hostilities against Venezuela unless specifically authorized by Congress.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This bill, the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025, strictly prohibits the use of U.S. military funds for hostilities against Venezuela. Any military action must be specifically authorized by a new law passed by Congress or authorized consistent with the War Powers Resolution. The Act maintains exceptions for self-defense or defense of U.S. personnel, as well as for humanitarian aid and certain counternarcotics operations.
This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and reaffirms commitment to its principles of providing a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities.
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
Chris Van Hollen
Senator
MD
This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and recognizes its transformative impact on ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities. It honors the millions who have benefited from IDEA and reaffirms commitment to its principles. *Note: The provided text also includes details about a separate "Housing for All" program, which is not addressed in this summary as the primary focus of the resolution appears to be IDEA.*
This Act establishes a process for creating new federal rules that mandate airlines compensate passengers for flight cancellations and significant delays caused by the airline.
Mark Kelly
Senator
AZ
Mark Kelly
Senator
AZ
This Act establishes a process for the FAA to create new rules mandating airline compensation for flight cancellations and significant delays within the airline's control. It requires the formation of a committee to develop recommendations, including specific cash compensation amounts, free rebooking, and coverage for amenities like meals and lodging. The Secretary of Transportation must then issue proposed and interim final rules to implement these passenger protections, including an immediate interim compensation of $750 for airline-caused disruptions.
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela unless Congress specifically authorizes such use of force.
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been explicitly authorized by Congress. It affirms Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and mandates expedited procedures for considering this measure. The resolution ensures that any ongoing military action against Venezuela ceases unless Congress provides a specific authorization for the use of force.
This bill authorizes the Attorney General to appoint qualified, temporary immigration judges for limited terms to assist with complex immigration case backlogs while emphasizing the need for permanent judges and rigorous training standards.
Adam Schiff
Senator
CA
Adam Schiff
Senator
CA
This bill establishes the **Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act** to authorize the Attorney General to appoint highly qualified individuals as temporary immigration judges for limited terms. These temporary judges will have the same authority as permanent judges but will be subject to rigorous oversight and mandatory training requirements. The legislation emphasizes that these temporary appointments are not intended to replace the need for permanent immigration judges.
This bill exempts unaccompanied children from various immigration fees, restricts certain body examinations, limits sponsor information sharing with immigration enforcement, and mandates refunds for previously paid fees.
Catherine Cortez Masto
Senator
NV
Catherine Cortez Masto
Senator
NV
The Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections for unaccompanied children navigating the immigration system. This bill exempts these children from various immigration-related fees, including those for asylum and employment authorization. Furthermore, it places limitations on body examinations and restricts the sharing of sponsor information with immigration enforcement agencies. The Act also mandates the refund of previously paid fees that are now waived.