Legislative Activity

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act aims to increase financial support for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by transferring forfeited funds and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates the distribution of these funds to eligible claimants through additional, pro-rata payments, and requires regular reporting on the Fund's activities and balances. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to assist with the administration of the fund, and ensures remaining funds from prior payments are used for additional compensation.

The "Helping Heroes Act" establishes a Veteran Family Resource Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide personalized support to veterans and their families by connecting them with VA benefits and community resources. It mandates the appointment of family coordinators in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to assist veterans and their families in accessing needed resources. The Act also requires regular surveys of disabled veterans and their families to identify their needs and ensures that all programs and activities funded by the Act adhere to federal nondiscrimination laws.

This resolution affirms the Senate's position that the NIH's operations and funding should not be disrupted, as they are crucial for medical advancements and addressing public health challenges. It emphasizes that the NIH workforce is essential for sustaining medical progress and protecting national health, security, and the economy. Any interference with NIH operations or its workforce undermines biomedical research and the nation's ability to respond to public health issues.

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.

The "Protecting Our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act" establishes a "Ukrainian guest status" for individuals paroled into the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine program, allowing them to work in the U.S. This status begins from their initial parole date and expires 120 days after the Secretary of State determines it is safe for civilians to return to Ukraine, but can be revoked by Homeland Security if the individual poses a security risk.

The "Born in the USA Act" prohibits the use of government funds to implement Executive Order 14160, which sought to deny citizenship to certain children born in the United States. The bill affirms that birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution and cannot be rescinded by executive order.

The Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2025 amends Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 4001, to prohibit the detention of individuals in the United States based solely on protected characteristics. Protected characteristics include race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and any additional characteristic the Attorney General specifies. The Attorney General cannot remove any of the characteristics already listed (race through disability).

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 expands the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to include damage from wildfires and other conservation measures. It allows producers and landowners to receive advance payments to cover costs for repairs, replacements, or restoration. The bill extends the deadline for completing these measures to 180 days and ensures that damage from wildfires, including those spread by natural causes or caused by the Federal Government, is eligible for payment.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, recognizing the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. service members involved. It acknowledges the battle's significance in securing victory in the Pacific during World War II and honors the reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The resolution also encourages Americans to remember and honor the veterans of Iwo Jima.

The "Equal COLA Act" amends title 5 of the United States Code to equalize cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annuities under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It adjusts FERS annuities annually based on the percentage change in the price index, ensuring parity in COLA benefits for retirees under both systems. This adjustment applies retroactively and prospectively to annuities covered by section 8462.

The "Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director, to coordinate and improve gun violence prevention programs and policies. The Director will evaluate and modernize laws, recommend evidence-based strategies to Congress and the President, improve data collection and research, educate the public, assist affected communities, and coordinate with other agencies. An advisory council will be convened, including a diverse group of experts and individuals affected by gun violence, to advise the Director. The Act authorizes necessary appropriations to support these activities.

The "Age 21 Act" aims to regulate firearm sales and possession by individuals under 21 years of age. It defines specific types of firearms, including "semiautomatic assault weapons," and prohibits licensed dealers from selling these firearms or large capacity ammunition feeding devices to individuals under 21. The act also restricts the possession of handguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, and related ammunition by those under 21, with certain exceptions for activities like employment, military service, or self-defense.

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 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 SBA Disaster Transparency Act mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publicly disclose disaster assistance reports on its website. This ensures transparency by making information accessible to the public after it has been submitted to Congress.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Help Our Kelp Act of 2025" establishes a grant program within the Department of Commerce to conserve, restore, and manage kelp forest ecosystems. Grants will be awarded to various entities, including fishing industry members, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes, for projects addressing kelp forest decline and promoting long-term resilience. The federal government can fund up to 85% of project costs, with specific funding set aside for Indian Tribes. The act authorizes \$5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for this program.

The "National Plan for Epilepsy Act" aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by epilepsy by establishing a comprehensive national plan. This plan will focus on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy through coordinated federal efforts and increased collaboration. An Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services will be created to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Congress on epilepsy-related issues and to provide recommendations for improving federal programs and supporting people with epilepsy. The Act requires regular assessments and reports to track progress and ensure accountability in addressing epilepsy.

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2025 aims to support rural hospitals by allowing states to waive certain distance requirements for critical access hospital designation, enabling more rural hospitals to qualify for this status based on community need and service expansion. It also directs a study on Medicare payment systems for rural hospitals to ensure financial sustainability and access to care, and requires a transition plan for Critical Access Hospitals to transition to new payment models within 10 years. This act is designed to prevent hospital closures in underserved rural areas by providing financial relief and updated payment structures.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" aims to improve access to non-opioid pain management for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2026. It eliminates the standard deductible and places qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs on the lowest cost-sharing tier. The bill also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring quicker access to alternative pain relief options.