Legislative Activity

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

The Child Care Workforce Act aims to improve child care quality and affordability by establishing a pilot program that provides grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations. These grants will be used to supplement the wages of child care workers, with the goal of attracting and retaining qualified staff, improving worker well-being, enhancing the quality of care, and increasing access to affordable child care options. The Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the program's effectiveness and report to Congress. It also authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years.

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act aims to make child care more accessible and affordable for families by expanding employer-provided child care credits, increasing tax-free dependent care assistance, and creating a refundable household and dependent care tax credit. The employer-provided child care credit is expanded by increasing the amount of qualified child care expenditures and the maximum credit amount, with special rules for small businesses. The amount excludable for dependent care assistance programs is increased from $5,000 to $7,500 (or $2,500 to $3,750). A new refundable tax credit is created for employment-related expenses paid for household services and care of qualifying individuals, with the credit amount varying based on income and the number of qualifying individuals.

This resolution supports the Local Radio Freedom Act, opposing any new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between the radio and recording industries, where radio provides free publicity and essential local services. The resolution warns that new fees would harm local radio stations, small businesses, and the communities they serve. Ultimately, it asserts that Congress should not impose any new charges on local radio for broadcasting sound recordings.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act allows the National Guard Bureau to credit funds received as reimbursement from states for the use of military property to the original or a currently available appropriate account. These funds can only be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, replacement, or similar functions directly related to assets used by National Guard units operating under State active duty status.

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.

The "Empowering Families in Special Education Act" ensures that parents are informed of their right to include knowledgeable individuals, like service providers, in their child's IEP meetings. This notification must be provided before the first IEP meeting of each school year, empowering families to advocate effectively for their children's special education needs.

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.

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 "Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025" aims to bolster the air traffic control workforce by enhancing training programs, providing financial support to educational institutions, and improving mental health resources for controllers. It establishes an Enhanced-CTI grant program, promotes the use of Terminal Simulation Systems, and mandates the creation of a mental health training course for aviation professionals. The act also requires reports on airport surveillance technology and radar systems.

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.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

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 Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act aims to improve the Small Business Administration's (SBA) disaster loan program by increasing oversight and accountability. It mandates regular risk assessments, enhances loan eligibility verification, and requires the SBA to develop better performance metrics. The act also seeks to streamline the loan application process and improve communication with disaster victims.

The "Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2025" allows individuals to import prescription drugs from approved Canadian pharmacies under specific conditions, including a valid U.S. prescription and adherence to quality and safety standards. The imported drugs must be for personal use, up to a 90-day supply, and must match the U.S.-approved version in active ingredients, dosage, and strength. Certain types of drugs, like controlled substances and biological products, are excluded from importation. The Secretary will establish and maintain a list of approved Canadian pharmacies that meet strict criteria to ensure drug safety and quality.

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 "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "POSTAL Act" prevents the U.S. Postal Service from closing or downgrading processing and distribution centers if doing so would leave a state without one. A processing and distribution center is defined as a central mail facility that distributes mail, provides mail preparation instructions, dispatch schedules, and sorting plans, and is a sectional center facility, a general mail facility, or a dedicated mail processing facility without a station or branch. The term "State" includes a State or the District of Columbia.

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel that is at least equal to the federal rate provided to government employees. It also mandates that the VA process and pay these mileage allowances within 90 days of receiving a complete and accurate claim. This bill aims to reduce the financial burden on veterans when traveling to receive medical care.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.