Legislative Activity

The Equality Act comprehensively amends federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across key areas of American life. This legislation expands existing protections in public accommodations, employment, housing, credit access, and jury service. Its purpose is to ensure consistent and clear nationwide enforcement of non-discrimination principles for LGBTQ individuals and women.

This resolution officially supports the mission of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 to combat the deadly counterfeit pill crisis. It highlights the severe danger posed by fake pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl, which are increasingly accessible to young people. The bill aims to increase public awareness regarding this threat and applauds law enforcement efforts to stop the spread of illicit drugs.

The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act of 2025 increases federal support for meals served through the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This legislation mandates an immediate 10-cent increase for every meal or snack reimbursed under the program. The bill also simplifies the existing reimbursement calculation structure for sponsoring organizations supporting day care homes.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 significantly increases the maximum expenses eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to \$8,000 for one dependent and \$16,000 for two or more. This legislation also adjusts the credit calculation percentage based on income and makes the credit partially or fully refundable for eligible taxpayers. Furthermore, key income thresholds and expense limits will be indexed for inflation starting in 2026.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes and supports the goals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It highlights the widespread nature of sexual violence, the resulting trauma, and the need to address legal and support service gaps. The resolution commits the Senate to promoting prevention, ensuring survivor support, and advancing justice for victims.

The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 establishes an Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services to support victims of gun violence. This council will define key terms, assess the needs of victims and service providers, and identify best practices for support. Its primary goal is to share comprehensive information on available medical, financial, and mental health resources with the public and relevant government bodies. The council will operate for five years and is required to issue detailed reports on resource gaps and recommendations for improvement.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The New England Coastal Protection Act permanently prohibits new oil and gas leasing for exploration or production on the Outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. This legislation ensures that the Secretary of the Interior cannot issue any future leases for drilling in these specific New England offshore waters.

The COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 permanently prohibits all new oil and gas leasing and development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas. This legislation ensures the protection of these key ocean regions from future drilling exploration.

The American Family Act fundamentally restructures the Child Tax Credit by replacing the annual lump sum with advance monthly payments for qualifying children. This legislation establishes a new refundable monthly credit of up to $360 per child, alongside a separate $500 non-refundable credit for other dependents. These advance payments are subject to income phase-outs and will reconcile with the final tax return. The old annual Child Tax Credit is terminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025 significantly expands and makes permanent the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without qualifying children by lowering the minimum age, substantially increasing the credit amount, and raising income thresholds. It also allows taxpayers to elect to use higher prior-year earned income to calculate their current EITC benefit. Furthermore, the bill permanently extends current EITC application rules for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act restricts the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill establishes a federal process for determining which specific firearms are banned and makes it illegal to possess magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after the enactment date. Furthermore, it allows states to use federal Byrne grant funds to establish buy-back programs for these prohibited items. Violations of the new prohibitions carry significant fines and potential prison sentences.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of devices or modifications that significantly increase the firing rate of semiautomatic firearms to mimic machinegun function. Existing owners of such modified firearms must register them within 120 days of enactment to maintain lawful possession. This legislation updates federal law by classifying these rate-of-fire-enhancing modifications as regulated items under the National Firearms Act.

The America's First Fuels Act aims to incentivize the adoption of biomass heating technology through significant tax credits. It increases the existing energy-efficient home improvement credit limit up to \$10,000 for qualifying biomass stoves and boilers installed after 2025. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new 30% investment tax credit for businesses installing qualifying "open-loop biomass heating property."

The Protecting American Capital Act of 2025 requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to Congress detailing United States portfolio investments in the People's Republic of China. This report must identify major U.S. investors and assess the Chinese entities receiving these funds, including those under U.S. sanctions. The goal is to provide transparency regarding American capital flowing into the Chinese economy.

The Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act of 2025 significantly updates the program that helps low-income households improve energy efficiency. This bill establishes a new fund to cover essential pre-weatherization repairs that currently block necessary upgrades. Furthermore, it substantially raises the maximum financial assistance allowed per home, increasing the general cap from $6,500 to $15,000 to better reflect current market costs. The Secretary is also granted flexibility to further adjust these limits based on economic conditions.

The Jobs in the Woods Act establishes a new competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to fund forestry workforce development. These grants aim to support training programs for forestry jobs specifically within eligible, low-income rural communities that meet certain broadband standards. Eligible entities can apply for grants between $\$500,000$ and $\$2$ million over four years, with priority given to programs addressing workforce shortages and ensuring job placement.

The TICKER Act aims to protect U.S. investors by increasing transparency regarding the risks associated with investing in certain foreign entities, particularly those structured as Variable Interest Entities (VIEs). The bill mandates that stock exchanges clearly flag securities from these "covered entities" with a visible designation next to their ticker symbol. Furthermore, brokers and dealers must provide explicit warnings to investors about the lack of traditional legal recourse when investing in these specific foreign structures.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This Act authorizes the minting and issuance of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins must be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations.