Legislative Activity

The BE GONE Act, or Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the list of crimes considered "aggravated felonies." Specifically, this bill adds "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence" to the list of offenses that trigger severe immigration consequences. This change broadens the scope of crimes that can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.

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 Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 makes the existing adoption tax credit fully refundable, allowing taxpayers to receive the benefit even if they owe no tax. This is achieved by relocating the credit within the tax code and updating related references. The bill also mandates the Treasury Department to issue regulations establishing a standardized third-party affidavit form for verifying adoption expenses. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Organic Imports Verification Act of 2025 mandates annual reporting to Congress on residue testing for imported organic animal feedstuffs, especially those shipped in bulk. The Secretary of Agriculture must develop a risk-based plan to determine which imported organic feeds will undergo annual residue testing. If testing reveals prohibited substances above established organic limits, the affected feedstuff cannot be sold or labeled as organic.

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 resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the vital and substantial contributions of the over 1.2 million female agricultural producers to the U.S. economy and global food supply. The measure encourages citizens to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, and economic impact women have across the entire agricultural sector.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

The Stop CARB Act of 2025 aims to centralize federal control over emission standards for off-road engines and vehicles by immediately repealing all state authority to set or enforce their own rules in this area. This legislation also eliminates the ability for other states to adopt California's stricter new motor vehicle emission standards. In essence, the bill strips states of their power to create pollution regulations that exceed federal requirements for specific engine types and vehicles.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act updates Medicare rules to ensure continued patient access to necessary home infusion therapy starting in 2026. This legislation explicitly includes pharmacy services in the definition of home infusion care and adjusts payment calculations for suppliers. Furthermore, it expands the scope of professionals who can establish and review patient care plans and clarifies payment for certain intravenous drugs administered without an infusion pump.

The GENIUS Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive federal framework for regulating "payment stablecoins," defining who can issue them and mandating strict 1:1 reserve requirements backed by safe, liquid assets. This legislation grants primary federal regulators authority to license, supervise, and enforce rules on issuers, while also clarifying that these specific stablecoins are neither securities nor commodities. Furthermore, the Act prioritizes consumer protection by ensuring stablecoin holders have super-priority claims in bankruptcy proceedings and sets standards for international interoperability.

The FIGHT China Act of 2025 establishes new government powers to safeguard U.S. national security against risks posed by the People's Republic of China. The bill imposes sanctions on specific foreign persons and prohibits U.S. investment in certain high-technology sectors involving entities from the "country of concern." Furthermore, it mandates reporting requirements and strengthens restrictions on U.S. persons holding securities in Chinese military-industrial complex companies.

The Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA Act) ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from mandating or barring contractors from entering into agreements with labor unions. This promotes open bidding, reduces taxpayer costs, and prevents discrimination based on union membership. The law requires federal agencies to remain neutral regarding project labor agreements for both direct contracts and federal grants.

The Freedom to Haul Act of 2025 prohibits the EPA from implementing or enforcing the Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle emission rules. Furthermore, the bill prevents the EPA from issuing tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. This ensures manufacturers retain flexibility in meeting pollution standards.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 repeals the EPA's recent multi-pollutant emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Furthermore, this Act prohibits the EPA from issuing future tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must update existing rules within 24 months to comply with these new restrictions.

The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025 amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit states from receiving waivers to set new vehicle emission standards that restrict the sale or use of new cars with internal combustion engines. This legislation invalidates any existing or future state standards that directly or indirectly limit traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Furthermore, the bill mandates the revocation of any previously granted waivers that conflict with this new restriction.

This bill reauthorizes and updates funding for a critical program supporting treatment for pregnant and postpartum women through fiscal year 2029. It increases the annual funding level to $\$38,931,000$ for the reauthorization period. The legislation also clarifies program language and encourages applicants to detail outreach plans targeting women disproportionately affected by substance use disorders.

This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The rule concerned the prohibition of creditors and consumer reporting agencies from using or sharing medical information. By disapproving the rule, this resolution prevents the regulation from taking effect.

This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to establish a uniform 8-digit subheading number for all imported whiskies. It streamlines the classification structure within Chapter 22 of the tariff schedule for duty purposes. The changes also require the USITC to add new statistical codes to better track different types of imported whiskies.

This resolution designates February 27, 2025, as "Rare Disease Day" to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and support research for the thousands of rare diseases affecting millions of Americans. It acknowledges the progress made through the Orphan Drug Act and FDA approvals, while also highlighting the significant unmet needs in treatment and research for rare diseases. The resolution supports ongoing efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures.