Legislative Activity

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The "Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act" aims to combat illegal fishing by directing federal agencies to develop a standard methodology for identifying seafood origin using chemical analysis, with initial focus on red snapper and tuna. It also authorizes the Department of Defense to provide maritime technical assistance to other countries to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and transnational organized crime.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

This resolution recognizes the critical role of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in advancing U.S. national security interests. It emphasizes USAID's importance in reducing global threats, promoting stability, addressing migration and extremism, and maintaining U.S. leadership against China. The resolution also references the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which requires USAID to consult with Congress on significant organizational changes.

This resolution designates the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role of TCUs in providing culturally relevant education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. TCUs serve over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes by offering high-quality postsecondary education and workforce preparation. The resolution encourages the public to participate in activities and programs that support these institutions.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act seeks to ensure that foreign non-governmental organizations are eligible for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, regardless of the health or medical services they provide, as long as those services adhere to specific guidelines. It ensures that these organizations are not subject to more restrictive requirements for using non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying compared to U.S. non-governmental organizations.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

This bill authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal for Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, posthumously recognizing his courageous actions during World War II when he saved approximately 200 Jewish-American soldiers from Nazi persecution by defying a direct order to identify them. The medal will be presented to his next of kin, and the bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to commemorate his heroism.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that the U.S. should remain committed to the Paris Agreement, support policies at all levels of government to reduce global warming pollution, and encourage actions by businesses, investors, and individuals to combat climate change. It recognizes the economic benefits of clean energy investments and the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The MAILS Act aims to improve communication and transparency regarding Postal Service operations. It mandates a formal process for local officials to request new post offices and requires the Postal Service to provide timely notifications and updates to local officials and the public regarding temporary post office relocations. Additionally, the Postal Service must report to Congress on any temporary relocation lasting longer than 180 days, ensuring accountability and adherence to communication requirements.

The "Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025" aims to combat the spread of Rapid Ohia Death in Hawaii by promoting collaboration between the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior with the State of Hawaii. It directs the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue research and ungulate management, respectively. The Act also requires the Forest Service to provide financial assistance and staff to prevent the disease's spread and restore native forests, and authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated annually from 2026 through 2036 to fund these efforts.

The "Washington, D.C. Admission Act" outlines the process for admitting Washington, D.C., into the Union as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a Capital to serve as the seat of the U.S. Government. It addresses the transition of laws, governance, and federal responsibilities, ensuring continuity of services and representation for the residents of the new state. The Act also defines the boundaries of the new State and the Capital, and includes provisions for elections, federal property, and the establishment of a Statehood Transition Commission.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals to qualify for financial assistance. It also adjusts the premium tax credit calculation to provide more support based on income level. These changes aim to make health coverage more affordable for a broader range of Americans, starting in 2026.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States, effectively eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year. It repeals the section of the Uniform Time Act that allows for standard time and adjusts time zone offsets from Greenwich Mean Time. States that previously opted out of daylight saving time would have the option to choose between the new, permanent daylight saving time or the previous standard time.