Legislative Activity

The GENIUS Act establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins in the United States, requiring issuers to be "permitted payment stablecoin issuers" and maintain 1-to-1 reserves. It sets standards for reserve composition, redemption policies, and regular reporting, while also granting the Comptroller authority to regulate Federal qualified payment stablecoin issuers and allowing state-level regulation for smaller issuers under certain conditions. The Act also addresses anti-money laundering concerns, custody of reserves, and the treatment of stablecoin issuers during insolvency proceedings, and clarifies that payment stablecoins are not securities or commodities. Finally, the Act creates an exception for foreign payment stablecoin issuers under specific conditions and reciprocity for payment stablecoins issued in overseas jurisdictions.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2025, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, acknowledging the ongoing crisis and need for increased awareness, resources, and updated research. It calls on the public to remember the lives lost and support the victims' families, while also urging the Department of Justice to conduct a new study to update statistics on this critical issue.

This joint resolution disapproves of and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that modifies the classification of major pollution sources under the Clean Air Act. The resolution aims to reverse the EPA's decision to allow certain major sources of pollution to be reclassified as area sources, thereby changing the regulatory requirements for these sources.

The Enhancing First Response Act aims to improve emergency communications and response. It mandates the FCC to issue reports and hold public hearings after major disasters to assess and improve network resilience and 911 outage reporting. The Act also directs the Office of Management and Budget to classify public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation and requires a report on the FCC's enforcement of Karis Law, which ensures direct dialing to 911 from multi-line phone systems.

The Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025 prohibits federal agencies from permitting or supporting commercial finfish aquaculture in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. "Finfish" is defined as aquatic finfish at any life stage, but does not include amphibians, seaweeds, algae, and invertebrates like shellfish. An exception exists if a future federal statute specifically allows such activities. "Commercial finfish aquaculture" is defined as the propagation, rearing, or attempted propagation or rearing of finfish in captivity or under positive control for commercial purposes.

**Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 Summary:** This bill aims to expand and improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program by updating state allocation formulas, reforming tenant eligibility requirements, and modifying credit eligibility rules. It also focuses on increasing affordable housing opportunities for Native Americans and in rural areas. Additionally, the bill updates terminology in the Internal Revenue Code to replace "low-income" with "affordable" when referring to housing tax credits, and promotes data sharing and discourages discriminatory land use policies to enhance transparency and effectiveness.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to improve collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring. It includes adding definitions for "Indian Tribe" and "Native Hawaiian organization," and it mandates engagement with affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, community acidification networks, and Indigenous knowledge groups. The act also requires the inclusion of representatives from Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in advisory boards and emphasizes collaboration with these groups in vulnerability assessments and research planning. Additionally, the bill prioritizes the use of NOAA resources for underserved populations and makes several technical corrections to the original act.

The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 aims to foster sustainable growth in the "Blue Economy" by designating and supporting Ocean Innovation Clusters. These clusters, composed of diverse stakeholders, will promote collaboration, innovation, and economic development related to oceans and Great Lakes resources. The Act directs federal agencies to support these clusters through partnership managers, technical knowledge exchange, and measurement of their economic impact. Additionally, it establishes a grant program to fund the operation and administration of Ocean Innovation Clusters, with the goal of creating self-sustaining entities that drive regional economic benefits.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which recognizes Tribal sovereignty and empowers Indian Tribes to administer Federal programs and services. It acknowledges the Act's success in promoting local decision-making, community development, and improved quality of life for Tribal communities. The resolution calls for the continued implementation of the Act, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to supporting Native self-determination and ensuring responsive federal services. It celebrates the achievements of Indian Tribes over the past 50 years through self-determination and governance.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The specific rule being targeted is the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation, Waiver of Preemption." This action effectively blocks California's ability to implement these stricter pollution standards.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

The "Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act of 2025" amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to allow farm credit banks and production credit associations to provide credit and financial services to businesses that support the operational needs of the commercial fishing industry. This expansion aims to bolster the fishing industry by improving access to capital for essential service providers.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 limits the scope of court-ordered relief, such as injunctions and declaratory judgements, to only the parties directly involved in a case. It modifies the rules for temporary restraining orders and clarifies the scope of judicial review. The act ensures that courts cannot grant relief to non-parties unless those parties are represented.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The "Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for investments in hydroelectric facilities made to improve fish passage, water quality, sediment transport, dam safety, public access, and removal of obsolete river obstructions. This credit, equal to 30% of the investment, aims to incentivize the maintenance, enhancement, and restoration of hydroelectric facilities and river ecosystems. The bill also includes provisions for elective payments and the transferability of these credits, further encouraging investment in qualifying projects. It applies to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

The resolution affirms the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an essential and independent federal entity. It recognizes the USPS's critical role in the economy, its service to millions of Americans, and its importance to veterans and communities. The resolution expresses the Senate's opposition to privatizing the USPS, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and negative impacts on e-commerce and infrastructure.