Legislative Activity

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that health plans cover medically necessary diagnosis and treatment for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must apply to outpatient and inpatient care, including necessary dental and orthodontic support, unless the procedure is purely cosmetic. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2025, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It highlights the severe crisis of violence, homicide, and human trafficking disproportionately affecting American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. The bill calls for national recognition of this day to honor victims and urges the Department of Justice to conduct an updated study on the crisis. Ultimately, it acknowledges ongoing efforts while emphasizing that more action is urgently needed to address this national tragedy.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

The Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025 prohibits all federal agencies from issuing permits for commercial finfish aquaculture operations within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This ban specifically targets the farming of finned fish for commercial sale in federal waters. Any future authorization for this activity would require a new act of Congress.

The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive framework to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, shipbuilding capacity, and merchant marine workforce. It centralizes national maritime oversight, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed partly by penalties on foreign-linked vessels, and mandates increased use of U.S.-flagged ships for government and certain commercial cargo. Ultimately, the bill aims to secure critical sealift capabilities and boost domestic maritime economic competitiveness against foreign rivals.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends existing federal law to strengthen research and monitoring efforts related to ocean acidification. This bill significantly enhances collaboration by mandating increased input from Indigenous communities, industry, and local stakeholders in federal planning and advisory roles. It also requires the Secretary of Commerce to prioritize working with State, local, and Tribal governments already engaged in vulnerability assessments. Finally, the Act includes technical corrections to ensure clarity and accuracy within the existing legislation.

The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 establishes "Ocean Innovation Clusters" across the nation to boost sustainable economic activity in the "Blue Economy." The Secretary of Commerce will designate at least seven geographically diverse clusters composed of businesses, academia, and government partners. These clusters will receive federal grants and support to foster innovation, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration in ocean-related industries. The Act also mandates the creation of physical collaboration hubs to support these regional efforts.

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 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). It celebrates the success of this landmark legislation, which allows Tribal Nations to contract and manage federal programs like health and education for their communities. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulation. By disapproving the rule, Congress immediately cancels the EPA's submission, preventing it from taking legal effect. This action effectively rejects the EPA's attempt to implement those specific California standards.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility. The bill also enhances program integrity by dedicating new funding to oversight and establishing educational outreach for providers with unusual billing patterns. Finally, it mandates new resources, training, and public data reporting to ensure the quality and accessibility of virtual care for all beneficiaries.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 mandates sweeping economic penalties against the Russian Federation and its affiliates for actions against Ukraine. This legislation requires the President and Treasury Secretary to impose escalating sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits U.S. persons from investing in Russian debt, bans the trading of Russian securities on U.S. exchanges, and imposes a massive 500% import duty on Russian goods. Sanctions can only be terminated if Russia agrees to a verifiable peace deal with Ukraine.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 generally restricts federal courts from issuing orders that affect non-parties to a lawsuit or granting emergency relief in certain state/federal disputes under diversity jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies language regarding who can seek declaratory judgments and limits the scope of judicial review over agency actions. Overall, this legislation aims to narrow the scope of judicial authority in issuing certain types of relief and clarifying participation in specific legal challenges.

The Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 expands access to credit from Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations. This legislation specifically allows these institutions to provide loans and financial services to businesses that furnish essential operating services to aquatic product producers and harvesters. The goal is to strengthen the financial support network for the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.

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 Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit to incentivize investments in upgrading existing hydroelectric facilities. This credit covers improvements focused on fish passage, water quality, safety, and habitat restoration at qualified dams. Furthermore, the bill allows for elective direct payment or transferability of this new credit.

This Senate resolution clarifies that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 only addressed the PRC's representation at the UN and does not endorse China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. The resolution strongly opposes the People's Republic of China's efforts to misuse this vote to isolate Taiwan internationally. It reaffirms the U.S. position that the issue of Taiwan's final status remains unsettled and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in global organizations.