Legislative Activity

The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act aims to strengthen federal meal programs for child care centers by clarifying eligibility rules and mandating annual reviews for certain providers. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review and update procedures for handling serious deficiencies, ensuring fairness and distinguishing between minor errors and systemic failures. Furthermore, the bill limits reimbursement caps for extra meals, changes the inflation metric used for funding adjustments, and establishes an advisory committee to significantly reduce administrative paperwork.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2025 officially extends the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which supports workers, firms, and farmers negatively impacted by trade, through December 31, 2031. This legislation also clarifies the application of TAA rules for petitions filed between July 1, 2021, and the date of enactment, often requiring reconsideration under current standards. Furthermore, it updates the funding and training calculation windows to align with the new program extension dates.

This resolution supports designating a week in April as Black Maternal Health Week to raise national awareness of the severe maternal health crisis facing Black women and birthing people in the U.S. It highlights that systemic racism and discrimination drive unacceptable disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The resolution calls for specific investments and policy changes, including expanded postpartum coverage and culturally competent care, guided by the voices of the affected community.

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 Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025 establishes the National Center on Antiracism and Health within the CDC to declare racism a public health crisis and research its impacts. This Act mandates the creation of a new CDC program dedicated to researching police violence and developing public health strategies to prevent related injuries and deaths. Ultimately, the bill aims to dismantle structural racism in health systems through dedicated research, data collection, and community investment.

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 Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost federal support for organic agriculture. It establishes a new initiative to coordinate and strategically plan USDA organic research efforts across multiple agencies. The bill also increases funding and updates focus areas for the existing Organic Research and Extension Initiative, including climate change mitigation and traditional ecological knowledge. Finally, it mandates new research programs focused on the transition to organic farming and comprehensive economic studies of the organic sector.

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.

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 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 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 Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It tasks the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) with reviewing state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, taking over administration where state laws fall short. The Act explicitly protects existing labor agreements while prohibiting strikes or lockouts that would endanger public safety services. Finally, it ensures that existing state or local laws providing equal or greater protections are not preempted by this federal minimum standard.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 systematically increases the federal minimum wage to \$17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be indexed to median wage growth. This legislation also phases out the subminimum wage for tipped employees and workers with disabilities, requiring them to eventually earn the standard federal minimum wage. Furthermore, the bill repeals the special minimum wage for workers under 20 once their rate catches up to the standard minimum.

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.

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.

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act aims to disallow federal tax deductions for employer expenditures used to influence employees regarding union organizing activities. This legislation targets significant corporate spending on anti-union consultants and captive audience meetings, arguing that taxpayers should not subsidize efforts to interfere with workers' rights to organize. The bill also introduces strict new reporting requirements and penalties for companies that fail to disclose these influence expenditures.

The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025 officially recognizes "snow drought"—a severe lack of snow due to dry conditions or warm temperatures—as a qualifying disaster for small business assistance. This legislation directs the Small Business Administration to establish rules for this new disaster designation within 90 days. Furthermore, it mandates a review of federal resources and recommendations for strengthening small businesses against future snow shortages.

The Restoring Industry Development in Entertainment Act (RIDE Act) establishes a new P4 nonimmigrant visa category for "mobile entertainment workers," such as those employed by traveling carnivals and circuses. This provision requires Department of Labor certification to ensure no qualified U.S. workers are displaced and that U.S. wages are protected. The bill also ensures that the spouses and children of these essential workers are eligible for derivative visas. Finally, it mandates that the relevant federal agencies publish proposed and final rules implementing these changes within 180 days and one year of enactment, respectively.

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act aims to address the severe national housing shortage by encouraging states and localities to reform restrictive zoning and land-use regulations. It directs the federal government to develop and publish best-practice guidelines for updating state and local zoning frameworks to promote housing construction across all income levels. The bill also establishes reporting requirements to track the adoption of these new guidelines and authorizes funding for the Act's implementation.