Legislative Activity

The "Keep Our PACT Act" aims to increase funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) over the next decade. It mandates specific funding increases for these programs each year from 2026 to 2035, with the goal of fully funding IDEA at 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students with disabilities by 2035. This bill designates these funding increases as emergency spending.

The "Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025" authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his civil rights contributions, loyalty, patriotism, and dedication to justice and equality. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution after the award presentation. Additionally, the Act allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs.

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 "Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025" aims to protect communities from the health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat by establishing grant programs for local initiatives focused on detection, preparation, communication, and mitigation. It authorizes grants to air pollution control agencies, the establishment of research centers, and a competitive grant program for community planning and implementation. The bill also mandates research on the health effects of these environmental hazards and the development of strategies to reduce exposure and health risks.

The Rural Hospital Support Act aims to improve Medicare payments to small, rural hospitals by rebasing payment calculations for sole community and Medicare-dependent hospitals to fiscal year 2016, if it results in higher payments. It also extends the Medicare-Dependent Hospital program and the increased payments under the Medicare low-volume hospital program by removing certain deadlines, ensuring continued support for these hospitals. Additionally, the bill prohibits adjustments to payment classifications and weighting factors before October 1, 2015, when using rebased target amounts. These changes are intended to provide financial stability for rural hospitals and maintain access to care in rural communities.

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.

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 emphasizes the importance of the Department of Health and Human Services' role in providing timely and accurate health information to the public. It recognizes the value of resources like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and the Health Alert Network in protecting public health. The resolution expresses the Senate's belief that Americans should have continuous access to this vital information.

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.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The "Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters collectively, recognizing their service, sacrifice, and bravery. The Secretary of the Treasury will produce the medal, consulting with the National Interagency Fire Center on the design, and bronze duplicates will be made available for sale to the public. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the National Interagency Fire Center for display and research.

The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 aims to strengthen antitrust enforcement by updating the Clayton Act to address harmful mergers and exclusionary conduct, enabling civil monetary penalties for Sherman Act violations, and increasing resources for antitrust enforcement agencies. The bill seeks to promote competition by revising standards for unlawful acquisitions, protecting whistleblowers who report anti-competitive behavior, and ensuring fair compensation for those harmed by antitrust violations. It also establishes new offices within the Federal Trade Commission to enhance market analysis and advocate for competition. Finally, the act increases funding for antitrust enforcement and ensures that collected fees are used to further these efforts.

The Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program providing grants to organizations for whole-home repair programs benefiting eligible homeowners and landlords. These programs will fund modifications, repairs, or updates addressing accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency. Landlords receiving assistance must adhere to affordability and tenant protection requirements. The program prioritizes states with comprehensive implementation plans and aims for diverse geographic representation, with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development overseeing the program and reporting to Congress.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and the United States Olympic Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

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 "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the legacy of slavery and discrimination against African Americans from 1565 to the present. The commission will identify the harms caused by these injustices and recommend appropriate remedies, including how the nation can best educate itself on the commission's findings. It will also explore methods of reparations, such as a formal apology, eliminating discriminatory laws, and providing compensation to descendants of enslaved individuals. The commission will then submit its findings and recommendations to Congress.

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.