Legislative Activity

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.

The "Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act of 2025" aims to enhance financial literacy among servicemembers regarding their rights and protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It mandates that servicemembers are notified of their SCRA benefits upon entering service and when called to active duty for more than 30 days. Additionally, the Act requires financial institutions to apply the maximum interest rate limit to all of a servicemember's debts incurred before military service and provide multiple avenues for submitting necessary documentation.

The Stand with Israel Act amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to prohibit U.S. funds from going to the United Nations or any of its entities that discriminate against Israel. Discrimination includes actions such as expelling or suspending Israel's membership or restricting its participation in a way that is not on par with other member states. The Act ensures that no funds from the Department of State or any other federal agency can be used for contributions that violate this prohibition.

This resolution condemns North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens since the 1970s, demanding the release of all abductees, the return of remains and information on deceased abductees, reparations, and a formal apology. It urges North Korea to cease these activities and encourages the President to address this issue in future interactions with North Korean officials. The resolution affirms that these abductions violate fundamental principles of liberty and freedom.

The Veterans Opportunity Act of 2025 establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs to manage and oversee programs providing economic assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. It creates a new Under Secretary position to lead this administration, ensuring focus on vocational rehabilitation, education, housing, and transition programs. The Act mandates reports to Congress on program performance and requires certification that the transfer of services will not negatively impact veterans. It aims to streamline and improve the delivery of economic opportunities and support for veterans.

The "Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025" amends federal law to include fentanyl distribution resulting in death as felony murder. Individuals who distribute a fentanyl mixture of 2 grams or more, or a fentanyl analogue mixture of 0.5 grams or more, and death results, can be charged with first-degree murder. The individual must have had knowledge or reason to know that the substance contained fentanyl or its analogues. Conviction can result in a sentence of life imprisonment.

This resolution supports National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 and aims to increase awareness of the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, particularly among young people. It acknowledges the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and supports efforts to combat the spread of these deadly pills. The resolution designates April 29, 2025, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

This resolution designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week" to recognize the importance of national parks for recreation, education, and economic contributions. It encourages people to visit and support these parks while acknowledging the role of the National Park Service in protecting these resources for future generations.

The Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Defense from entering into or extending long-term concession agreements with retailers controlled by countries that pose a national security risk, with a waiver option if the retailer provides vital goods or services and mitigates risks. It mandates a review of existing agreements with retailers connected to these countries, requiring termination unless a waiver is granted or the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determines no harm to national security. Covered retailers must disclose relationships with covered nations to CFIUS, who will then assess national security implications. The Secretary of Defense must terminate agreements for non-compliance or misrepresentation of ownership.

The LIABLE Act allows U.S. nationals, members of the armed forces, and U.S. government employees/contractors to sue international organizations in U.S. courts for monetary damages resulting from acts of terrorism, such as torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, or hostage-taking, if the organization provided material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. This applies if the international organization is based or has a significant presence in the U.S. The act stipulates that lawsuits must be filed within 20 years of the cause of action.

The "Audit the IRS Act" prohibits the IRS from hiring or continuing to employ individuals with seriously delinquent tax debts, ensuring that those responsible for enforcing tax laws are themselves compliant. It defines "seriously delinquent tax debt" and mandates annual verification of IRS employees' tax compliance, as well as pre-employment verification for new hires. The Office of Personnel Management is directed to create regulations to implement these provisions.

The PRO Veterans Act of 2025 seeks to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operations through increased oversight and accountability. It mandates quarterly budget briefings to Congress, limits critical skill incentives for VA Senior Executive Service employees, and establishes a Veterans Experience Office to enhance customer service and gather data on veteran satisfaction. The act also requires annual reports and congressional reviews to ensure effective implementation and improvement of veteran services.

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 joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025, or VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, amends existing law regarding educational assistance programs for veterans. It mandates regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors in independent study programs at higher education institutions participating in federal student aid programs. This change applies to academic terms starting on or after August 1, 2025.

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 DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding in higher education by amending the Higher Education Act of 1965. It requires institutions to disclose foreign gifts and contracts, particularly those from countries or entities of concern, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. The Act also mandates policies to manage conflicts of interest and potential espionage risks, and enhances interagency coordination for enforcement. Ultimately, the bill seeks to protect U.S. national security and academic integrity by ensuring greater accountability in foreign funding of higher education.

The "Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2025" amends pasteurized orange juice standards, requiring it to contain a minimum of 10.0% orange juice soluble solids by weight, excluding solids from added sweeteners. This revision aims to protect domestic orange juice production without restricting the Secretary of Health and Human Services' authority to modify these standards.

The "Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act" or the "ABC Act" requires a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to simplify processes and improve communication for family caregivers. This includes reducing red tape, improving website accessibility, and providing timely and accessible information. The act mandates regular reports to Congress on the progress and impact of these improvements. Additionally, the act encourages states to conduct similar reviews to reduce administrative burdens on caregivers at the state level.

The "Financial Freedom Act of 2025" amends Section 404(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, giving fiduciaries the ability to select any investment type for individual accounts, as long as participants have a broad range of investment options. This act prohibits favoring or disfavoring any investment type, except based on risk-return characteristics. It also specifies that the Secretary cannot restrict investments offered through self-directed brokerage windows and ensures that diversification and prudence requirements are met when participants control assets within such windows.