Legislative Activity

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 DETERRENT Act significantly tightens reporting requirements for colleges and universities regarding foreign gifts and contracts, mandating public disclosure databases and imposing strict new prohibitions on agreements with "foreign countries or entities of concern." It establishes severe financial penalties and potential ineligibility for federal aid for institutions that knowingly violate these transparency and compliance rules. The bill also requires institutions to implement internal policies and designate compliance officers to manage risks associated with foreign influence.

The Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2025 establishes a new minimum standard for pasteurized orange juice, requiring it to contain at least 10.0 percent by weight of orange juice solids, excluding added sweeteners. This revision updates the official identity standard for domestic orange juice production. The Secretary of Health and Human Services retains the authority to amend this standard in the future.

The Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act eliminates the federal transfer tax previously imposed on certain firearms. This legislation repeals Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code and updates related tax provisions accordingly. The Act explicitly clarifies that it does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any new oversight authority over firearms.

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 Financial Freedom Act of 2025 revises fiduciary duties for retirement plan managers, particularly those offering participant-directed investment options like 401(k)s. This bill clarifies that fiduciaries are not required to select specific investment types for the menu, provided a broad range of suitable options is offered. Furthermore, it prevents the Secretary of Labor from limiting investment choices within self-directed brokerage windows.

The Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025 aims to protect students belonging to single-sex social organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, from punitive action by federally funded colleges. This legislation ensures that schools cannot penalize students or organizations solely based on membership limitations restricted to one sex. Ultimately, the Act safeguards students' freedom to associate with these groups without facing disadvantages compared to members of co-ed organizations.

The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act (ABC Act) mandates a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to significantly simplify application processes, forms, and communications. This effort aims to reduce the burden on family caregivers by eliminating redundant information requests across agencies. The responsible officials must report their simplification plans and progress to Congress within two years of enactment.

The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act significantly raises the resource limits for individuals and couples to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), starting in 2025. This legislation increases the individual savings limit to \$20,000 and the couple's limit to \$20,000 total. Furthermore, these new resource limits will automatically adjust annually for inflation beginning in 2026.

The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to prohibit the authorization, support, or funding of any event promoting antisemitism. To enforce this, the bill mandates that institutions adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. This ensures federal funding is contingent upon actively preventing antisemitic activities on campus.

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 SHORT Act aims to revise federal firearms tax definitions and eliminate disparate federal treatment of short-barreled rifles and shotguns used for lawful purposes. It also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons if they are involved in interstate commerce. Finally, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal records related to the registration and transfer of these firearms.

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.

The No Dollars for Dictators Act of 2025 prohibits the U.S. from supporting the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through the IMF to any member country that has committed genocide in the last decade or is currently designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. This restriction remains in place unless Congress explicitly authorizes the vote through new legislation. The bill ensures that U.S. financial influence is not used to benefit regimes engaged in genocide or terrorism.

This resolution celebrates the 204th anniversary of Greek independence and reaffirms the deep, shared commitment to democracy between the United States and Greece. It recognizes the historical ties, ongoing strategic partnership in security and energy, and the contributions of the Greek-American community. The bill ultimately honors Greece as a vital NATO ally and friend.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit state and federal correctional facilities from using signal jamming systems within their housing areas. This legislation permits prisons to deploy jammers specifically to block communications involving contraband devices or incarcerated individuals. Any facility choosing to use this technology must adhere to strict operational rules, including location limitations and pre-approval notification to local public safety officials and the Bureau of Prisons.

The WATCH Act establishes new federal oversight for foreign laboratories receiving U.S. funding for animal research, primarily from the NIH. These labs must now undergo mandatory quarterly inspections to ensure compliance with established animal welfare standards. Failure to pass these inspections and correct deficiencies can result in the suspension or revocation of federal funding.

The Stop CARB Act of 2025 aims to centralize federal control over emission standards for off-road engines and vehicles by immediately repealing all state authority to set or enforce their own rules in this area. This legislation also eliminates the ability for other states to adopt California's stricter new motor vehicle emission standards. In essence, the bill strips states of their power to create pollution regulations that exceed federal requirements for specific engine types and vehicles.

The Safeguarding Medicaid Act mandates that all applicants and recipients of Medicaid across all states and territories must undergo asset testing, removing existing exemptions for age, blindness, or disability. This legislation requires states to incorporate resource eligibility checks alongside income verification for most applicants, with limited exceptions for continuous coverage groups. Furthermore, the bill establishes federal tracking of savings resulting from these new asset verification requirements and mandates regular public reporting from states on their eligibility review processes.

The One Agency Act consolidates federal antitrust enforcement authority entirely within the Department of Justice (DOJ), eliminating the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) role in this area. This restructuring transfers all FTC antitrust functions, personnel, and assets to the DOJ's Antitrust Division to streamline enforcement and reduce redundancy. The bill makes extensive technical amendments across various laws to replace FTC references with the Attorney General. All changes take effect at the start of the first full fiscal year beginning at least 90 days after enactment.