Legislative Activity

The Zero Based Regulations Act mandates a systematic, ongoing review of all existing federal regulations to ensure they remain effective and cost-efficient. This process requires agencies to repeal rules before review and subject any reinstated rule to strict cost limitations and public hearings. Furthermore, the Act temporarily restricts the creation of new rules unless they reduce the overall regulatory burden or address critical public safety needs.

The William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act establishes a commission to assess and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. This body will analyze current production capacity, identify bottlenecks, and review federal regulations hindering defense manufacturing. The Commission must deliver recommendations within one year to boost domestic production capabilities necessary for national security contingencies.

The Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act prohibits U.S. federal funding for biomedical research involving live vertebrate animals conducted in or by entities in specific foreign countries, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This measure aims to stop the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to support animal testing in designated nations of concern. The Secretary of Health and Human Services can also add other countries to this restricted list after consulting with relevant departments.

The LIABLE Act creates a new exception to the general immunity shielding international organizations from lawsuits in U.S. courts when terrorism is involved. This allows individuals to sue an international organization if an employee caused death or injury through specific terrorist acts while working for the organization. Lawsuits are permitted only if the organization materially supported a designated foreign terrorist organization and the claimant or victim had a connection to the U.S. or if the organization has a significant U.S. presence. Claims must be filed within 20 years of the injury or death.

The Safeguarding Charity Act clarifies that an organization's federal income tax exemption will not automatically be considered "Federal financial assistance" under federal law. This change applies to tax-exempt organizations and retirement plans unless another specific law explicitly states otherwise. The Act ensures that tax benefits are not automatically counted as federal aid moving forward.

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.

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 Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025 mandates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and maintain standardized workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. These frameworks must define necessary skills, incorporate support roles, and detail non-traditional career pathways. NIST is also required to regularly review and update these guides, including the existing cybersecurity framework, and report its progress to Congress.

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 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 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.

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.

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 Restoring Law and Order Act of 2025 establishes the "Make America Safe Again Grant Program" to provide $500 million in federal funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. These grants are intended to combat violent crime, hire more officers, target vehicle theft and drug offenses, and improve criminal investigations. The bill mandates that funds previously allocated for diversity, equity, or inclusion initiatives be redirected to support this new public safety grant program.

The AMERICA Act aims to increase transparency and competition in the digital advertising market by imposing strict ownership separation requirements on large industry players. It establishes new fiduciary duties for digital advertising brokers, requiring them to act in their customers' best interests and provide detailed execution data upon request. The bill also mandates public routing disclosures and grants the Attorney General enforcement power, including the ability to seek damages and oversee required divestitures.

The Crucial Communism Teaching Act aims to prepare high school students for responsible citizenship by ensuring they learn about the historical dangers and global impact of communism. This bill mandates the development and dissemination of a new civic education curriculum that contrasts communism with American principles of freedom and democracy. The resources will also include "Portraits in Patriotism," featuring oral histories from victims of oppressive regimes.

The SAFE Orbit Act establishes the framework for the Department of Commerce to manage civil space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. This involves gathering and publicly sharing unclassified data on objects in orbit while providing basic services for free. The bill also elevates the existing Office of Space Commerce into a new, directly reporting Bureau led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary. Finally, it grants liability protection to government entities and contractors involved in providing or receiving this space traffic information.

The Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 aims to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments for children by expanding the FDA's authority to require pediatric investigations for molecularly targeted cancer drugs. It also extends the incentive program that grants priority review vouchers to encourage the development of drugs for rare pediatric diseases. The bill mandates studies on the effectiveness of these new requirements and the existing voucher system.

The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes the agency's funding for fiscal year 2025 and solidifies the strategic direction for human spaceflight, emphasizing the "Moon to Mars" program and the transition to commercial Low-Earth Orbit destinations. The bill directs significant investment into science missions, technology development, and aeronautics research, while also restructuring STEM education programs. Finally, it establishes new policy guidelines regarding commercial partnerships, cost oversight, and international collaboration.