Legislative Activity

The "Defining Male and Female Act of 2025" defines "sex" as a person's biological classification (male or female) at conception and provides definitions for related terms like "male," "female," "boy," "girl," "man," and "woman" to be used in interpreting federal laws and regulations. It specifies that "gender identity" will not be recognized by the federal government as a replacement for biological sex.

This resolution designates the first week of April 2025 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week" to raise awareness about asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure. It urges the Surgeon General to educate the public about the health risks associated with asbestos and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Office of the Surgeon General.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 limits the scope of injunctive relief issued by U.S. district courts. Under this act, a court order for injunctive relief can only apply to parties involved in the specific case or within the court's judicial district, restricting the use of nationwide injunctions.

This bill permits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant extensions, up to six years, for commencing construction on hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020. These extensions, in increments of up to two years, are available to licensees who demonstrate good cause. The bill also allows FERC to reinstate expired licenses under certain conditions, with the extension period calculated from the original expiration date.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President, with Senate approval, to appoint the Chief of the Forest Service. Appointees must have significant experience in forest and natural resources management. The President must submit a nomination within 30 days of the bill's enactment.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The "End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act of 2025" prohibits the use of federal funds for gender transition procedures and health benefits coverage that includes such procedures, while allowing individuals and entities to purchase separate coverage with non-federal funds. It clarifies that premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act cannot be used for health plans covering gender transition procedures. The bill defines key terms like "gender transition procedure" and provides specific exclusions, such as treatments for verifiable disorders of sex development or procedures necessary to prevent imminent death. This act aims to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund gender transition interventions, while not restricting access to these procedures when paid for with non-federal funds.

The "Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025" establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program to provide eligible veterans and certain other individuals with lockboxes or vouchers for secure firearm storage, along with information on safe storage practices. The VA will conduct outreach and public education campaigns, develop an informational video, and submit annual reports to Congress, while ensuring the program does not infringe upon lawful firearm ownership or create participant lists. This program is authorized to receive \$5,000,000 annually from 2026 to 2036.

The ATF Transparency Act aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the firearm transfer application process. It mandates administrative relief for denied firearm transfer applications, including appeals and reimbursement for attorney fees if the appeal is successful. The bill also requires timely processing of applications, with automatic approval if the Secretary fails to act within 3 business days, and directs reports and agreements related to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The "Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025" amends the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010, modifying how funds are used for water projects and related activities. It establishes the "MRI Projects Account" and the "Crow CIP Implementation Account" to support water infrastructure development and clarifies the Tribe's control over these projects. The Act also extends provisions related to Yellowtail Dam and updates cross-references within the original Act for accuracy.

The Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act designates a site within the Reserve area of Washington, D.C., for the construction of the National Medal of Honor Monument. This monument, authorized in 2021, will honor Medal of Honor recipients from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The goal is to commemorate their valor and inspire future generations by establishing a lasting tribute near the Lincoln Memorial. Construction will adhere to federal regulations, ensuring the monument appropriately represents the extraordinary actions and spirit of American heroes.

This bill resolves water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana by ratifying a water rights agreement, authorizing funding and land transfers to implement the agreement, and rehabilitating and expanding the Fort Belknap Indian Irrigation Project. Additionally, the bill authorizes \$250 million for water and wastewater facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana.

This resolution supports the Local Radio Freedom Act, opposing any new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between the radio and recording industries, where radio provides free publicity and essential local services. The resolution warns that new fees would harm local radio stations, small businesses, and the communities they serve. Ultimately, it asserts that Congress should not impose any new charges on local radio for broadcasting sound recordings.

The Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act bans the import of platinum, palladium, nickel, and copper from Russia to the United States, 90 days after enactment. This ban will end once the President certifies that Russia has ceased hostilities against Ukraine, but will be reinstated if hostilities resume within three years. The President does not have the authority to waive this prohibition. "Russian entity" is defined as an entity organized under Russian law or subject to Russian jurisdiction.

The "End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act" prohibits FEMA from providing support to non-federal entities for sheltering and related activities that alleviate overcrowding in Customs and Border Protection holding facilities. It also rescinds any remaining funds previously transferred to FEMA from Customs and Border Protection for these purposes under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.

The "Empowering Families in Special Education Act" ensures that parents are informed of their right to include knowledgeable individuals, like service providers, in their child's IEP meetings. This notification must be provided before the first IEP meeting of each school year, empowering families to advocate effectively for their children's special education needs.

The "No American Land for Communist China Act" aims to safeguard U.S. national security by preventing Chinese government entities and businesses with significant Chinese government ownership from purchasing real estate near sensitive federal lands, including those managed by the Departments of Interior, Defense, Agriculture, and Energy, as well as Indian country. The President is tasked with enforcing this prohibition.

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the EPA from enforcing stricter emission standards in the rubber tire manufacturing industry.

The Transportation Freedom Act aims to boost American auto manufacturing through tax incentives for companies that keep production and jobs in the U.S. while also rolling back recent vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency regulations. It restricts states' abilities to set their own emission standards and directs the EPA and DOT to establish new, flexible emissions standards based on technological and economic feasibility. This could lead to more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduced emissions, and shifts in the automotive industry.

The "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to enhance cooperation between federal and local law enforcement by allowing state and local officers to act as agents of the Department of Homeland Security and protecting them from liability when complying with immigration detainers. It defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as those that restrict information sharing or compliance with federal detainment requests, and it makes these jurisdictions ineligible for certain federal grants, reallocating those funds to non-sanctuary jurisdictions. This act does not protect individuals who knowingly violate civil or constitutional rights.