Legislative Activity

The TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act aims to revolutionize weather, water, and space weather forecasting by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into federal agencies. This legislation mandates the development of AI weather models, comprehensive training datasets, and improved risk communication to enhance forecast accuracy and timeliness. It also emphasizes maintaining traditional forecasting capabilities while fostering public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of these advanced tools for hazard mitigation.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

The Returning Education to Our States Act fundamentally dismantles the Department of Education by transferring most of its core functions, including K-12 and higher education funding, to the Departments of Health and Human Services, the Treasury, and Labor. This bill replaces existing federal education structures with flexible block grants managed by these non-education agencies, giving states greater discretion over funding use. The legislation also mandates new federal oversight, data reporting, and auditing requirements for states receiving these block grants.

The PROTECT Act of 2025 mandates that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) rigorously review certain greenfield and brownfield real estate investments made by foreign countries of concern. This legislation broadens the definition of a "covered transaction" to include specific U.S. property deals involving the establishment of new facilities by these foreign entities. Crucially, the bill requires mandatory filing and reporting to CFIUS for any such transaction where a country of concern holds even a 5% stake or influence over the resulting business.

This bill authorizes the mining of federal coal reserves on approximately 800 acres of federal land in Musselshell County, Montana, under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to approve the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification within 30 days of the bill's enactment, facilitating mining operations on the specified land without alterations or delays.

The FIREWALL Act establishes a refundable personal tax credit for homeowners who make qualified expenditures to increase their property's resilience against natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes. This credit covers 50% of the mitigation costs, up to a lifetime cap of \$25,000, for principal residences in recently impacted disaster areas. The goal is to incentivize proactive home hardening and lower future disaster-related liabilities.

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 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 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 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 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 Small County PILT Parity Act revises federal funding distribution rules to better support very small local governments. It significantly lowers the population threshold defining a "low-population unit" from 4,999 residents to just 999. This adjustment broadens eligibility for special allocation considerations previously reserved for slightly larger, low-population areas.

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 Defining Male and Female Act of 2025 establishes fixed, biological definitions for "male" and "female" based on reproductive function at conception for all federal law interpretations. This Act mandates that the federal government must use these biological definitions when defining sex, man, woman, and parental roles. Furthermore, it explicitly states that "gender identity" shall not be recognized as a substitute for biological sex in federal statutes or regulations.

This resolution designates the first week of April 2025 as National Asbestos Awareness Week to highlight the severe, often delayed health risks associated with asbestos exposure. The measure urges the Surgeon General to educate the public about the dangers of these invisible fibers, which cause incurable diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. By raising awareness, the goal is to reduce future occupational and environmental exposures.

The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act permanently reauthorizes and mandates the use of the E-Verify system for nearly all U.S. employers, phasing in requirements over one year. The bill significantly increases penalties for non-compliance and establishes new procedures for reverification and information sharing between federal agencies. Furthermore, it offers liability protection to employers who use the system in good faith and directs the creation of a demonstration program for small businesses in rural areas.

The Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 aims to restrict the power of U.S. District Courts to issue broad nationwide injunctions. This legislation mandates that any order for injunctive relief must be narrowly tailored, applying only to the specific parties involved in the lawsuit or limited to the geographic boundaries of the judicial district where the court sits. The goal is to prevent federal courts from issuing sweeping orders that affect the entire nation.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President to nominate the Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation. Nominees must possess significant experience in forest and natural resource management. Furthermore, the nomination must be jointly referred to both the Senate Agriculture and Energy Committees for review.