Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the FCC from implementing measures intended to bridge the digital divide for students' home internet access.

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 Enhancing First Response Act aims to improve emergency communications and response. It mandates the FCC to issue reports and hold public hearings after major disasters to assess and improve network resilience and 911 outage reporting. The Act also directs the Office of Management and Budget to classify public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation and requires a report on the FCC's enforcement of Karis Law, which ensures direct dialing to 911 from multi-line phone systems.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the railroad track maintenance credit from $3,500 to $6,100, with inflation adjustments starting after 2025. It also extends qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures to January 1, 2024. These changes are effective for expenditures in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2025" amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to allow interstate shipment of meat and poultry products inspected under state programs. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to oversee state meat and poultry inspection programs, enforce federal requirements, and report on the status of these programs. This act overrides state laws that restrict the sale of state-inspected meat and poultry products in interstate commerce, aiming to broaden market access for state-inspected producers.

This joint resolution nullifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding overdraft lending practices specifically for very large financial institutions. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the rule from taking effect.

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.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to expand the definition of "beginning farmer or rancher" and "veteran farmer or rancher" from 5 to 10 years of farming experience. It also increases crop insurance assistance for beginning and veteran farmers/ranchers, providing additional premium support that increases over their first ten years.

The "PASS Act" amends the Defense Production Act of 1950, requiring increased scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) of agricultural land transactions involving foreign entities. Specifically, CFIUS must review transactions reported by the Secretary of Agriculture and block land purchases by certain foreign persons near sensitive U.S. military sites or those that would give them control of a U.S. agricultural business. The President may waive the prohibition if it is deemed in the U.S. national interest.

The "Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act" ensures approximately 40 acres of Tribal land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site are held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. This land will be part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, protected against alienation, and used according to the Tribes' Covenant, while also prohibiting gaming activities. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to finalize all actions to enact this within 365 days.

The "Farmers Freedom Act of 2025" amends the Clean Water Act to redefine "navigable waters" and exclude "prior converted cropland" from federal oversight. It defines key terms like "abandoned," "agricultural purpose," and "prior converted cropland" to clarify which lands are exempt. The bill also prevents the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers from regulating prior converted cropland under the "change in use policy."

The "Employer Participation in Repayment Act" permanently extends the tax exclusion for employer-provided student loan repayment assistance. This allows employers to contribute to their employees' student loan debt without the contribution being considered taxable income for the employee. This provision was previously set to expire in 2026, but this bill makes the exclusion permanent for payments made after the enactment of this law.

The Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025 amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to ensure that Native American patients are not liable for payment for authorized purchased/referred care, regardless of any prior agreements. It mandates the Secretary to notify providers and patients about non-liability, establish reimbursement procedures for patients who paid out-of-pocket, and update relevant manuals and contracts to reflect these changes. The Act also updates terminology within the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, replacing "contract health service(s)" with "purchased/referred care" to modernize and clarify the language used. These amendments apply retroactively, covering care authorized both before and after the Act's enactment.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.