Legislative Activity

The Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025 directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study of the pharmaceutical supply chain, focusing heavily on the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). This investigation will examine issues like pricing fairness, patient steering, data misuse, and formulary manipulation. The FTC must deliver a final report to Congress detailing its findings, planned enforcement actions, and legislative recommendations to increase transparency and competition in the drug market.

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Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility.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 Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 updates federal regulations to allow for the control of destructive double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities. This update expands the scope of the existing depredation order to include lake and pond managers in twelve additional states. The Secretary of the Interior must reissue these updated rules within one year of the Act's passage.

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.

This resolution supports the goals of "Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month" by recognizing the severe harm caused by parents taking children out of the country without permission. It urges Congress to raise public awareness regarding the devastating impact of international parental child abduction on children and families. The Senate expresses its sense that continued government leadership is vital to combat this serious issue.

This resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the vital and substantial contributions of the over 1.2 million female agricultural producers to the U.S. economy and global food supply. The measure encourages citizens to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, and economic impact women have across the entire agricultural sector.

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.

The Feral Swine Eradication Act officially upgrades the existing federal feral swine initiative from a "pilot program" to a permanent "program," establishing clear definitions for eligible eradication areas. This legislation allocates \$75 million through fiscal year 2030 to support these efforts and mandates post-eradication monitoring to prevent reinfestation. Furthermore, the Act requires federal agencies to submit detailed progress reports to Congress regarding eradication success and financial expenditures.

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 Abolish TSA Act of 2025 mandates the complete termination of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within three years of enactment. This legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to privatize all commercial airport security operations and transfer TSA's surface transportation functions to the Department of Transportation. A reorganization plan must be submitted to Congress within 90 days, establishing a new Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the FAA to regulate security standards. Congress will utilize a fast-tracked joint resolution process to approve this reorganization plan.

The Disaster Reforestation Act establishes new rules for calculating tax deductions related to the loss of uncut timber due to natural disasters like fires or storms. This special casualty loss deduction is available only if the taxpayer agrees to replant the affected area within five years. The Act sets specific appraisal standards and allows taxpayers to use an estimate initially, provided an official appraisal is completed within one year.

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 College Employment Accountability Act mandates that institutions receiving federal funds must use the E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. Any finding that a college has hired unauthorized aliens or failed to participate in E-Verify will result in the immediate loss of all federal student and institutional aid. The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting violations to the Department of Education.

The Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA Act) ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from mandating or barring contractors from entering into agreements with labor unions. This promotes open bidding, reduces taxpayer costs, and prevents discrimination based on union membership. The law requires federal agencies to remain neutral regarding project labor agreements for both direct contracts and federal grants.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 repeals the EPA's recent multi-pollutant emissions standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Furthermore, this Act prohibits the EPA from issuing future tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must update existing rules within 24 months to comply with these new restrictions.

The BITCOIN Act of 2025 establishes a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and mandates the U.S. government to purchase one million Bitcoins over five years to strengthen national financial standing. This legislation outlines strict security protocols for the reserve, requires public proof of holdings through cryptographic attestations, and protects private Bitcoin ownership rights. Furthermore, the Act details funding mechanisms, including adjustments to Federal Reserve surplus funds and gold certificate exchanges, to finance these acquisitions.

The Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs must reimburse veterans for any benefits misused by their appointed fiduciaries. This ensures the veteran receives full repayment for stolen funds, regardless of the VA's subsequent efforts to recover the money from the dishonest fiduciary. Furthermore, the Act clarifies payment procedures if the veteran passes away before full reimbursement is complete.

The Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act of 2025 (ACRE Act) creates a new federal tax incentive for qualified lenders. This incentive excludes interest earned on certain loans secured by rural or agricultural real property from taxable income. The goal is to encourage lending for agricultural, rural housing, and related property by reducing the cost of capital for lenders.

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act aims to lower childcare costs for families and incentivize employers to offer benefits. It significantly expands the employer tax credit for providing childcare and increases the tax-free exclusion amount for employee Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs). Furthermore, the bill introduces a new, refundable tax credit for working families based on their household and dependent care expenses.