Legislative Activity

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Eliminate Lavish Incentives To Electric Vehicles Act" repeals several clean energy tax credits, including those for new and used clean vehicles, qualified commercial clean vehicles, and excludes electric vehicle recharging property from the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. These changes would take effect for vehicles or property purchased (or under binding contract) more than 30 days after the Act's enactment.

The "Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025" amends the filing deadline for pre-existing reporting companies. Companies in existence before January 1, 2024, now have until January 1, 2026, to file their reports.

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2025 aims to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by prohibiting unfair pricing practices, requiring transparency in pricing and reporting, and protecting whistleblowers who report violations. It mandates PBMs to disclose drug costs, fees, and payments received from drug manufacturers, and it empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the Act. The Act also requires reports and studies on PBM practices to promote competition and lower drug costs. This law does not override existing state laws.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The BEACH Act of 2025 amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to improve coastal recreation water quality monitoring by including nearby upstream waters and requiring states to provide data on contamination sources. It authorizes grants for identifying contamination sources and reauthorizes $30,000,000 annually through 2029 for coastal water quality monitoring and notification programs. The bill also directs the EPA to update guidance to state and local governments on the latest water contamination testing technologies.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025 aims to restore and enhance white oak populations and habitats across the United States through collaborative efforts between federal, state, private, and non-governmental organizations. This act establishes the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition, pilot programs within the Forest Service and Department of Interior, and a grant program to support white oak regeneration and research. It also addresses white oak tree nursery shortages and promotes research into the species' resilience and preservation. Ultimately, this act seeks to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of white oak ecosystems.

The "Incentivizing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Sales Act of 2025" incentivizes land conservation by excluding from gross income the gains from sales of real property to qualified organizations for the purposes of the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program. This exclusion applies to various real property interests, including remainder interests and restrictions on property use, as long as the sale aligns with Department of Defense REPI program goals. There are limitations to prevent short-term property speculation by pass-through entities, with exceptions for family-owned entities. This act aims to promote both military readiness and environmental protection through strategic land conservation.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. State legislatures must ratify the amendment within seven years, with a three-fourths majority required for approval.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" exempts family farms and small businesses from being considered as assets when calculating eligibility for federal financial aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965. This exemption applies to family farms where the family resides and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees that the family owns and controls. These changes will apply to financial aid award years starting after the enactment of this Act.

This resolution expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025. It also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the first responders and the support from the community and nation.

The "Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025" modifies regulations for 403(b) plans under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These modifications broaden exemptions from registration provisions for certain interests, participations, or securities related to 403(b) plans, especially those subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or where the employer acts as a fiduciary, or are governmental plans as defined in section 414. The goal is to expand the types of trusts, plans, and accounts that are excluded from being defined as investment companies. It also updates a section regarding exemptions from registration requirements for securities, adding a reference to plans described in section 3(a)(12)(C)(iv) of the Act.

The TAILOR Act of 2025 aims to tailor financial regulations to the risk profile and business models of financial institutions, reducing the regulatory burden on lower-risk institutions. It requires agencies to consider the impact of regulations, disclose their decision-making process, and report to Congress annually. The act also mandates simpler reporting rules for community banks and a report on modernizing bank supervision.

The "Stop GREED Act of 2025" limits the Department of Veteran Affairs' ability to provide critical skill incentives to Senior Executive Service employees, especially those at the VA Central Office. It mandates individual approvals for incentives to senior executives not based at the Central Office and requires an annual report to Congress on these incentives. The goal of the act is to limit incentives for senior level employees.

The Fair Access to Banking Act aims to ensure equal access to financial services by preventing banks and credit unions from denying services to individuals or entities engaged in lawful activities based on subjective or politically motivated reasons. It sets requirements for banks with over $10 billion in assets, prohibiting them from denying services based on reputational risk and requiring them to justify denials with documented, risk-based standards. The act also allows individuals to sue financial institutions that violate these requirements, with the potential for treble damages and attorney fees awarded to successful plaintiffs. Furthermore, it restricts access to Federal Reserve lending programs and the Automated Clearing House Network for institutions that fail to comply with the Act.

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to prevent the rule's implementation.

The "Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act" enhances the existing paid family and medical leave credit by allowing the credit to be calculated based on wages paid or total premiums paid for qualifying insurance policies. It modifies eligibility criteria for both employers and employees, and requires outreach programs to increase awareness of the credit. This bill also ensures that employers cannot deduct the portion of paid premiums equal to the credit amount.