Legislative Activity

The Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost employee ownership in S corporations through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). This bill extends crucial tax deferral benefits for stock sales to ESOPs and establishes new offices within the Treasury and Labor Departments to provide technical assistance and advocacy. Furthermore, it amends the Small Business Act to ensure ESOP-owned businesses do not automatically lose small business status when they transition to majority employee ownership.

The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act aims to grant certified Tribal law enforcement officers the authority to enforce federal laws within their tribal areas under certain conditions. This certification process ensures officers meet federal standards for training and background checks, effectively deeming them federal officers for specific legal protections and benefits. The bill also mandates increased oversight by the Attorney General to improve coordination and accountability for public safety efforts in Indian communities.

The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting in 2026. This legislation covers pharmacist services that align with state law and are provided in collaboration with a physician or approved practitioner. The bill specifies payment rates for these covered services, particularly enhancing reimbursement for services related to public health emergencies like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Furthermore, it prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

The CLEAR Waters Act narrows the definition of "navigable waters" under federal law. This legislation explicitly excludes features like wastewater treatment systems, ephemeral streams, and groundwater from federal water protection regulations. The goal is to clarify which bodies of water fall under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

This bill proposes amending federal law to explicitly include the crime of arson and bombing threats within the definition of "racketeering activity" under the RICO Act. By adding this offense to Title 18, U.S. Code, the legislation makes it easier to prosecute individuals involved in such acts under federal racketeering statutes.

The Ending Lending to China Act of 2025 establishes a new U.S. policy opposing further financial assistance to the People's Republic of China from multilateral development banks. Citing China's status as a high-income economy with massive foreign reserves, the bill directs the Treasury Secretary to use U.S. influence to block new loans to China. Furthermore, the Secretary must advocate for ending assistance to all countries that have surpassed the established income threshold for graduation. The Treasury Department is also required to submit annual reports detailing compliance and U.S. actions taken.

The IRS Accountability and Taxpayer Protection Act mandates that IRS personnel must obtain supervisor approval *before* issuing initial notices regarding tax penalties or the disallowance of certain tax benefits. This legislation aims to increase internal oversight on enforcement actions taken against taxpayers. Additionally, the Treasury Department must annually report publicly on all penalties assessed by the IRS.

The Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to use portable, specialized solid waste disposal systems for the on-site destruction of seized contraband, counterfeit goods, and unauthorized materials. This legislation explicitly prohibits the use of open-air burn pits for disposing of illicit or classified items. The Act provides $8.95 million in funding for fiscal year 2026, offsetting this cost by reducing funds previously allocated for open-air burn pit operations.

The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help law enforcement officers secure childcare during non-traditional work hours. Grants will be awarded to state agencies to fund local programs that support police families, with a focus on smaller departments. The program aims to cover startup costs, operational expenses, and direct family subsidies for off-hours care. This initiative is authorized through fiscal year 2030 and includes requirements for local financial matching and mandatory program evaluations.

This resolution officially designates the month of July as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant economic harm and serious consumer safety risks posed by counterfeit goods, such as fake pharmaceuticals. The designation aims to promote public education about the dangers of buying illegal products.

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT Fentanyl) Act aims to combat the opioid crisis by immediately classifying structurally similar fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances. The bill also streamlines the registration process for researchers working with Schedule I drugs and strengthens criminal penalties for trafficking these compounds. The Attorney General is required to issue implementing rules within six months of enactment.

The Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act extends the flexibility for hospitals to provide acute care services in a patient's home through 2030. The bill also mandates a comprehensive, subsequent study comparing the quality, cost, and patient experience of hospital-at-home care versus traditional inpatient settings. This follow-up report must be submitted to key Congressional committees by September 2028.

This Senate resolution expresses strong support for the recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. It affirms that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons due to its history of proliferation and support for terrorism. The resolution commends the military actions taken to degrade Iran's capabilities and reaffirms the U.S. right to act decisively to ensure regional security.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) concerning the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the specific OCC regulation regarding bank mergers. If enacted, the disapproved rule will have no legal force or effect.

This resolution celebrates the upcoming June 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague and reaffirms the United States' commitment to transatlantic security. It sets expectations for allies to significantly increase defense spending, potentially aiming for a new benchmark of 5% of GDP. Furthermore, the resolution underscores the importance of addressing Russian aggression and maintaining NATO's open-door policy for prospective members.

This bill mandates that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) annually review and update a specific list of U.S. Government facilities and property deemed sensitive for national security. CFIUS must also report on any real estate transaction reviews involving these sensitive sites. This ensures the list remains current based on agency-specific annual reviews.

This Senate resolution formally condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, specifically citing the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. It reaffirms the Senate's commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of politically motivated violence. The resolution calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such acts, upholding the right of all citizens to live without fear of religious or political intimidation.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act restricts how consumer reporting agencies can share your credit report when you are seeking a residential mortgage loan. Specifically, it limits the sharing of these reports unless they are connected to a firm offer of credit or are being sent to parties directly involved in your current mortgage, such as the originator or servicer. This ensures that your sensitive financial information is only accessed by relevant parties during the home loan process.

The Strengthening Benefit Plans Act of 2025 allows employers to transfer surplus assets from overfunded retiree health accounts or defined benefit pension plans into other employee benefit funds, like 401(k) plans or VEBAs. This aims to provide flexibility for employers managing excess funds while imposing strict requirements to protect employee vesting and future benefit levels. The bill establishes specific calculations for defining "excess assets" and mandates advance notice to participants before any transfer occurs.

This resolution formally recognizes the 250th birthday of the United States Army, celebrating its long history of defending the nation since 1775. It honors the valor, dedication, and core values of the soldiers who have served across two and a half centuries. The Senate encourages all Americans to observe this significant anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and programs.