Legislative Activity

The Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act modifies payroll taxes by increasing the Social Security wage cap to $400,000 and introducing a new 1.2% Medicare tax on high earners. It also significantly raises the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) rate for top earners and directs all NIIT revenue to the Social Security Trust Funds starting in 2026. These changes apply to both wage earners and the self-employed.

The RAISE Act of 2025 aims to significantly support educators through several key provisions. It establishes a new, refundable tax credit for teachers and early childhood educators, with larger bonuses available for those working in high-poverty schools. Additionally, the bill doubles the existing tax deduction for classroom expenses and expands eligibility to include early childhood educators. Finally, it mandates substantial federal funding to incentivize local school districts to maintain or increase teacher salaries.

The End Crypto Corruption Act of 2025 prohibits high-ranking government officials and their immediate families from issuing, sponsoring, or endorsing specific digital assets while in office and for one year after leaving. This legislation establishes both civil penalties, including fines based on financial gain, and criminal penalties, including imprisonment, for knowing violations involving digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs. The Act specifically targets conflicts of interest by treating these prohibited financial transactions as unofficial acts, removing official immunity protections.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 bans the practice of paid conversion therapy aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, deeming it ineffective and harmful. This Act treats the provision or advertisement of such therapy as an unfair or deceptive business practice under the FTC Act. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Attorney General, and State Attorneys General. The law includes a severability clause ensuring that the invalidation of one provision does not void the entire Act.

This resolution strongly condemns recent actions by President Donald J. Trump that targeted and undermined the freedom of the press. It reaffirms the United States' foundational commitment to a free and independent media as essential for a functioning democracy. Furthermore, the resolution calls for the executive branch to respect journalistic rights and urges continued efforts to secure the release of imprisoned U.S. Agency for Global Media journalists abroad.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

This resolution recognizes the escalating global threats against journalists and reaffirms the vital role of a free and independent press in upholding democracy and informing the public. It highlights the dangers faced by reporters in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, emphasizing that press freedom is a priority for U.S. foreign policy. The measure calls for the U.S. government to continue championing journalist safety and accountability for those who attack the press worldwide.

The Captive Primate Safety Act amends the Lacey Act to prohibit the importation, sale, breeding, and possession of certain nonhuman primate species across state lines. This new law makes most commercial and private activities involving these primates illegal, with limited exceptions for pre-existing, registered owners and authorized research facilities. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with developing enforcement regulations within 180 days of enactment.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as Community College Month to celebrate the vital role of over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. These institutions are recognized for providing accessible, affordable higher education and essential workforce training. The bill emphasizes their significant contribution to advancing local economies and overall U.S. prosperity.

The Small Business Liberation Act exempts qualifying small business concerns from certain import duties or requirements imposed by the President under a national emergency declaration. This provision ensures that small businesses are shielded from specific trade restrictions enacted during national emergencies.

This act updates tax law to broaden the definition of highly compensated individuals whose compensation is subject to deduction limits for corporations. It expands the scope beyond traditional employees to include anyone providing services to the company, as well as certain highly paid former officers. The goal is to prevent companies from deducting excessive executive pay from their taxable income.

The Reduction in Force Review Act enhances congressional oversight of federal agency workforce reductions. It mandates that agencies provide detailed justifications, including alternatives considered and impact assessments, when announcing a planned reduction in force (RIF). This ensures that significant workforce restructuring actions receive thorough review by Congress.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and extends the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its total authorized funding. This legislation adjusts funding priorities to favor projects receiving private contributions and streamlines the process for accepting and allocating public donations. Additionally, it mandates reporting on efforts to reduce the existing deferred maintenance backlog and improve future preventative maintenance across public lands.

This Senate resolution urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would reduce opportunities for public notice and comment on new regulations. The Senate emphasizes that robust public input is essential for creating fair and effective policies that impact millions of Americans. It calls for HHS to maintain the established 54-year practice of allowing stakeholders to provide feedback before finalizing significant rule changes.

This resolution formally requests the Secretary of State to submit a detailed report to Congress regarding human rights practices in El Salvador within 30 days. The report must cover credible allegations of abuses, including torture, forced disappearances, and judicial fairness, particularly in light of the "State of Exception." Furthermore, it requires an accounting of U.S. actions taken to promote human rights and assess the risk of U.S. security assistance supporting officials involved in abuses.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

This resolution formally condemns North Korea's decades-long abduction of Japanese citizens, emphasizing that these acts violate fundamental human rights. Congress urges North Korea to immediately release all foreign nationals, return the remains of those deceased, and provide reparations and an apology. Furthermore, it calls on the President to consistently raise these demands in all future engagements with North Korean officials.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding inspection powers. It grants the Attorney General direct authority to sue violators, seek injunctions, and impose substantial daily civil penalties. Furthermore, the bill allows for the seizure of animals involved in violations and mandates that collected penalty funds be used to reimburse temporary animal care costs.

The Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program administered by the National Science Foundation. This program is designed to increase the participation and retention of women, people with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Eligible organizations can apply for competitive funding to support activities like mentoring, internships, and outreach programs aimed at these groups. Congress has authorized $15 million annually for this initiative from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 comprehensively defines and bans the manufacture, sale, and transfer of specific semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. It grandfathers existing possessions but requires background checks for all future private transfers of these previously owned weapons. The bill also permits the use of federal Byrne grant funds for state-run buy-back programs targeting these banned items.