Legislative Activity

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2025 officially designates approximately 1.56 million acres of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as protected wilderness. This action places the specified area under the strict protections of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This designation overrides conflicting regulations within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The Medicare for All Act establishes a comprehensive, universal national health insurance program to cover all U.S. residents, eliminating most private insurance duplication and nearly all out-of-pocket costs for covered services. The bill mandates extensive benefits, including long-term care, and institutes a strict National Health Budget to control overall spending through global payments for facilities and negotiated drug prices. It also includes a transition period that immediately enhances current Medicare by eliminating deductibles and adding dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

The Equality Act comprehensively amends federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across key areas of American life. This legislation expands existing protections in public accommodations, employment, housing, credit access, and jury service. Its purpose is to ensure consistent and clear nationwide enforcement of non-discrimination principles for LGBTQ individuals and women.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" to raise awareness about the automatic legal and social barriers preventing formerly incarcerated individuals from fully rejoining society. It highlights how these collateral consequences hinder employment, education, and housing opportunities, which ultimately increases recidivism. The bill encourages communities and employers to actively support successful reentry and recognize the efforts of those working to tear down these roadblocks.

The Climate Change Financial Risk Act of 2025 mandates that the Federal Reserve develop tools to assess and manage the growing physical and transition risks that climate change poses to the stability of the U.S. financial system. The bill establishes a technical advisory group to help create distinct climate risk scenarios (e.g., 1.5°C and 2°C warming) for use in mandatory biennial stress tests for large financial institutions. Following these tests, major firms must submit detailed climate risk resolution plans, which regulators can reject, potentially restricting capital distributions if the plans are inadequate.

The LOCAL Infrastructure Act reinstates the availability of advance refunding bonds, effectively undoing a change made by the 2017 tax law. This action immediately restores the previous rules regarding these bonds. By bringing back advance refunding, the bill aims to provide greater financial flexibility for infrastructure projects.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 establishes an Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services to support victims of gun violence. This council will define key terms, assess the needs of victims and service providers, and identify best practices for support. Its primary goal is to share comprehensive information on available medical, financial, and mental health resources with the public and relevant government bodies. The council will operate for five years and is required to issue detailed reports on resource gaps and recommendations for improvement.

The SEER Act of 2025 aims to strengthen ethics enforcement and transparency for "special Government employees" (part-time or temporary federal workers). This bill clarifies conflict of interest rules, mandates public disclosure for certain financial waivers, and establishes a public database tracking these temporary employees. Ultimately, it seeks to close loopholes that allow some part-time workers to avoid the same financial scrutiny as full-time staff.

This resolution expresses strong support for library staff across the United States and recognizes the essential, expanded community services libraries provide. It advocates for funding commensurate with these vital roles and defends the civil rights and intellectual freedom of library workers against censorship and threats. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the fundamental right of all citizens to freely access information and resources within their communities.

The COAST Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 permanently prohibits all new oil and gas leasing and development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas. This legislation ensures the protection of these key ocean regions from future drilling exploration.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 significantly increases the maximum expenses eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to \$8,000 for one dependent and \$16,000 for two or more. This legislation also adjusts the credit calculation percentage based on income and makes the credit partially or fully refundable for eligible taxpayers. Furthermore, key income thresholds and expense limits will be indexed for inflation starting in 2026.