Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, recognizing the Department's vital role in supporting students with disabilities, low-income families, and English language learners. It affirms that federal investment in public education is crucial and should not be diverted to private schools through vouchers. The resolution condemns any actions that would defund public education, weaken the Department of Education, or shift education funding responsibilities to state and local governments.

The Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act mandates that directors, officers, and principal stockholders disclose specific information, amending Section 16(a)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. It invalidates conflicting regulations and requires the SEC to issue final regulations within 90 days to enforce these changes.

The "District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025" appropriates local funds from the District's General Fund for the current fiscal year, in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024. The total appropriation for the District's operating expenses in fiscal year 2025 cannot exceed the estimates in the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024 or the total revenues of the District for that year, with specific exceptions. The appropriated amount can be increased by proceeds from one-time transactions used for emergency or unanticipated needs, provided these increases are approved by local District law and comply with reserve requirements in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The Chief Financial Officer must ensure the District meets these requirements but cannot reprogram funds from bonds, notes, or other obligations issued for capital projects for operating expenses.

The MERIT Act, or "Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination Act," mandates the reinstatement of federal probationary employees who were terminated as part of a mass termination event between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment. It requires agencies to offer these employees their previous or similar positions, along with back pay and benefits, and establishes a process for notification, acceptance, and payment determination. The Act also requires reports to Congress on mass terminations and reinstatements.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The "Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify products derived from tar sands as crude oil, making them subject to the federal excise tax on petroleum. It broadens the definition of "crude oil" for excise tax purposes to include various oil types and gives the Secretary authority to classify other fuels as crude oil if they meet specific hazard and quantity conditions. This change ensures that tar sands and similar substances are taxed like traditional crude oil, closing a potential loophole. The Act is effective upon enactment.

This bill aims to prioritize veterans and military families by amending titles 5 and 38 of the United States Code to provide protections for employees, benefits, and programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It focuses on safeguarding the rights and job security of VA employees and civil servants, ensuring transparency in VA operations, and restoring services and programs that may have been reduced or eliminated. The bill also seeks to enhance employment opportunities for veterans, military spouses, and caregivers, while improving the security and integrity of VA data and systems. Additionally, it addresses financial oversight of VA contracts and mandates increased reporting requirements to improve transparency and accountability.

The "Stop Giving Big Oil Free Money Act" aims to eliminate royalty relief for oil and gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico by requiring them to make royalty payments when oil and gas prices are high. It prevents the Department of Interior from issuing new leases or allowing the transfer of existing leases to companies that do not agree to these terms. The Act also allows the Secretary of Interior to modify existing leases to include specific price thresholds for royalty suspensions, effective October 1, 2026.

The Insurance Fraud Accountability Act aims to combat fraudulent enrollment in qualified health plans by increasing penalties for agents and brokers who provide false information, enhancing consumer protections through verification processes and access to account information, and regulating field marketing organizations. It also increases transparency through mandatory audits and the creation of a list of suspended or terminated agents and brokers.

The Women's Retirement Protection Act aims to bolster women's financial security in retirement by increasing spousal protection under defined contribution plans, ensuring access to independent consumer information, and providing grants to promote financial literacy and assist low-income women and survivors of domestic violence in obtaining qualified domestic relations orders. The bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require spousal consent for certain distributions from individual account plans, with specific exceptions. It also mandates financial service providers to offer links to the CFPB's retirement planning resources and allocates funds for community-based organizations to enhance women's financial literacy and assist with qualified domestic relations orders.

The "Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025" establishes a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and response. It also creates the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund within the Treasury. The bill authorizes specific appropriations for both the grant program and the fund for fiscal years 2025 through 2030.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" transitions TSA personnel to standard federal employment rules under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring they receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, while maintaining current pay and benefits. It enhances collective bargaining rights for screening agents, requires reports on recruitment, implementation, and workplace safety, and addresses specific concerns within the Federal Air Marshal Service. The Act aims to improve job security, morale, and overall working conditions for TSA employees.

This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to authorize ongoing appropriations for the Interagency Council on Homelessness, ensuring the council has the necessary funds to carry out its responsibilities. It modifies the allocation of funds by removing the previous fixed amount and instead providing "such sums as may be necessary." The bill also repeals and redesignates sections within the Act to streamline and update the legislation.

The "Protect our Parks Act of 2025" aims to bolster the National Park Service by ensuring full staffing for visitor safety, enjoyment, and resource protection, including the reinstatement of employees removed earlier in 2025. It also allows the continuation of already authorized and funded projects under existing legislation like the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and the Great American Outdoors Act.

The "Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025" aims to address historical inequities in homeownership by providing down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. The bill establishes a grant program for states and eligible entities to offer down payment assistance, closing costs assistance, and interest rate reductions to qualified homebuyers. It prioritizes those with incomes up to 120% of the area median income, or 140% in high-cost areas, with a focus on ensuring fair housing practices. The bill also mandates housing counseling for recipients and requires detailed reporting to Congress on the program's impact and demographic reach.

The "Save Our Forests Act of 2025" aims to ensure the Forest Service is adequately staffed to maintain the health of national forests. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to increase staffing using existing funds and reinstate employees removed earlier in 2025. The act also allows the continuation of already approved and funded Forest Service projects under various existing laws.

This bill reauthorizes and reforms the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to increase affordable housing options by providing more funding and adjusting administrative processes. It modifies eligibility criteria, streamlines fund allocation, and allows community land trusts to acquire housing. The bill also introduces a home loan guarantee program and makes technical corrections to improve the clarity and effectiveness of existing housing legislation.

This bill aims to make housing more affordable by reforming land use regulations, investing in housing infrastructure, and ensuring fair practices in real estate transactions. It also seeks to address historical housing discrimination through down payment assistance, community revitalization, and strengthened financial regulations. The bill expands protections against housing discrimination and improves housing assistance programs to promote access to higher-opportunity neighborhoods, while reforming estate tax laws to ensure fairer taxation of estates and transfers. Finally, the bill increases accessibility in housing for individuals with disabilities by mandating more accessible units in HUD-funded projects.

The "Tariff Transparency Act of 2025" directs the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate and report on the economic impact of duties and the threat of duties on imports from Mexico and Canada on U.S. businesses and consumers. The report will assess the effects on consumer prices, various sectors, and the overall stability of trade relations. It requires a detailed analysis of how these tariffs and potential tariffs affect business investment, job creation, and economic stability, providing transparency on the consequences of trade policies.

The "Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act" seeks to protect the health and safety of pregnant, lactating, and postpartum individuals in immigration detention by limiting their detention and restricting the use of restraints. It mandates pregnancy testing upon intake, generally prohibits detention unless the individual poses an immediate and serious risk, and ensures access to comprehensive healthcare services. The Act also requires detailed reporting on the detention and treatment of pregnant individuals and mandates training for DHS employees.