Legislative Activity

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and recognizes its transformative impact on ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities. It honors the millions who have benefited from IDEA and reaffirms commitment to its principles. *Note: The provided text also includes details about a separate "Housing for All" program, which is not addressed in this summary as the primary focus of the resolution appears to be IDEA.*

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on November 29, 2025. It recognizes IDEA's transformative impact by establishing the right to a free, appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. The resolution honors those who have upheld this landmark legislation and reaffirms commitment to its continued success.

The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act (AIM Act) eliminates numerous existing statutory restrictions that have previously limited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in its use of firearms trace data and its ability to conduct oversight of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). This legislation removes several prohibitions on ATF's record-keeping, inspection frequency, and the processing of certain information requests. Furthermore, it revises the legal standard for FFL revocation and license eligibility from requiring a "willful" violation to only a "knowing" violation.

This resolution commemorates the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It expresses support for ASHA's mission to advance science, education, and professional practice for accessible communication care. The Senate recognizes the vital role ASHA members play in serving millions of Americans affected by communication disorders.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that all federal employees, contract employees, and active service members affected by a lapse in appropriations starting October 1, 2025, receive their full back pay and benefits. It also mandates that agencies adjust contracts to compensate contractors for costs incurred due to work stoppages during the lapse. Furthermore, the bill prohibits agencies from implementing permanent staffing reductions or extended administrative leave during such funding gaps.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees, contractors, and service members affected by a government funding lapse starting October 1, 2025, receive retroactive back pay for the period they worked without funding. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from initiating permanent staffing reductions or furloughs during such a lapse. These provisions are designed to provide financial security and stability to essential government personnel during periods of lapsed appropriations.

The Taiwan International Solidarity Act clarifies that UN Resolution 2758 did not determine Taiwan's sovereignty or representation status. This legislation directs the U.S. to actively oppose efforts by the People's Republic of China to distort Taiwan's status in international organizations. Furthermore, it mandates the U.S. to encourage allies to resist the PRC's attempts to undermine Taiwan's international partnerships. The bill also enhances reporting requirements on these specific PRC interference efforts.

The Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act requires federal financial regulators to issue guidance encouraging banks and lenders to support consumers and businesses impacted by a government shutdown. This guidance must promote flexible loan modifications and prevent negative credit reporting for those experiencing lost income. Furthermore, regulators must quickly inform the public when a shutdown occurs and report on the effectiveness of the guidance afterward.

The Democracy in Design Act mandates that all new federal public building designs must adhere to the historical "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture" established in 1962. This law requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to issue new regulations, following a public comment period, to enforce these specific architectural standards.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week." It recognizes the vital role community school coordinators play in linking school and community resources to improve student outcomes and neighborhood success. The designation aims to celebrate these essential professionals and raise public awareness of their critical contributions.

The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act eliminates the President's long-standing authority to assume emergency control over the Metropolitan Police Department. This legislation amends the D.C. Home Rule Act by striking the section granting the President this power. The bill effectively returns full, non-contingent control of the D.C. police force to local D.C. authorities.

This bill, the District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act, transfers primary command authority of the D.C. National Guard from the President of the United States to the Mayor of the District of Columbia. It updates outdated laws to officially name the Mayor as Commander-in-Chief, granting them authority over appointments, calling up the Guard, and disciplinary actions. The legislation also makes numerous technical amendments across federal military codes to ensure the Mayor is the recognized authority for the D.C. National Guard.

This joint resolution terminates the President's declared crime emergency in the District of Columbia from August 2025. Congress asserts that the emergency is unwarranted given declining crime rates and argues against diverting local Metropolitan Police Department resources for federal tasks. The resolution effectively ends the special conditions established by the Executive Order.

The Fresh Start Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states upgrade their infrastructure to implement automatic expungement or sealing of criminal records. To qualify, states must have existing record-clearing laws that do not penalize applicants for unpaid fines. Grant funds must be used to build data systems that facilitate automatic processing, and recipients must annually report detailed demographic data on record relief efforts.

The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act establishes federal grant programs and mandates a five-year phase-out to eliminate the practice of paying workers with disabilities sub-minimum wages. It provides funding and technical assistance to states and organizations to transition employers to paying the full federal minimum wage for competitive integrated employment. The bill also institutes rigorous reporting and evaluation requirements to monitor the impact of these changes on workers with disabilities.

This Act mandates the removal of all references to Senator Francis G. Newlands from the memorial fountain at Chevy Chase Circle in D.C. The Secretary of the Interior must remove the existing plaque and stone tablet bearing his name, and either remove or obscure his carved name on the coping stones. Removed items will first be offered to Newlands' descendants, and if unclaimed, will be added to the Rock Creek Park museum collection.

The Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act establishes strict new rules to protect consumers from deceptive automatic renewal and free trial charges. It mandates that businesses must obtain express, informed consent before billing for renewals and provide clear, easy cancellation methods upfront. Violations of these consent and disclosure requirements will render the renewal void, requiring full refunds, and will be enforced by the FTC as unfair business practices.

The YALI Act of 2025 formally establishes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to invest in emerging African leaders through professional development, training, and networking. The bill directs the Secretary of State to increase participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship and mandates the creation of regional leadership centers across sub-Saharan Africa. Ultimately, the Act aims to strengthen U.S. relationships with future African leaders across business, civic, and public administration sectors.

The Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act creates a new pathway for certain immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) history to apply for permanent residency within the U.S. This legislation also establishes strict confidentiality protections for applicants against immigration enforcement actions based on their application information. Furthermore, the bill mandates detailed reporting to Congress regarding the conditions in countries whose TPS designations are terminated. Finally, it ensures that eligibility for this new status does not preclude applicants from seeking other immigration benefits.

The Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act aims to streamline health insurance enrollment by allowing individuals to consent to use their federal tax return information for automatic enrollment into zero-net-premium affordability programs. It strengthens data sharing between the IRS and Health Insurance Exchanges to simplify eligibility checks for programs like Medicaid and CHIP. Furthermore, the bill modernizes verification processes and establishes an advisory committee to guide the implementation of these new streamlined enrollment systems.