Legislative Activity

The No IRIS Act of 2025 prohibits the EPA from using risk assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) in rulemakings, regulatory actions, enforcement, or permitting. This includes preventing IRIS assessments from informing air toxics assessments or other mapping and screening tools used by the EPA.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

The "One Flag for All Act" generally prohibits the display of flags other than the United States flag on the exterior and publicly accessible areas of federal buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies. It includes exceptions for flags such as the POW/MIA flag, flags of visiting diplomats, state flags displayed by Members of Congress, flags representing branches of the Armed Forces, flags of historical significance, and flags representing religious organizations or churches during religious events at military installations. Additional exceptions are made for flags representing public safety, special national observances, a Federal agency, an Indian Tribe, and the State, territory, county, city, or local jurisdiction where the covered public building is located.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The "1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act" repeals Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which mandated data collection on small business loans. This repeal aims to reduce compliance costs for financial institutions, especially smaller ones, and improve small businesses' access to credit by removing regulatory barriers. The act also makes related amendments to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

The "National Right-to-Work Act" aims to protect individual employees' rights to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to eliminate mandatory union membership or fees as a condition of employment. This ensures that employees cannot be forced to join or contribute to a union against their will. The changes apply to agreements made or renewed after the Act's enactment.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the misuse of xylazine by classifying it as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, mandating its tracking, and directing the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. It also requires reports to Congress on the prevalence, trafficking, and misuse of illicit xylazine. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to accommodate legitimate animal uses of xylazine.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Protect Medicaid Act" prohibits federal Medicaid funding for state administrative costs associated with providing health benefits to unauthorized immigrants. It requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress, detailing how states differentiate and fund health benefits for non-citizens ineligible for Medicaid, ensuring compliance with federal funding rules. The report will also analyze the impact of providing covered outpatient drugs to these non-citizens on drug prices.

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2025 aims to support rural hospitals by allowing states to waive certain distance requirements for critical access hospital designation, enabling more rural hospitals to qualify for this status based on community need and service expansion. It also directs a study on Medicare payment systems for rural hospitals to ensure financial sustainability and access to care, and requires a transition plan for Critical Access Hospitals to transition to new payment models within 10 years. This act is designed to prevent hospital closures in underserved rural areas by providing financial relief and updated payment structures.

This resolution expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025. It also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the first responders and the support from the community and nation.

The CHOICE Act aims to improve educational opportunities for students through three main titles: enhancing opportunity scholarships for low-income students in D.C., increasing educational options for students with disabilities by allowing states to use federal funds for parent option programs, and establishing a pilot program for military scholarships to enable children of military personnel to attend the school of their choice.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. State legislatures must ratify the amendment within seven years, with a three-fourths majority required for approval.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025 aims to restore and enhance white oak populations and habitats across the United States through collaborative efforts between federal, state, private, and non-governmental organizations. This act establishes the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition, pilot programs within the Forest Service and Department of Interior, and a grant program to support white oak regeneration and research. It also addresses white oak tree nursery shortages and promotes research into the species' resilience and preservation. Ultimately, this act seeks to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of white oak ecosystems.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to prevent the rule's implementation.