Legislative Activity

The Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code to update the tax treatment of payments received under the Nurse Corps program. It modifies sections 108(f)(4) and 117(c)(2)(A) to include references to section 846 of the Public Health Service Act, ensuring that scholarships and loan repayments received through the Nurse Corps program are treated consistently for tax purposes. These changes will be effective for taxable years beginning after the enactment of this act.

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends the Animal Health Protection Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate agreements with foreign governments regarding regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization in response to animal disease outbreaks that significantly threaten United States exports. These negotiations should consider global research advances. The Act clarifies that it does not limit the United States Trade Representative's ability to negotiate trade agreements.

The "LOCAL Infrastructure Act" reinstates advance refunding bonds, reversing changes made by Public Law 115-97. This allows state and local governments to refinance municipal bonds at lower interest rates, reducing borrowing costs. The change is effective immediately upon the Act's enactment.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for World Malaria Day and recognizes the importance of combating malaria globally for both humanitarian reasons and U.S. national interests. It highlights the progress made through U.S.-supported initiatives and sets goals for further reducing malaria cases and deaths. The resolution encourages continued U.S. leadership and public-private partnerships to develop better tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The "Engine Testing for Exploration Act" ensures NASA maintains robust rocket propulsion system testing capabilities, particularly at the Stennis Space Center, to support human spaceflight programs. It directs NASA to retain internal expertise for testing and evaluating rocket propulsion systems, potentially through private sector partnerships. The Act also requires NASA to brief Congress on its plans for rocket propulsion system testing for both low-Earth orbit and deep space missions, including those using vehicles certified for government astronauts.

The American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025 introduces a tax credit for state and local governments that issue "American infrastructure bonds" to fund infrastructure projects. The federal government will pay the bond issuer 28% of the interest payable on each interest payment date. This aims to lower the cost of borrowing for infrastructure projects, but the interest on these bonds is taxable at the federal level. This act applies to bonds issued after the enactment date of this law.

The BOOST for Engines Act aims to modernize NASA's rocket propulsion test facilities, enhancing their capabilities and safety to support advancements in both government and commercial space transport. It prioritizes investments in projects that improve testing and certification for large thrust engines and integrated engine systems. The Act also ensures continued commercial access to underutilized test facilities and safeguards against disruptions to government programs like the Space Launch System.

This resolution designates April 14-20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" to recognize the contributions of osteopathic physicians to healthcare in the United States. It acknowledges 150 years of osteopathic medicine and celebrates the role of osteopathic medical colleges in training future physicians.

The "Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude certain loan repayments received by dental school faculty from taxable income, aiming to incentivize teaching careers in dentistry. It mandates a report to Congress on the long-term impact of the Dental Faculty Development and Loan Repayment Program, ensuring beneficiaries continue to serve in educational and practice roles post-funding. These provisions take effect for taxable years following the bill's enactment.

The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act establishes a commission to oversee and coordinate fishery management across the Mississippi River Basin's 31 states, multiple federal agencies, and 2 Canadian provinces. The commission will develop strategies for conserving fishery resources, controlling invasive species, and advising agencies on fishery-related issues. The Act also creates a grant program to fund eligible projects related to interjurisdictional fisheries management and sustainability in the Mississippi River Basin. Finally, the Act authorizes appropriations for the establishment, management, and implementation of the commission's activities.

The Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer two parcels of land within the Vicksburg National Military Park to the State of Mississippi for public use, including a welcome center, interpretive center, or museum. Upon transfer, the Act requires the Secretary to adjust the park's boundary to reflect these changes.

The "PLAN for Broadband Act" directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to develop a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs, aiming to improve coordination, reduce barriers, and ensure efficient use of funds for high-speed internet access across the U.S. This strategy requires covered agencies to coordinate and streamline the approval process for broadband infrastructure projects on federal properties. The Act also mandates an implementation plan, regular briefings to Congress, and a Government Accountability Office study to assess and improve the strategy's effectiveness. Finally, the Act requires agencies to track application processing times and sets a minimum project cost for NEPA review.

The "Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act" aims to improve cancer treatment by expanding access to diagnostic and laboratory tests, including advanced sequencing, under Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. It ensures coverage for these tests with specific payment structures and frequency limitations. Additionally, the bill establishes an education program to promote understanding and appropriate use of genomic testing in cancer treatment among healthcare professionals and the public.

This resolution congratulates the Jackson State University Tigers for their victory in the 2024 Celebration Bowl, recognizing their outstanding season and the honor they brought to the university and the State of Mississippi. It acknowledges individual player awards and the Coach of the Year award for T. C. Taylor. The resolution also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to the university's President, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach.

The "Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025" amends the Animal Health Protection Act to provide compensation to poultry growers and layers in areas under federal control due to animal health concerns. It mandates payments based on lost income, ensuring producers are compensated for flocks they were unable to raise during the control period. The compensation is capped to avoid duplication of benefits from other sources and must be paid within 60 days of request. This act aims to support poultry farmers affected by disease control measures.

This resolution authorizes the Senate Armed Services Committee to spend funds from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, for expenses like staff, consultants, and training, setting specific limits for different periods. It also outlines procedures for covering committee expenses and agency contributions related to employee compensation.

The "Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act" ensures that amateur radio operators can install and use effective outdoor antennas on their property by preempting private land use restrictions that unreasonably hinder amateur service communications. It sets reasonable limitations and exceptions for antenna regulations, streamlines the approval process, and protects amateur operators from undue restrictions, while still allowing for community associations to ensure safety and aesthetic standards. The bill also allows individuals harmed by violations of this act to bring action in U.S. district court. The FCC is required to issue implementing regulations within 180 days.

The TORNADO Act aims to improve the forecasting, communication, and understanding of hazardous weather events, particularly tornadoes. It directs NOAA to enhance risk communication strategies, update forecasting technology, and assess the current tornado rating system. The Act also establishes a research program, VORTEX-USA, to improve tornado forecasting and communication, and mandates post-storm surveys to better understand the impact of severe weather events. Additionally, the Act requires a report examining the National Weather Service's technology for delivering timely hazardous weather and water alerts.

The "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2025" seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for abortions and for health benefits coverage that includes abortion coverage, with exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. It clarifies that premium credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cannot be used for health plans that include abortion coverage, allowing for separate purchase of abortion coverage without federal tax credits. The Act also requires health plans to transparently disclose the extent of abortion coverage and any related premium surcharges to enrollees.