Legislative Activity

The Tax Fairness for Workers Act aims to restore certain federal tax deductions for employees. This bill makes union dues fully deductible "above-the-line," meaning they can be claimed without itemizing. Additionally, it temporarily allows employees to itemize specific work-related business expenses through the end of 2025.

The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act significantly raises the resource limits for individuals and couples to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), starting in 2025. This legislation increases the individual savings limit to \$20,000 and the couple's limit to \$20,000 total. Furthermore, these new resource limits will automatically adjust annually for inflation beginning in 2026.

This resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the vital and substantial contributions of the over 1.2 million female agricultural producers to the U.S. economy and global food supply. The measure encourages citizens to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, and economic impact women have across the entire agricultural sector.

The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act establishes a new income-contingent student loan repayment plan designed to lower monthly payments based on family size and income relative to the poverty line. This plan offers loan forgiveness after 10 years for undergraduate-only debt or 15 years for debt including graduate loans. Furthermore, the bill eliminates interest accrual that exceeds the borrower's calculated monthly payment.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to recognize the critical importance of local journalism. It highlights the severe decline of local news outlets across the country, which has created numerous "news deserts." The measure affirms that local news is vital for a healthy democracy and community engagement.

The Defending America’s Future Elections Act aims to nullify Executive Order 14248, which Congress finds unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential power regarding election administration. This bill explicitly repeals the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds by the Department of Government Efficiency to access sensitive state voter registration and immigration data. Ultimately, the Act seeks to reaffirm that Congress and the states, not the President, control federal election procedures.

The Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends the authorization for the Deschutes River Conservancy Working Group until 2032. This bill updates the composition of the group, requiring representation from environmental, agricultural, tribal, and governmental interests. Additionally, it increases the allowable administrative cost percentage for the group from 5% to 10%.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to significantly expand and reform the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to address soaring energy costs and climate-related weather emergencies. The bill mandates increased, uncapped funding for the program and establishes new protections against utility shutoffs and late fees for recipients. Furthermore, it streamlines eligibility requirements, prioritizes energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades for low-income homes, and requires energy suppliers to partner with states on affordability initiatives.

This concurrent resolution formally supports the goals and ideals of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. It recognizes the achievements of the transgender community while acknowledging the ongoing discrimination and violence they face. The resolution encourages public observance of the day and celebrates the progress and leadership within the transgender community.

The America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act seeks to permanently protect hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands across Utah by designating them as official wilderness areas. This designation ensures the preservation of unique ecological, geological, and cultural resources under the highest level of federal protection. The bill also establishes administrative rules, including securing water rights and managing state inholdings, while explicitly safeguarding existing livestock grazing and Tribal rights.

The Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a strict 130-day service limit within any 365-day period for individuals serving as special Government employees in the executive branch. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a public, searchable database listing key details for "Covered Special Government Employees" (those above GS-11 level not on advisory committees). Finally, it requires executive agencies to publicly release the financial disclosure reports filed by these Covered SGEs, with limited exceptions for national security or specific exemptions.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 mandates the Department of Agriculture to immediately honor and pay all existing, unfrozen contracts with farmers and related entities. This legislation prevents the cancellation of signed agreements unless the terms have been violated by the recipient. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 60 days' notice to Congress before closing any local Farm Service Agency, NRCS, or Rural Development offices.

This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinas across the United States. It highlights their achievements in diverse fields while acknowledging ongoing disparities, such as the wage gap. Ultimately, the measure calls for continued investment in the future of Latinas as a vital part of the nation's growth.

The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to combat dangerous urban heat islands, which disproportionately affect low-income communities. This program will fund eligible entities for projects such as planting trees, installing cool roofs, and creating cooling centers. A minimum of 75% of the funds must be directed toward designated high-need census tracts, emphasizing community engagement and environmental justice in project selection.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment granting Congress and the states the explicit authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. If ratified, it would allow for setting reasonable limits on spending intended to influence elections to protect democratic fairness. The amendment also specifically empowers regulators to treat corporations and other entities differently than individuals regarding election spending, while explicitly protecting the freedom of the press.

The Lower Drug Costs for Families Act updates how prescription drug inflation rebates are calculated to ensure they apply more broadly to drugs on the commercial market. This bill modifies the rules for both Medicare Part B and Part D to adjust the unit counting methods used in rebate calculations. Key changes include excluding certain units, such as those covered by Medicaid, and shifting the base reference years for these calculations.

The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025 establishes clear pathways for federal employees, applicants, and contractors to seek redress when their rights are violated. Covered individuals can pursue administrative remedies through existing personnel practice procedures or escalate their case directly to federal court after a delay or final adverse decision. If successful in court, whistleblowers are eligible for significant relief, including double back pay, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

This resolution celebrates the 204th anniversary of Greek independence and reaffirms the deep, shared commitment to democracy between the United States and Greece. It recognizes the historical ties, ongoing strategic partnership in security and energy, and the contributions of the Greek-American community. The bill ultimately honors Greece as a vital NATO ally and friend.

This resolution formally recognizes the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across the United States. It celebrates their historic achievements in areas such as military service, science, the arts, and civil rights leadership. The bill also emphasizes the importance of continued investment to overcome barriers these women face in accessing justice, healthcare, and economic opportunities.