Legislative Activity

The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that federal anti-discrimination, labor, and equal access laws take precedence over religious freedom claims in specific circumstances. This legislation clarifies that RFRA protections cannot be used to override requirements in federal contracts or agreements involving government funding. Furthermore, the Act explicitly limits the application of RFRA to challenges against government actions, precluding its use in private litigation between non-governmental parties.

The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, coolers, and loose-fill packaging starting January 1, 2028. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is tasked with defining terms and enforcing the ban, issuing written warnings for initial violations followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The law also grants the Administrator the authority to establish necessary regulations and allows states to take over enforcement duties under specific conditions.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states and tribes implement laws allowing for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill mandates specific due process protections for individuals subject to these orders and ensures that any issued ERPO is recognized and enforced across all states and tribes. Furthermore, it updates federal law to prohibit firearm possession by anyone subject to a qualifying court order and requires that these orders be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act aims to ensure overtime pay for truck drivers by repealing a specific exemption within the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. This legislative change removes an existing loophole that previously excluded certain trucking roles from standard overtime requirements. Ultimately, the bill seeks to guarantee that truckers receive overtime compensation for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

This bill aims to reform mining practices on federal lands by setting royalties on mineral extraction, introducing stricter permitting and environmental regulations, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines. It requires mining operators to pay annual fees and royalties, obtain permits for mineral activities, and provide financial assurances for land reclamation. The bill also prioritizes the protection of sensitive lands and mandates tribal consultation before mineral activities begin. These changes are intended to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and ensure fair compensation for the use of public lands.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

The End Tobacco Loopholes Act dramatically increases federal excise taxes across nearly all tobacco products to establish standardized, higher rates, including doubling the tax on cigarettes. This legislation introduces a new excise tax specifically targeting nicotine used in vaping products, treating it similarly to cigarette taxation. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual automatic tax adjustments based on the cost of living starting in 2026. Finally, it imposes a floor stocks tax on existing inventory when the new rates take effect.

The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive practices in electronic and small-dollar lending. It requires small-dollar lenders to register with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, ensures state laws apply to online and national bank loans, and restricts the distribution of sensitive financial information. The Act also expands consumer control over bank accounts by limiting remotely created checks and overdraft fees on prepaid accounts. Finally, the Act mandates a study on the impact of small-dollar lending on economic opportunity for Native American tribes.

The Public Health Funding Restoration Act aims to restore funding to the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which supports various public health programs. By amending the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the bill allocates $2,000,000,000 annually, starting in fiscal year 2026, to bolster initiatives focused on disease prevention, mental health, and immunization efforts. This restoration seeks to enhance public health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the nation's ability to prevent and respond to future health crises.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month, acknowledging the historical injustices and significant contributions of African Americans to the United States. It recognizes Black History Month as a time for reflection, commemoration, and learning from the past. The resolution encourages the celebration of Black History Month and emphasizes the importance of moving forward as a united nation with liberty and justice for all.

The "Affordable College Textbook Act" aims to lower the cost of college textbooks for students by expanding the use of open educational resources. It authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to higher education institutions to create and expand the use of open textbooks. The act also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions to disclose textbook price information, including whether the material is an open educational resource, on online course schedules. Finally, it directs the Comptroller General to prepare a report on the cost of textbooks and the implementation of these provisions.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency concerning energy declared by the President in January 2025. The resolution nullifies Executive Order 14156, effectively ending the emergency powers invoked under the National Emergencies Act.

The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to address environmental injustices by establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, which will be responsible for developing strategies, coordinating efforts, and administering grants to support environmental justice initiatives. It also establishes a grant program to assist state, local, and tribal governments in enforcing environmental laws in communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm. The act defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

This resolution affirms the Senate's position that the NIH's operations and funding should not be disrupted, as they are crucial for medical advancements and addressing public health challenges. It emphasizes that the NIH workforce is essential for sustaining medical progress and protecting national health, security, and the economy. Any interference with NIH operations or its workforce undermines biomedical research and the nation's ability to respond to public health issues.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

The "Fair Credit for American Hostages Act of 2025" amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to protect individuals who have been unlawfully or wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. It prevents consumer reporting agencies from including adverse information in a consumer report about a "covered consumer" if the information is from the period of their detention or hostage situation and can be authenticated. This bill aims to ensure that Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad are not penalized on their credit reports due to their captivity.

The "Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2025" postpones tax deadlines for U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, including their spouses. It also allows these individuals to apply for a refund or abatement of certain tax penalties and fines paid between January 1, 2021, and the bill's enactment. The Secretaries of State, the Attorney General, and the Treasury will coordinate to identify eligible individuals and implement these provisions.

This bill amends the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to clarify the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community. It ensures the 1986 Grand Ronde Hunting and Fishing Agreement remains in effect unless modified by mutual consent between the tribe and Oregon, while protecting the rights of other tribes. Future agreements will derive authority solely from the State of Oregon, and the bill allows for court review of changes to a related Consent Decree. This amendment does not impact existing treaty or sovereign rights of any Indian Tribe.