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 bill, the "Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act," excludes federal income tax on qualified relief payments received by individuals for losses, expenses, or damages resulting from federally declared wildfires occurring after December 31, 2014. This exclusion applies only to amounts not already covered by insurance or other sources. The tax benefit is effective for payments received after December 31, 2025.

This resolution strongly condemns the pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, detailing his extensive involvement in a major drug-trafficking conspiracy. It outlines how Hernández used his presidential power to facilitate the smuggling of hundreds of tons of cocaine into the U.S. while protecting criminal associates. The resolution asserts that the pardon undermines the rule of law and damages U.S. credibility in combating international drug trafficking.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been explicitly authorized by Congress. It affirms Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and mandates expedited procedures for considering this measure. The resolution ensures that any ongoing military action against Venezuela ceases unless Congress provides a specific authorization for the use of force.

This bill establishes the **Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act** to authorize the Attorney General to appoint highly qualified individuals as temporary immigration judges for limited terms. These temporary judges will have the same authority as permanent judges but will be subject to rigorous oversight and mandatory training requirements. The legislation emphasizes that these temporary appointments are not intended to replace the need for permanent immigration judges.

The Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections for unaccompanied children navigating the immigration system. This bill exempts these children from various immigration-related fees, including those for asylum and employment authorization. Furthermore, it places limitations on body examinations and restricts the sharing of sponsor information with immigration enforcement agencies. The Act also mandates the refund of previously paid fees that are now waived.

The Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 aims to strengthen domestic food security by repealing specific sections of a previous law (Public Law 11921). This repeal effectively reinstates the original statutes that were previously altered by those sections.

The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act prohibits discrimination based on religion, sex, or marital status in federally funded child welfare services. This aims to increase the number of available, stable foster and adoptive homes, particularly for LGBTQ youth and youth of color who are overrepresented in the system. The bill mandates federal guidance, cultural competency training, and the establishment of a resource center to improve safety and permanency outcomes for all children in care. Entities found in violation may face the withholding of federal payments.

This resolution supports the goals of Transgender Day of Remembrance by formally recognizing the epidemic of violence targeting transgender people. It specifically honors the lives lost to violence over the past year, particularly transgender women of color. The resolution calls on Congress and the executive branch to enact inclusive legislation and policies to protect transgender lives and ensure their dignity.

The Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act exempts from federal income tax any restitution, civil damages, or other monetary awards received by survivors of human trafficking through court orders. This legislation aims to ensure that financial relief intended for survivors is not reduced by federal taxation.

The Transgender Health Care Access Act aims to ensure equitable access to gender-affirming care by prohibiting insurance discrimination and establishing federal nondiscrimination protections. The bill also invests significantly in improving the healthcare workforce by creating grant programs to enhance medical education and training in gender-affirming and culturally competent care. Finally, it supports community health centers in building their capacity to deliver these essential services, particularly in rural areas.

This resolution officially designates November 20, 2025, as "National Rural Health Day." It recognizes the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities, including provider shortages and hospital vulnerability. The Senate expresses support for rural health providers and commits to advancing policies that improve healthcare access and affordability in these areas.

The Background Check Expansion Act mandates that nearly all private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals must go through a licensed dealer to complete a federal background check. This legislation establishes a universal background check requirement for these transactions, with specific exceptions for family gifts and law enforcement transfers. The bill aims to close loopholes in existing firearm transfer laws while explicitly prohibiting the creation of a national firearms registry.

The Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act recommends a nationwide moratorium on electric and natural gas utility disconnections when the federal government experiences a funding lapse affecting the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill specifically prohibits electric utilities from terminating service during these funding gaps. It also outlines procedures for how utilities can recover costs incurred from maintaining service during the shutdown period.

The EXPERTS Act of 2025 aims to reform the federal rulemaking process by increasing transparency and accountability across executive agencies. It mandates extensive disclosure requirements for studies and funding sources submitted during public comment periods and establishes new standards for judicial review of agency actions. Furthermore, the bill creates an Office of the Public Advocate to focus on social equity in regulations and streamlines the review timeline for significant regulatory actions by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).

This resolution officially recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month. It celebrates the rich cultures, histories, and significant contributions of Native Americans to the United States across various fields. The resolution also reaffirms the government's commitment to tribal self-governance and the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes.

The Bivens Act of 2025 amends existing federal law to clarify the scope of civil actions that can be brought against individuals acting under federal authority. This legislation specifically modifies Section 1979 of the Revised Statutes to ensure its application extends to actions taken by federal agents.

The Anti-Cash Grab Act repeals a specific provision (Section 213 of division C of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026). This repeal effectively restores a previous law, Section 10 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005. The legislation is designed to take effect retroactively as if the repealed section had never been enacted.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." The day honors first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents lack a bachelor's degree, recognizing the unique challenges they face. This date commemorates the anniversary of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to increase access to postsecondary education. The resolution urges nationwide recognition of these students' vital contributions to the future workforce.

The No Troops in Our Streets Act of 2025 grants Congress expedited authority to terminate exceptions that allow the military to be used for domestic law enforcement under the Posse Comitatus Act. It establishes specific, fast-tracked procedures for Congress to pass a "joint resolution of disapproval" to end such deployments. Additionally, the Act appropriates significant funding for various State and local law enforcement assistance programs for Fiscal Year 2026.