Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" allows above-the-line tax deductions for union dues and other employee-related business expenses. This amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure these deductions are not subject to certain limitations, providing tax relief for workers. These changes will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The IDEA Full Funding Act amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to authorize and appropriate specific funding amounts for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It aims to increase federal funding for special education, gradually working towards full federal funding by fiscal year 2035. The funding is calculated based on the number of children with disabilities receiving special education and the average per-pupil expenditure in public schools. This act ensures that funds are available to states to support special education and related services for children with disabilities.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The FEMA Independence Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency, led by a Director who reports directly to the President. This act transfers all FEMA functions from the Department of Homeland Security to the newly independent agency, aiming to enhance FEMA's ability to lead and support the nation's emergency management system. The act also outlines leadership roles, responsibilities, and the transfer of personnel and resources to ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, the act requires the director to submit a report to congress recommending legislation for technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this act.

This bill aims to improve rural housing programs by streamlining processes, preserving affordable housing, and increasing homeownership opportunities in Native communities. It includes provisions for rental assistance, loan restructuring, and grants for technical assistance and community development. The bill also focuses on updating technology, improving loan accessibility, and ensuring timely application reviews for rural housing assistance. Additionally, it supports the creation of accessory dwelling units and facilitates the transfer of properties to nonprofit organizations to maintain affordable housing options.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" mandates a wide range of sanctions on Russia, its government, affiliated individuals and entities, and sectors of its economy in response to actions against Ukraine. It requires the President to make regular determinations regarding Russia's behavior and imposes escalating penalties, including financial restrictions, import bans, and increased duties, if Russia refuses to negotiate peace, violates agreements, or takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. The Act also targets international entities that support Russia's sanctioned activities and sets conditions for the termination and reimposition of sanctions based on Russia's adherence to peace agreements.

This resolution designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It acknowledges women's significant contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within the agricultural sector. The resolution supports celebrating women's impact on food resources and the agricultural workforce, encouraging their continued involvement and leadership in the field.

The "Feral Swine Eradication Act" reauthorizes and modifies the feral swine eradication and control program, renaming it from a "pilot program" and updating key definitions. It allocates $75 million annually from 2025-2030, adjusts cost-share percentages between federal and producer contributions, and mandates monitoring of eradicated areas to prevent reoccurrence. The Act also requires regular reports to Congress on program activities and outcomes.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Congress and states to regulate campaign finance, setting reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures to promote democracy, political equality, and the integrity of government and elections. It aims to clarify the power to differentiate between natural persons and corporations in campaign finance regulations, potentially restricting corporate spending in elections. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from any restrictions.

This resolution focuses on protecting Iranian political refugees, particularly female former political prisoners, residing in Ashraf-3, Albania, from the Iranian regime's threats and actions. It condemns Iran's destabilizing activities and support for terrorism, while emphasizing the need for the refugees' rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The resolution calls for the U.S. government to support Albania in safeguarding these refugees in accordance with international law and opposes Iran's misuse of INTERPOL to target dissidents. It also highlights support for Mrs. Maryam Rajavi's Ten-Point Plan for the Future of Iran, which advocates for universal rights and equality.

This resolution condemns China's actions in Hong Kong that undermine its autonomy, rule of law, and the freedoms of its citizens. It calls for the release of political prisoners, criticizes the erosion of Hong Kong's legal and business environment, and urges governments to hold China accountable through existing legislation and multilateral efforts. The resolution also expresses solidarity with the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2025 enhances protections for whistleblowers by expanding the definition of "whistleblower" to include those who report internally, ensuring they cannot be forced to waive their rights, and mandating quicker decisions on award claims. It also grants whistleblowers the right to a jury trial in retaliation cases. This act aims to encourage more individuals to report potential securities violations by strengthening their safeguards against retaliation and ensuring a more efficient award process.

The Disaster Reforestation Act amends tax regulations to allow timber owners to deduct losses from casualty events like fires, storms, or pest infestations based on the timber's value before the loss, provided they reforest the land within five years. It requires professional appraisals to determine the loss amount, allows for amended tax returns to adjust for appraisal results, and applies to timber held for sale as part of an active business. This act aims to support the recovery of the timber industry after natural disasters.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance the enforcement of equal pay requirements by modifying the "bona fide factor" defense, protecting employees who discuss their wages, and enhancing penalties for equal pay violations. It requires training and directs research, education, and outreach to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. The Act also prohibits employers from relying on wage history when considering prospective employees and mandates the collection of compensation data by the EEOC. Finally, the Act establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace and provides small business assistance.

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act redesignates the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and establishes the Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve in Georgia. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for the park and preserve from willing sellers, establishes an advisory council, and requires the development of a management plan that includes tribal interests. The Act also places approximately 126 acres of land owned by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation into trust and authorizes necessary appropriations for implementation.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, recognizing the Department's vital role in supporting students with disabilities, low-income families, and English language learners. It affirms that federal investment in public education is crucial and should not be diverted to private schools through vouchers. The resolution condemns any actions that would defund public education, weaken the Department of Education, or shift education funding responsibilities to state and local governments.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of Delta Air Lines, acknowledging its historical roots as the first aerial crop-dusting company and its evolution into a major global airline. It recognizes Delta's significant impact on connecting people worldwide, its commitment to community, and its achievements in service and reliability.