Legislative Activity

The End Price Gouging for Medications Act requires the Secretary of HHS to establish annual reference prices for prescription drugs based on international pricing benchmarks. These reference prices will cap the retail list price for beneficiaries of major federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Furthermore, this pricing structure must be extended to all consumers, including those with private insurance or who are uninsured. Manufacturers who violate these price caps face significant civil penalties, with collected funds directed to the NIH for drug research and development.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

This resolution directs the Senate Legal Counsel to initiate a civil lawsuit to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution against the President. The action seeks to legally prevent the President from accepting gifts, payments, or benefits from foreign governments without explicit Congressional approval. This measure is being taken due to concerns that the President's personal financial dealings with foreign entities may violate constitutional restrictions designed to ensure undivided loyalty to the United States.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

The Vision Lab Choice Act of 2025 aims to improve health care coverage under vision plans by setting limits on contract lengths between vision plans and optometrists. This bill also prevents vision plans from mandating which labs or suppliers optometrists must use for patient care. Furthermore, it clarifies state authority to enforce these new federal standards regarding vision benefit plans.

This Senate resolution expresses a profound lack of confidence in Secretary Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. It details numerous accusations of unlawful actions, including massive staff firings, defunding critical public health programs, and undermining established vaccine and health research. Ultimately, the resolution asserts that the Secretary has lost the trust of the Senate and the American people due to his conduct in office.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that health plans cover medically necessary diagnosis and treatment for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must apply to outpatient and inpatient care, including necessary dental and orthodontic support, unless the procedure is purely cosmetic. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 bans the practice of paid conversion therapy aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, deeming it ineffective and harmful. This Act treats the provision or advertisement of such therapy as an unfair or deceptive business practice under the FTC Act. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Attorney General, and State Attorneys General. The law includes a severability clause ensuring that the invalidation of one provision does not void the entire Act.

The Safe and Private Rides Act establishes clear rules for ride-sharing companies regarding cameras in drivers' vehicles. This legislation mandates that drivers must register cameras, and companies must notify passengers and provide an easy in-app option to opt out of riding in vehicles equipped with recording devices. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits how long ride-sharing companies can retain passenger video recordings. Violations of these new requirements will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The TEST AI Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program, managed by NIST, to develop reliable measurement standards for evaluating federal Artificial Intelligence systems. This effort requires collaboration between the Departments of Commerce and Energy to create necessary testing facilities, known as "testbeds." A newly formed Working Group will advise on developing standards covering AI reliability, security, and bias, with a final report submitted to Congress detailing findings and future needs.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends critical Medicare payment provisions for ambulance services. This bill delays the expiration of special payment rules for "super rural" areas until January 1, 2028, while also implementing temporary payment increases for both super rural and standard ground ambulance services during that transition period. The goal is to ensure continued financial stability and access to essential ground ambulance care.

The American Ownership and Resilience Act establishes an Ownership Investment Facility to provide government leverage to licensed investment companies making "covered investments," primarily focused on supporting Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and worker cooperatives in acquiring business ownership. The Act sets strict operational rules for these investment companies, including capital requirements, portfolio diversification limits, and mandates for independent review of ESOP transactions. Furthermore, it details the licensing process, oversight mechanisms, and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and protect employee interests.

This resolution strongly condemns recent actions by President Donald J. Trump that targeted and undermined the freedom of the press. It reaffirms the United States' foundational commitment to a free and independent media as essential for a functioning democracy. Furthermore, the resolution calls for the executive branch to respect journalistic rights and urges continued efforts to secure the release of imprisoned U.S. Agency for Global Media journalists abroad.

This resolution officially supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses as frontline healthcare providers and patient advocates. The measure encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate events honoring the nursing profession.

The Preserving Rural Housing Investments Act clarifies tax rules regarding stock ownership in government-sponsored enterprises like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Specifically, it ensures that when determining if an organization qualifies as a tax-exempt entity, the U.S. government's ownership stake in these GSEs is disregarded. This change applies to tax years ending after July 30, 2008.

The Small Business Liberation Act exempts qualifying small business concerns from certain import duties or requirements imposed by the President under a national emergency declaration. This provision ensures that small businesses are shielded from specific trade restrictions enacted during national emergencies.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as Community College Month to celebrate the vital role of over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. These institutions are recognized for providing accessible, affordable higher education and essential workforce training. The bill emphasizes their significant contribution to advancing local economies and overall U.S. prosperity.

The Captive Primate Safety Act amends the Lacey Act to prohibit the importation, sale, breeding, and possession of certain nonhuman primate species across state lines. This new law makes most commercial and private activities involving these primates illegal, with limited exceptions for pre-existing, registered owners and authorized research facilities. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with developing enforcement regulations within 180 days of enactment.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act establishes a system to cap the U.S. retail list price for prescription drugs and biological products. This cap is set at no more than the average retail list price of that item across six wealthy nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Manufacturers charging above this international ceiling will face steep financial penalties calculated as ten times the overcharge amount per unit sold. The Secretary of HHS is tasked with calculating the international average price annually and implementing the necessary regulations.