Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

This resolution supports designating a week in April as Black Maternal Health Week to raise national awareness of the severe maternal health crisis facing Black women and birthing people in the U.S. It highlights that systemic racism and discrimination drive unacceptable disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The resolution calls for specific investments and policy changes, including expanded postpartum coverage and culturally competent care, guided by the voices of the affected community.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 significantly increases the maximum expenses eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to \$8,000 for one dependent and \$16,000 for two or more. This legislation also adjusts the credit calculation percentage based on income and makes the credit partially or fully refundable for eligible taxpayers. Furthermore, key income thresholds and expense limits will be indexed for inflation starting in 2026.

The SEER Act of 2025 aims to strengthen ethics enforcement and transparency for "special Government employees" (part-time or temporary federal workers). This bill clarifies conflict of interest rules, mandates public disclosure for certain financial waivers, and establishes a public database tracking these temporary employees. Ultimately, it seeks to close loopholes that allow some part-time workers to avoid the same financial scrutiny as full-time staff.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act withdraws approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and water in Minnesota's Rainy River Watershed from most forms of entry, mineral leasing, and material sales. This action aims to protect the area, though the Forest Service retains limited authority to permit the removal of certain materials if environmental health is not compromised. The bill formally establishes the boundaries for this withdrawal based on existing environmental assessments.

The Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025 significantly expands and makes permanent the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without qualifying children by lowering the minimum age, substantially increasing the credit amount, and raising income thresholds. It also allows taxpayers to elect to use higher prior-year earned income to calculate their current EITC benefit. Furthermore, the bill permanently extends current EITC application rules for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of devices or modifications that significantly increase the firing rate of semiautomatic firearms to mimic machinegun function. Existing owners of such modified firearms must register them within 120 days of enactment to maintain lawful possession. This legislation updates federal law by classifying these rate-of-fire-enhancing modifications as regulated items under the National Firearms Act.

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost federal support for organic agriculture. It establishes a new initiative to coordinate and strategically plan USDA organic research efforts across multiple agencies. The bill also increases funding and updates focus areas for the existing Organic Research and Extension Initiative, including climate change mitigation and traditional ecological knowledge. Finally, it mandates new research programs focused on the transition to organic farming and comprehensive economic studies of the organic sector.

The American Family Act fundamentally restructures the Child Tax Credit by replacing the annual lump sum with advance monthly payments for qualifying children. This legislation establishes a new refundable monthly credit of up to $360 per child, alongside a separate $500 non-refundable credit for other dependents. These advance payments are subject to income phase-outs and will reconcile with the final tax return. The old annual Child Tax Credit is terminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The REPAIR Act aims to ensure consumers and independent mechanics have fair access to the necessary vehicle data, tools, and parts required to service modern vehicles. This legislation prevents manufacturers from creating technological or contractual barriers that restrict competition in the automotive repair market. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these new standards and creating rules to protect consumer data rights. Ultimately, the bill promotes consumer choice and fosters a competitive environment for vehicle maintenance and repair services.

The Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act establishes a new federal loan repayment program to incentivize specialty physicians and certain non-physician specialty providers to serve in rural health shortage areas. Participants must commit to six years of full-time service in exchange for having a portion of their educational debt repaid annually. This initiative aims to significantly bolster the availability of specialized medical care across underserved rural communities.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It tasks the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) with reviewing state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, taking over administration where state laws fall short. The Act explicitly protects existing labor agreements while prohibiting strikes or lockouts that would endanger public safety services. Finally, it ensures that existing state or local laws providing equal or greater protections are not preempted by this federal minimum standard.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 systematically increases the federal minimum wage to \$17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be indexed to median wage growth. This legislation also phases out the subminimum wage for tipped employees and workers with disabilities, requiring them to eventually earn the standard federal minimum wage. Furthermore, the bill repeals the special minimum wage for workers under 20 once their rate catches up to the standard minimum.

The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2025 establishes a new Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Department of Agriculture. This office will be tasked with investigating and prosecuting violations of competition and trade practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. The Investigator will have the authority to issue subpoenas and bring civil or administrative lawsuits against packers and live poultry dealers to ensure fair competition in the industry.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

This bill establishes a refundable tax credit to help individuals cover the costs of making their homes more accessible, particularly for those with disabilities or who are over age 60. Eligible taxpayers can claim 35% of qualified improvement expenses, up to an annual limit of \$10,000 and a lifetime limit of \$30,000. The credit is subject to income phase-outs based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act aims to disallow federal tax deductions for employer expenditures used to influence employees regarding union organizing activities. This legislation targets significant corporate spending on anti-union consultants and captive audience meetings, arguing that taxpayers should not subsidize efforts to interfere with workers' rights to organize. The bill also introduces strict new reporting requirements and penalties for companies that fail to disclose these influence expenditures.

The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act aims to increase competition in the pharmaceutical market by banning anticompetitive "pay-for-delay" settlements between brand-name drug manufacturers and generic or biosimilar makers. This legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to penalize companies that make deals to illegally delay cheaper drug entry. Furthermore, the bill enhances reporting requirements and clarifies the FTC's authority to enforce these new competition rules.

The Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025 directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study of the pharmaceutical supply chain, focusing heavily on the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). This investigation will examine issues like pricing fairness, patient steering, data misuse, and formulary manipulation. The FTC must deliver a final report to Congress detailing its findings, planned enforcement actions, and legislative recommendations to increase transparency and competition in the drug market.

The Trade Review Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory 60-day congressional review period for any new or increased import duties imposed by the President. The President must notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing such duties, detailing the justification and impact. Unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval within 60 days, the new or increased duty automatically expires.