Legislative Activity

The "Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies Act of 2025" aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid by incentivizing the use of grid-enhancing technologies. It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish a "shared savings incentive" that returns a portion of the savings from these technologies to project developers. The Act also requires transmission operators to report congestion-related costs and directs the Department of Energy to create an application guide and provide technical assistance for deploying these technologies. Finally, the Act mandates the creation of a public congestion cost map to identify areas needing grid improvements.

The LOCAL Foods Act of 2025 amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to exempt livestock owners from certain inspection requirements when slaughtering their own animals for personal use. This exemption extends to the preparation and transportation of meat products, provided it's exclusively for the owner's household, nonpaying guests, or employees. The owner must maintain custody and identification of the meat products, even when using an agent for slaughter, preparation, or transport.

The "SHARE Act of 2025" allows the FBI to share criminal history data with state licensing authorities through agreements with state law enforcement for background checks required by interstate compacts. It defines key terms related to licensing and criminal history information and prohibits state licensing authorities from sharing criminal history data with the compact's Commission, other state entities, or the public. The bill permits a state licensing authority to inform a compact Commission whether an applicant's criminal history background check was satisfactory.

The "Deliver for Democracy Act" aims to improve the on-time delivery of periodicals by requiring the Postal Regulatory Commission to change its regulations regarding rate increases for periodicals based on specific performance metrics. It mandates annual progress reports on newspaper mail delivery and directs the Comptroller General to study alternative pricing options for the Postal Service to improve the financial position of periodicals.

The Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act aims to ensure accurate Medicaid payments to pharmacies by mandating the Secretary to survey drug prices and establish national average drug acquisition cost benchmarks. It also addresses abusive spread pricing by requiring transparent prescription drug pass-through pricing in contracts between states and pharmacy benefit managers, ensuring payments for drugs are limited to ingredient cost and a professional dispensing fee, with full disclosure of costs and payments. The Act also directs the Inspector General to conduct periodic studies of survey data and appropriates funds for these activities.

The "Farm Ownership Improvement Act" establishes a 5-year pilot program to pre-qualify farmers and ranchers for direct farm ownership loans, utilizing alternative assessment methods like financial benchmarking. It prioritizes outreach to new farmers and ranchers. The Secretary will evaluate the pilot program and submit annual reports to the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, including recommendations on establishing a permanent program.

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025 aims to restore United States funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). It repeals previous restrictions on funding, mandates the Secretary of State to resume contributions, and directs the President to cancel an executive order that withdrew the U.S. from certain UN organizations. The Act requires regular reports on UNRWA's progress in implementing recommendations from an independent review group to ensure neutrality and accountability. This restoration of funding is intended to address humanitarian needs and prevent further decline in civilian conditions, particularly in Gaza, while supporting Palestinian refugees across the region.

This resolution reaffirms the principle that no country should forcibly take territory from another, supporting Ukraine and its allies. It echoes President Reagan's call to stand with democracies against aggression. The resolution asserts that a country's borders and government should not be threatened or attacked by another country.

The Digital Integrity in Democracy Act aims to combat the spread of misinformation regarding election administration on social media platforms. It amends Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, removing immunity for platforms that knowingly host false information about the time, place, or manner of holding an election, or about voter qualifications. The Act mandates a process for removing such false information within specified timeframes, with penalties for non-compliance, and allows Attorneys General, Secretaries of State, and candidates to sue platforms that fail to remove the false information. A safe harbor is provided for platforms that remove false information in a timely manner.

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel that is at least equal to the federal rate provided to government employees. It also mandates that the VA process and pay these mileage allowances within 90 days of receiving a complete and accurate claim. This bill aims to reduce the financial burden on veterans when traveling to receive medical care.

This bill amends existing regulations to include Czechia in the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for admission into the United States as E-1 nonimmigrant traders, under the condition that the Czech government provides similar trade benefits to U.S. citizens. This change would allow Czech citizens to enter the U.S. for trade purposes if U.S. citizens are afforded the same opportunities in Czechia.

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025 expands the boundary of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont. It authorizes the acquisition of land within the updated boundaries for park inclusion and allows for the continuation of Vermont's agricultural and forestry practices on acquired lands. This act also establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute within the park to promote conservation and stewardship through various programs and partnerships.

This resolution congratulates the University of Vermont men's soccer team, the Catamounts, on their first NCAA Division I national championship win in 2024. It celebrates their victory over Marshall University, key players, and the pride they brought to Vermont. The resolution also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to the university's interim president, athletic director, and head coach.

The WEATHER Act of 2025 directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop a single index insurance policy that protects farmers against income losses resulting from extreme weather events. This policy must be available nationwide and offer flexible coverage options, with priority given to small-scale and underserved producers. The goal is to provide timely financial assistance to farmers affected by severe weather, supporting the resilience of the agricultural sector. A report to Congress is required within one year detailing the research, development, and recommendations for the policy.

The "Baby Changing on Board Act" mandates that all new Amtrak passenger trains include at least one baby changing table per rail car in a restroom, including an ADA-compliant restroom. These restrooms and changing tables must have clear signage to indicate their availability. The baby changing table must be designed to hold a child weighing up to 30 pounds.

The "Supporting All Producers Act" or "SAP Act" amends the Agricultural Act of 2014, requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to consult with maple industry stakeholders to gather input on research and education priorities before issuing grant applications for the Acer Access and Development Program. It also mandates the Secretary to consider the information provided during these consultations when awarding grants and extends the Acer Access and Development Program's authorization through 2030.

The Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act (MAPLE Act) amends the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The bill expands the program to include maple syrup as an eligible food that can be purchased. This change aims to support local maple syrup producers and provide seniors with access to locally sourced products.