Legislative Activity

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 "Save Our Seafood Act" exempts certain fish processing workers from the numerical limitations on H2B nonimmigrant visas, facilitating the employment of foreign workers in the U.S. seafood processing industry. This exemption applies specifically to positions such as fish roe processors, technicians, and supervisors. The Act defines "fish" broadly to include various types of aquatic life, while clarifying who qualifies as a "processor" under this legislation.

The "Trade Review Act of 2025" mandates that the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing import duties, explaining the justification and potential economic effects. Any such duty will expire after 60 days unless Congress approves it through a joint resolution. Congress can also disapprove and nullify a duty through a joint resolution. This act excludes antidumping and countervailing duties and establishes expedited procedures for congressional review.

The "Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. influence in the development of technical standards for artificial intelligence and other critical technologies. It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of State to support U.S. participation in international standards-setting bodies through information sharing and a grant program for hosting standards meetings in the U.S. The Act requires briefings to Congress, the creation of a web portal, and the establishment of a pilot program to support these efforts.

The "Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2025" introduces a \$1.00 per gallon tax credit for renewable natural gas used as fuel in vehicles, boats, or aviation. It defines renewable natural gas and sets requirements for producers and sellers to qualify for the credit. This incentive aims to promote the use of renewable natural gas, but it is not applicable to gas produced and used outside the United States and expires after December 31, 2035.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14193, which imposed duties on goods imported from Canada. The resolution ends the emergency declaration made under the authority of the National Emergencies Act.

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.

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.

This resolution designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to highlight the importance of local news in American democracy. It recognizes the decline of local news outlets and the negative impact this has on informed citizens and communities. The resolution acknowledges local journalism as a public good and affirms its valuable contributions.

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 resolution affirms the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an essential and independent federal entity. It recognizes the USPS's critical role in the economy, its service to millions of Americans, and its importance to veterans and communities. The resolution expresses the Senate's opposition to privatizing the USPS, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and negative impacts on e-commerce and infrastructure.

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.

The COST of Relocations Act requires federal agencies to conduct a benefit-cost analysis and submit a report to their Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Congress before carrying out a "covered relocation," which involves moving or replacing a significant number of employees. The OIG then reviews the report and submits its own report to specific congressional committees, assessing the agency's adherence to OMB guidelines and the justification for using federal funds for the relocation. These reports must be made publicly available, excluding proprietary or confidential information. This aims to ensure transparency and careful evaluation of the financial and practical impacts of agency relocations.

This resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. It recognizes their significant achievements across various sectors, including military service, business, medicine, and the arts. The resolution also emphasizes the need to invest in the future of these women by addressing barriers they face in justice, healthcare, education, and economic advancement.

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 "United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2025" aims to promote the use of immersive technology, such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, in the United States. It establishes an Immersive Technology Advisory Panel to assess the economic impact of immersive technology and provide recommendations to ensure U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. The panel will study the immersive technology industry and submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations for congressional action. The Act also directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a principal advisor on immersive technology.

The MERIT Act, or "Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination Act," mandates the reinstatement of federal probationary employees who were terminated as part of a mass termination event between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment. It requires agencies to offer these employees their previous or similar positions, along with back pay and benefits, and establishes a process for notification, acceptance, and payment determination. The Act also requires reports to Congress on mass terminations and reinstatements.

The "District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025" appropriates local funds from the District's General Fund for the current fiscal year, in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024. The total appropriation for the District's operating expenses in fiscal year 2025 cannot exceed the estimates in the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024 or the total revenues of the District for that year, with specific exceptions. The appropriated amount can be increased by proceeds from one-time transactions used for emergency or unanticipated needs, provided these increases are approved by local District law and comply with reserve requirements in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The Chief Financial Officer must ensure the District meets these requirements but cannot reprogram funds from bonds, notes, or other obligations issued for capital projects for operating expenses.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.

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.