Legislative Activity

This resolution officially honors the 67 victims of the tragic 2025 mid-air collision between an Army helicopter and an airliner over the Potomac River. It expresses deep sympathy for the families affected and commends the hundreds of agencies and first responders involved in the response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, the resolution commits to translating safety lessons from the incident into action to prevent future tragedies.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would prevent the VA's September 2025 rule from having any legal force or effect.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.

The SHIFT Act modernizes federal fishery management by requiring the consideration of shifting fish stocks due to ecological changes in management plans. It establishes a clear process for determining when a fishery spans multiple regional council jurisdictions and dictates how those councils must cooperate to manage it. Furthermore, the bill tightens the process for authorizing new fisheries or fishing gear, ensuring minimal adverse effects on existing ecosystems and fisheries.

The Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026 eliminates qualified immunity as a legal defense for law enforcement officers in civil rights lawsuits. This legislation prevents officers from claiming good faith or unclear law as justification when facing claims of constitutional rights violations. Furthermore, it establishes a direct civil cause of action against federal law enforcement officers who violate constitutional rights while acting under federal authority.

The REAADI for Disasters Act aims to significantly improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It establishes dedicated funding, new federal standards of care, and training programs to ensure these vulnerable populations receive accessible services and are protected from discrimination during emergencies. The bill also mandates the inclusion of people with disabilities and older adults in all phases of disaster planning and response efforts.

This act prohibits the use of any federal funds to pay legal settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. This ban specifically applies to settlements covering alleged harm suffered by the individual during the events or during their subsequent prosecution.

The "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act" prohibits the use of any federal funds to compensate individuals prosecuted for involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This includes blocking payments from the Judgment Fund or any victim compensation fund. Furthermore, the bill prevents the U.S. Treasury from refunding court-ordered restitution, fines, or special assessments paid by those convicted for their actions during the attack.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.

The Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025 seeks to safeguard U.S. national security by restricting American investments in sensitive technology sectors within adversarial nations, primarily China. The bill establishes a framework for the Treasury Department to prohibit or require notification for U.S. capital flowing into foreign military, surveillance, or human rights-related technologies. It also authorizes targeted financial sanctions against specific foreign entities tied to these critical sectors. Ultimately, the legislation aims to prevent U.S. expertise and funding from inadvertently strengthening foreign adversaries.

This bill extends the legislative authority for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish its commemorative work in the District of Columbia. Specifically, it revises a deadline within the original authorization, changing the relevant expiration or extension date tied to a seven-year period to November 3, 2032. This grants the Foundation additional time to complete the memorial establishment process.

The Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025 empowers state attorneys general to file lawsuits on behalf of their residents for damages resulting from violations of antitrust laws. This amendment to the Clayton Act strengthens enforcement by allowing states to seek redress for harm caused by Sherman Act violations.

The Decreasing Russian Oil Profits Act of 2025 imposes sanctions on foreign persons involved in purchasing or importing Russian oil and petroleum products. The President has the authority to grant limited exceptions, such as allowing funds to be deposited into an account specifically designated to support Ukraine. These sanctions will terminate five years after the date of enactment.

The Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act of 2025 aims to curb violence in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean fueled by U.S. firearms trafficking. This bill transfers regulatory control of certain munitions exports from the Commerce Department back to the State Department. It mandates comprehensive reporting and strategy development to disrupt illegal trafficking networks and tightens restrictions on future arms exports to designated "covered countries."

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 aims to protect Medicare beneficiaries by prohibiting the implementation of the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model. This legislation prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from introducing the WISeR model or any substantially similar payment and service delivery system under Medicare.

This Act establishes the **Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act** to create direct employer liability for federal law enforcement agencies when their officers violate an individual's constitutional or legal rights. It allows civil actions against the United States for officer misconduct, regardless of whether an official policy caused the violation or if the officer has individual immunity. This measure waives sovereign immunity for claims against federal agencies under these circumstances.

The Background Check Completion Act of 2025 mandates that a completed background check must occur before any firearm transfer can take place. This law removes the previous "default proceed" provision that allowed transfers after three business days if the check was incomplete. It also updates related federal laws to align with this new, stricter requirement.

The Keeping All Students Safe Act prohibits dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in federally funded schools and educational programs. It establishes strict national standards for when physical restraint is permitted, mandates comprehensive staff training, and empowers parents with immediate notification rights and the ability to sue for violations. Furthermore, the bill requires states to submit plans, publicly report data on restraint incidents, and utilize federal grants to implement preventative, evidence-based safety strategies.

The Moving Transit Forward Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to improve public transportation in urbanized areas. These grants can fund operating costs and planning to enhance service quality, frequency, and geographic availability. Additionally, funds are available for capital projects and operating expenses dedicated to increasing system safety and security. Funding is distributed to urban areas based on a ratio of their reported operating expenses.

The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025 establishes a permanent program within the Department of State, led by a dedicated Special Envoy, to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTQI people globally. This bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive U.S. Global Strategy to address international discrimination and violence against this community. Furthermore, it authorizes foreign assistance to support local organizations and requires detailed reporting on LGBTQI human rights abuses in annual State Department reports.