Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the FCC from implementing measures intended to bridge the digital divide for students' home internet access.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

The "Building Ships in America Act of 2025" introduces several tax incentives and modifications to support the U.S. maritime industry. It establishes a "United States Vessel Investment Credit" for investments in U.S.-built vessels, excludes certain maritime security payments from gross income, and eliminates restrictions on domestic operations for qualifying vessels. The act also provides tax credits for shipyard facility construction, modifies incentives for merchant marine capital construction funds, and exempts student incentive payments from gross income. Additionally, it extends fuel tax exemptions and treats maritime prosperity zones as opportunity zones to further stimulate investment in the sector.

This resolution supports National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 and aims to increase awareness of the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, particularly among young people. It acknowledges the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and supports efforts to combat the spread of these deadly pills. The resolution designates April 29, 2025, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act aims to combat the nonconsensual sharing of intimate visual depictions, including deepfakes, by establishing criminal penalties for those who knowingly publish such content and requiring online platforms to create a process for individuals to request the removal of these depictions. Platforms must remove the content within 48 hours of a valid request and make reasonable efforts to remove any known identical copies. Failure to comply with these takedown obligations will be treated as a violation under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Act also defines key terms related to consent, digital forgeries, and covered platforms.

The "Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2024" amends existing law to include youth sports facilities as eligible public works projects. These projects aim to improve access to recreational spaces, particularly for children from low-income families in underserved communities, and to address the mental and physical health impacts of inactive lifestyles. The Act also seeks to boost economic development and create jobs through youth sports facilities, especially in communities lacking such resources.

The Vehicle Safety Research Act of 2025 codifies the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) program within the Department of Transportation, facilitating collaborative research on traffic safety data. It ensures data privacy and control for program participants while promoting the development of safety technologies and countermeasures. The Act authorizes specific appropriations for the PARTS program from fiscal year 2026 through 2030.

This resolution designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week" to recognize the importance of national parks for recreation, education, and economic contributions. It encourages people to visit and support these parks while acknowledging the role of the National Park Service in protecting these resources for future generations.

The "Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act" aims to enhance international cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements through memorandums of understanding with partner countries. This collaboration seeks to improve global supply chains, ensure U.S. and allied companies have priority in resource development, and encourage private investment in sustainable resource management. The Act prioritizes projects that process minerals in the U.S. or allied countries and protects mapping data from unauthorized access. It also mandates congressional notification and private sector consultation to facilitate private sector interest in developing critical minerals and rare earth elements.

The Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act modernizes workforce development and adult education programs by integrating digital literacy, expanding access to career services through public libraries, and increasing funding for adult education. It broadens the goals of adult education to include full participation in community life, enhances performance accountability, and emphasizes preparing adult English learners for active civic engagement. This act aims to better align education with workforce needs, improve access to resources, and equip individuals with the skills necessary for economic self-sufficiency and career advancement.

The "International Quantum Research Exchange Act" establishes a program within the Department of State to promote international collaboration in quantum information science through grants and exchange programs. The program will support research with countries that have signed quantum cooperation agreements with the U.S. It requires alignment with the National Quantum Information Science Strategy and compliance with research security standards. The Act authorizes \$20,000,000 for the program in fiscal year 2026 and mandates annual reports to Congress.

The "Abortion Funding Awareness Act of 2025" requires states to report annually all Medicaid payments made to abortion providers, including payment details, abortion statistics, and methods used. These state reports will then be compiled into a comprehensive report by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and submitted to Congress and made public. This aims to increase transparency regarding the use of federal funds for abortions. The act amends the Social Security Act to ensure state compliance with these reporting requirements.

The "Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act" amends the tax code to include certain travel trailers and campers in the definition of "floor plan financing." This change allows businesses that finance these types of vehicles to deduct interest expenses, similar to how they do for other types of vehicles. This applies to trailers and campers designed for temporary living during recreational, camping, or seasonal use, and is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that relaxed certain pollution control standards for motor vehicles and engines in California. The rule covered heavy-duty vehicle emissions, advanced clean trucks, zero-emission airport shuttles, and related certifications. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

The "Driving Forward Act" permanently exempts qualifying school bus drivers from specific pre-trip vehicle inspection skills tests outlined in the Federal Register. States participating in this exemption must submit annual reports to the Secretary of Transportation for six years, detailing the number of drivers licensed under this exemption.

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 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.

The "Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act" establishes a nonprofit corporation called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Foundation will advance measurement science, technical standards, and technology to boost U.S. economic security and collaboration among researchers, higher education, industry, and nonprofits. It is governed by a Board of Directors and will support international metrology, conduct research, expand facilities, and promote the commercialization of federally funded research. The Foundation will submit annual reports and undergo audits to ensure transparency and accountability.