Legislative Activity

The "Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025" amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to establish and expand quantum information science research, development, and demonstration programs within the Department of Energy. It directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct research, provide training, engage with industry, and develop strategic plans related to quantum technology, allocating specific funding for these activities. The bill also establishes a Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program, updates the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and enhances programs related to quantum networking and user expansion, all with the goal of maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum information science and technology. It also prohibits funds from being used by institutions with Confucius Institutes or for quantum research activities with foreign countries or entities of concern.

This resolution urges the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under UNSCR 2231 due to Iran's repeated violations of the JCPOA and advancements in its nuclear program. It condemns Iran's non-compliance and the support it receives from Russia and China. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports sanctions to curb Iran's nuclear and missile programs. It calls for the E3 to act before the expiration of the snapback option in October 2025.

The Critical Materials Future Act of 2025 aims to bolster the domestic processing of critical materials by establishing a pilot program that utilizes innovative financial tools to support at least three domestic projects. This program seeks to stabilize financial aspects, attract private investment, and secure U.S. supply chains, while also studying the impact of these financial tools on the critical materials market. The Act prioritizes projects that enhance U.S. security, economic competitiveness, and sustainability, with a focus on mitigating risks from foreign entities and promoting domestic feedstock and offtake agreements. It also establishes a Critical Materials Revolving Fund to reinvest revenues and requires annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and recommendations.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The Simplifying Subcontracting Act requires prime contractors to use plain language when soliciting subcontracts, making it easier for small businesses to understand the solicitations. Prime contractors must confirm they will use plain writing in solicitations and include this requirement in all subcontracts. Failure to comply requires the contractor to issue a new solicitation in plain writing within 30 days. The Small Business Administration will issue regulations to implement these requirements within 90 days.

The GLRI Act of 2025 reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, allocating $500 million annually from 2027 through 2031. This initiative aims to protect and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal agency rulemaking by requiring congressional approval for major rules with significant economic impact (over $100 million). It establishes procedures for congressional review and approval or disapproval of both major and non-major rules, mandates the publication of guidance documents, and sets expiration dates for major rules. The Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews of existing rules and includes a regulatory budget to control the costs of regulations. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study the number and economic impact of existing rules.

The GRID Power Act aims to improve the process for connecting new power projects to the electric grid, prioritizing those that enhance grid reliability and resilience. It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish rules that allow transmission providers to propose adjustments to their interconnection queue, giving priority to projects that improve grid reliability. These proposals must demonstrate the need for prioritization, explain how it will improve grid reliability or resilience, and be subject to public comment. FERC is required to review and update these regulations regularly to address evolving grid challenges.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" requires that all new vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States include AM radio receivers as standard equipment, ensuring continued access to AM radio for drivers. The Act directs the Comptroller General to study the role of vehicles and AM radio in emergency alert dissemination and requires the Secretary of Transportation to regularly review the rule's impact. Penalties will be enforced for violations, and states are prohibited from enacting their own laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles.

The TORNADO Act aims to improve the forecasting, communication, and understanding of hazardous weather events, particularly tornadoes. It directs NOAA to enhance risk communication strategies, update forecasting technology, and assess the current tornado rating system. The Act also establishes a research program, VORTEX-USA, to improve tornado forecasting and communication, and mandates post-storm surveys to better understand the impact of severe weather events. Additionally, the Act requires a report examining the National Weather Service's technology for delivering timely hazardous weather and water alerts.

The American Values Act seeks to permanently enact provisions that prevent foreign aid from being used to fund abortions, involuntary sterilizations, or related biomedical research as methods of family planning. It also prohibits lobbying for or against abortion with foreign aid funds and ensures that the Peace Corps Act aligns with these restrictions.

The "Educational Choice for Children Act of 2025" introduces a federal tax credit for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship granting organizations that provide educational scholarships to eligible elementary and secondary students. These scholarships can be used for tuition, books, tutoring, and other qualified education expenses. The bill sets a volume cap on the total amount of donations eligible for the tax credit and includes provisions to prevent government control over scholarship organizations and non-public schools. It also exempts these scholarship amounts from gross income.

This resolution designates January 26 through February 1, 2025, as "National School Choice Week," recognizing the importance of diverse educational options (public, charter, magnet, private, online, and homeschooling). It emphasizes the role of parents in choosing the best educational environment for their children and encourages awareness of the benefits of school choice. The resolution supports celebrating educational choice and acknowledges the contributions of students, parents, teachers, and school leaders.

The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. It empowers state attorneys general to sue the Department of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State if they believe the state or its residents are harmed by violations of immigration enforcement or visa granting. The bill aims to ensure that these aliens are detained throughout their removal proceedings and to provide states with legal recourse against perceived failures in federal immigration enforcement.

The "Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act" extends and expands programs aimed at supporting the mental health of healthcare providers. It reauthorizes initiatives that encourage the use of mental health and substance use disorder services by healthcare professionals, and broadens the eligibility for entities receiving funds to include those focused on reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers. The act also extends the program's authorization through 2029.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The "Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act" seeks to restrict federal funding to foreign and domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish abortion-related items, or support entities involved in such activities. It expands existing policies to include a broader range of organizations and activities, including counseling, lobbying, and training. The bill also requires domestic organizations receiving federal funds to maintain complete separation from abortion-related activities. The goal is to codify these restrictions to ensure consistent application across different presidential administrations.