Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]

A bill to extend the National Flood Insurance Program through December 31, 2026.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects that were issued a license before March 13, 2020. FERC is authorized, upon the request of the licensees, to extend the deadline for beginning construction on such projects an additional six years beyond the eight-year extension FERC is authorized to provide under current law. The extension must consist of no more than three consecutive two-year periods. The bill also provides that FERC may reinstate certain expired licenses for projects with construction deadlines extended under this bill, effective as of the date they expire.

Major Richard Star Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

One Agency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

FOCA Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2025

Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025 This bill prohibits federal agencies from supporting research involving, and prohibits any entity from soliciting or knowingly acquiring, human fetal tissue obtained pursuant to an induced abortion.  Specifically, the bill prohibits any federal agency from conducting, funding, approving, or otherwise supporting research involving such tissue. Federal agencies may conduct or support research involving human fetal tissue obtained after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Additionally, the bill prohibits any entity from soliciting or knowingly acquiring, receiving, or accepting a donation of human fetal tissue where the entity knows it was obtained pursuant to an induced abortion. Entities violating this prohibition are subject to criminal penalties. The bill provides an exception for transfers for purposes of autopsy or burial.

Crucial Communism Teaching Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2025

Crucial Communism Teaching Act This bill directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and oral history resources for high school students to promote understanding of certain political ideologies (e.g., communism and totalitarianism) that conflict with principles of U.S. democracy.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income capital gains from the sale of certain farmland property which are reinvested in individual retirement plans.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2025

This bill excludes from gross income the gain from the sale or exchange of qualified farmland property to a qualified farmer that is contributed to an individual retirement account (IRA). This generally prevents the federal capital gains tax from being imposed on such gain. (Conditions apply.) Specifically, the bill excludes from gross income any gain from the sale or exchange of qualified farmland property contributed to an IRA within 60 days of the sale or exchange if  the requisite election is made, the property is sold to an individual actively engaged in farming (qualified farmer), the qualified farmer signs a written agreement consenting to the application of a federal tax if the property is disposed of or no longer used for farming within the first 10 years after the sale or exchange, and the written agreement is filed. The bill defines qualified farmland property as real property located in the United States that, for substantially all of the 10 years preceding the sale or exchange, is used by the farmer (or lessee) for farming purposes. However, under the bill, if the qualified farmland property is disposed of or no longer used for farming within the first 10 years after the sale or exchange, a tax is imposed on the qualified farmer equal to the amount excluded from gross income multiplied by the sum of the highest tax rate on adjusted net capital gains and the net investment income tax rate (currently 23.8%), plus interest.

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2025

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill authorizes certain targeted clinical trials involving combinations of drugs to treat pediatric cancer, and renews the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority to award priority review vouchers (PRVs) to sponsors of new products for rare pediatric diseases. Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs used in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved and that (1) have been determined to be part of the standard of care for treating a pediatric cancer, or (2) have been approved to treat an adult cancer and are directed at molecular targets for pediatric cancer. The FDA must issue guidance on the implementation of these provisions and report to Congress on its efforts to ensure implementation. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on the effectiveness of the bill's changes with respect to the development of pediatric cancer drugs. The bill also renews the FDA’s authority to issue PRVs to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029. This is known as the Rare Pediatric Disease PRV program. The program expired in December 2024. GAO must report on the effectiveness of the Rare Pediatric Disease PRV program, including to what extent PRVs were successful in promoting drug development and expediting patient access to drugs for the treatment or prevention of rare pediatric diseases.

Transparency in Banking Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2025

Fair College Admissions for Students Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Fair College Admissions for Students Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to applicants based on their relationships to donors or alumni of the IHE.

A resolution celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role of women business owners in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

This resolution recognizes the vital role of women-owned businesses to the economy.

FIRM Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Financial Integrity and Regulation Management Act or the FIRM Act This bill prohibits the consideration of reputational risk by federal banking agencies when regulating, examining, or supervising a depository institution or credit union. The bill defines reputational risk as the potential for negative publicity or public attention to decrease confidence in the institution, lead to litigation, reduce revenues, or result in other adverse impacts to the institution.  Agencies must report on the implementation of this bill. 

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

NFIP Extension Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

SAFE Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2025

Save America's Forgotten Equines Act of 2025 or the SAFE Act of 2025 This bill permanently prohibits the slaughter of equines (e.g., horses and mules) for human consumption. (Current law prohibits the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. This bill extends the prohibition to equines.)  Specifically, this bill prohibits a person from knowingly (1) slaughtering an equine for human consumption; or (2) shipping, transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating an equine to be slaughtered for human consumption or equine parts for human consumption. The bill subjects a violator to a fine. The bill applies to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. However, it does not apply to an activity carried out by an Indian for a religious ceremony. As background, in recent years, the appropriations acts have prohibited the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using federal funds to inspect horses before they are slaughtered for human consumption. Therefore, there are currently no USDA-inspected horse slaughter facilities in the United States.

Farmers Freedom Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2025

Farmers Freedom Act of 2025 This bill excludes certain prior converted cropland from permit requirements under the Clean Water Act, including Section 404 permits for discharges of dredged materials into waters of the United States (WOTUS). The exclusion applies to areas that were converted to cropland prior to December 23, 1985. However, the bill does not exclude an area that has reverted to wetlands and has not been used for agricultural purposes in five years. In recent years, there has not been regulatory consistency about which cropland, such as cropland that has reverted to wetlands, is protected under the scope of the act as WOTUS. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the Navigable Waters Protection Rule that, among other provisions, defined  prior converted cropland in order to specify which cropland is excluded from the scope of the act. However, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona vacated the rule in Pascua Yaqui Tribe v. EPA . In 2023, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers issued another rule that excluded prior converted cropland from the scope of the act, but they defined the exclusion more narrowly than the exclusion in the 2020 rule.  Similar to the 2020 rule, this bill broadens the exclusion. The bill determines the scope of the exclusion by defining the term prior converted cropland in statute . 

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing".

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing (89 Fed. Reg. 94886) and published on November 29, 2024. The rule addresses the decision in Louisiana Environmental Action Network v. EPA (D.C. Cir. 2020) by implementing emissions standards for the rubber processing subcategory of the rubber tire manufacturing industry to ensure all emissions of hazardous air pollutants from sources in the source category are regulated.

Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act This bill increases the monetary penalties for noncompliance with the requirement that hospitals publish, and periodically update, a list of their standard charges for items and services. The bill increases the maximum daily penalty as follows: for hospitals with 30 or fewer beds, from $300 to $600 per day; for hospitals with 31 through 550 beds, from $10 to $20 per bed, per day; for hospitals with greater than 550 beds, from $5,500 to $11,000 per hospital, per day. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also must periodically publish the name of each hospital that is not in compliance with the price transparency requirements.

BCRA of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

LEOSA Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

LEOSA Reform Act This bill broadens the authority for certain individuals to carry concealed firearms in school zones and across state lines. Specifically, the bill exempts the following categories of individuals from the federal prohibition on possessing (or discharging) a firearm in a school zone: certain active and retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms under federal law, and individuals who are allowed to carry concealed firearms under the law of a state. Additionally, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public. Finally, the bill permits states to reduce the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers must meet certain qualification standards.

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act The bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukrainian Military, Economic, and Humanitarian Aid. The office's duties shall include (1) conducting and coordinating audits and investigations of the handling of funds made available for aid to Ukraine, and (2) monitoring and reviewing contracts and reconstruction activities involving those funds. The Special Inspector General shall report directly to, and be under the general supervision of, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. Federal agencies may not prevent the office from carrying out any audit or investigation related to aid to Ukraine. However, the office is not authorized to audit or investigate the intelligence community. The office shall terminate 180 days after the date on which there is less than $250 million in unexpended amounts available for the reconstruction of Ukraine.    

Chemical Tax Repeal Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 This bill revises the federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association to shift authority from the charter to the bylaws. Specifically, it makes the following changes: removes the requirement for the foundation to be incorporated and domiciled in the District of Columbia; requires the board of directors to decide, and specify in the bylaws, the location of the principal office; specifies that the bylaws—not the charter—must provide for the terms of membership, the responsibilities of the board of directors, and the election of officers; prohibits a director or officer, in his or her corporate capacity, from contributing to, supporting, or participating in political activities; allows income and assets of the corporation to be used to reasonably compensate or reimburse expenses of an officer, director, or member; to award a grant to the Federal Bar Association chapter of an officer, director, or member; and to reasonably compensate employees; expands a prohibition on loans for directors and officers to include members and employees; and specifies that on dissolution or final liquidation, any remaining assets must be distributed as provided by the board of directors instead of deposited in the Treasury.

No IRIS Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)".

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (89 Fed. Reg. 102568) and published on December 17, 2024. Among other elements, the rule prohibits the manufacturing, import, processing, and distribution in commerce of trichloroethylene (TCE) for all uses (including consumer uses), and prohibits the industrial and commercial use of TCE.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

HELP Response and Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt Response and Recovery Act or the HELP Response and Recovery Act This bill extends the maximum duration of noncompetitive Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracts for disaster response and recovery from 150 days to one year by repealing a current limitation on such DHS contracts so that standard procurement regulations apply regarding urgent needs. It also requires DHS to report to Congress annually for five years to review how this repeal has prevented waste and provide information on noncompetitive Federal Emergency Management Agency contracts.

Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act This bill requires the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the Securities and Exchange Commission to report on issues encountered by rural-area small businesses.

Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Simplifying Subcontracting Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act This bill repeals the statute that requires financial institutions to collect data regarding applications for women-owned, minority-owned, or small business loans. Currently, financial institutions must collect and report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau information on (1) how many applications were received; (2) the disposition of each application; (3) the type of loan; (4) the amount applied for; (5) the amount approved; and (6) each applicant’s census tract, revenue, race, sex, and ethnicity.

No Propaganda Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2025

No Propaganda Act This bill prohibits federal funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and rescinds certain funds that were provided to the corporation. (The corporation is a congressionally created nonprofit that supports local public television and radio broadcasting.)

A bill to transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2025

National Plan for Epilepsy Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2025

National Plan for Epilepsy Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035. Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments. Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts. Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.

Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act This bill establishes work requirements under Medicaid for able-bodied adults. Specifically, the bill requires individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 65 and who are not otherwise unable to work due to a medical condition, family situation, or other listed reason to work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week, based on a monthly average, in order to qualify for Medicaid.

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.

Respect State Housing Laws Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Respect State Housing Laws Act This bill eliminates a provision that requires a 30-day notice period before a landlord may begin eviction proceedings against a tenant in federally assisted or federally backed housing.

Alternatives to PAIN Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Alternatives to Prevent Addiction In the Nation Act or the Alternatives to PAIN Act This bill reduces cost-sharing and prohibits the imposition of certain utilization requirements under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for certain non-opioid pain management drugs. Specifically, the bill requires such drugs to be covered without a deductible and to be placed on the lowest cost-sharing tier (if any). The bill also prohibits the imposition of prior authorization requirements (i.e., requiring prior approval from a plan) or step therapy requirements (i.e., requiring the use of alternative drugs before a drug is covered under a plan) with respect to such drugs.

Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025 This bill modifies the drug quantity thresholds that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who manufactures, distributes, imports, exports, or possesses with intent to distribute fentanyl. Specifically, the bill reduces from 400 to 20 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 100 to 5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for high-level first-time or repeat offenders. It also reduces from 40 to 2 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 10 to 0.5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for low-level first-time or repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to increase the availability of chemical screening devices and dedicate the appropriate number of personnel to interdict fentanyl and other substances that are unlawfully imported into the United States.

Love Lives On Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Love Lives On Act of 2025 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. The bill provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation or special pension benefits to such spouse. Additionally, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. The bill also expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment.

Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025 This bill allows 403(b) retirement plans (i.e., retirement plans designed for certain employees of public schools, charities, and churches) to invest in collective investment trusts, which are a group of pooled investment assets held by a bank or trust company, and in insurance company separate accounts.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) titled Protection of Marine Archaeological  Resources and published on September 3, 2024. The rule requires operators and lessees conducting oil and gas exploration or development on the Outer Continental Shelf and that are seeking BOEM approval for such activities to also provide BOEM with an archaeological report for the area of potential effects. The report must identify potential archaeological resources (material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest) on the sea floor. The rule modified regulations that only required such a report when a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area. 

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions  and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from entities in the oil and gas sector if their emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

No Red and Blue Banks Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

No Red and Blue Banks Act This bill prohibits the General Services Administration from awarding a contract to a depository institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation if the institution avoids doing business with companies based solely on social policy considerations.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury relating to the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency titled Business Combinations Under the Bank Merger Act and published on September 25, 2024. The rule revises procedures for reviewing applications for proposed bank mergers, such as by removing automatic approvals under an expedited review procedure and by discontinuing streamlined application forms.

Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act of 2025 This bill increases from $14,000 to $50,000 the threshold loan amount over which the Small Business Administration (SBA) may require collateral for a disaster loan. The Government Accountability Office must report on the performance, including the default rate, of such loans. Additionally, the SBA must (1) distinguish between rural and urban communities in the outreach and marketing for disaster loans, and (2) incorporate actions to mitigate challenges encountered by rural communities in accessing such loans.