This bill increases loan limits for small manufacturers under two federal programs. It defines "small manufacturer" as a business primarily in U.S. manufacturing sectors (31-33) with all facilities in the U.S. The bill raises the maximum Small Business Administration 7(a) loan limit for these manufacturers from $3.75 million to $7.5 million (capping at $10 million), and doubles the export loan limit from $5 million to $10 million. These changes directly affect qualifying U.S.-based manufacturing businesses seeking federal loan support for operations or exports. The policy modifies specific loan caps without altering other program requirements.
This bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.
This bill extends the statute of limitations for fraud enforcement related to two specific Small Business Administration (SBA) grant programs. It adds a 10-year time limit for criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions targeting violations of federal fraud, identity theft, or false claims laws (e.g., 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 1028A, 1344, 1956) involving grants for shuttered venue operators (under the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act) and restaurant revitalization (under the American Rescue Plan Act). The bill directly affects recipients of these SBA grants by setting a clear 10-year window for legal action against alleged fraud. It does not change the grant programs themselves, only the timeframe for enforcing fraud-related penalties.
This Senate resolution formally recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor the contributions of these communities to United States history. The document highlights the diversity of the population, cites historical milestones such as the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the passage of immigration laws, and acknowledges specific achievements of individuals like Daniel K. Inouye and Patsy Mink. It also notes the ongoing challenges faced by these groups, including a rise in hate crimes, while celebrating their growing presence in government and society. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic statement of appreciation rather than establishing new legal requirements or funding.
This Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.
This Senate resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for a state visit where the King will address a joint session of Congress. The document highlights the long-standing diplomatic and security partnership between the two nations, noting shared values and cooperation on issues like defense and technology. It also marks the occasion as the first time a British monarch has addressed Congress since 1991, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
This bill, the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, aims to strengthen protections and incentives for individuals who report tax violations to the Internal Revenue Service. It directly affects whistleblowers who submit information about tax evasion or avoidance schemes and the IRS officials who evaluate those reports. Key changes include requiring Tax Court reviews of whistleblower awards to be conducted de novo based on the original administrative record, granting whistleblowers anonymity before the Tax Court unless a societal interest outweighs potential harm, and adding interest to award amounts if the IRS delays providing preliminary recommendations. The legislation also modifies IRS annual reports to include descriptions of top tax avoidance schemes disclosed by whistleblowers and corrects a provision regarding attorney fee deductions for whistleblowers.
Clergy Act This bill establishes a two-year window for certain members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners to revoke their exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes on ministerial earnings. Under current law, such individuals who object to participation in public insurance programs on religious or conscientious grounds may apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an irrevocable exemption and will not receive Social Security or Medicare benefits in retirement unless they have qualifying credits from other employment. The IRS must develop a plan to inform members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners of their eligibility to revoke prior exemptions, pursuant to the bill's changes.
HR 2319, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025, requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to lead an interagency review with Defense and Veterans Affairs. This review will assess current research on lung cancer in women and underserved populations, identify gaps in knowledge, and evaluate opportunities to improve access to preventive screenings and develop public awareness campaigns. The bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress within two years, detailing findings on collaborative research, environmental/genomic factors, imaging technology, national screening strategies, and education efforts. The review directly involves federal agencies but will ultimately aim to inform future policy changes affecting women and underserved groups eligible for lung cancer screening.
Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations Act or the RED Tape Act This bill removes the requirement under the Clean Air Act that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review and comment on newly authorized federal construction projects and other major federal agency actions that already require review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and proposed federal regulations.
This resolution expresses support for the Working Families Tax Cuts, a law already enacted in July 2025 that provides various tax benefits to American taxpayers. The bill directly affects individuals and families by recognizing specific provisions that reduce tax liability, including expanded child tax credits, increased standard deductions, and tax relief for tipped workers and overtime pay. Key provisions include making a four-person household earning under $73,000 generally face zero federal income tax, increasing the child tax credit to $2,200 per child, and allowing 529 accounts to cover K-12 and trade school expenses. The resolution also acknowledges tax relief for seniors, auto loan interest deductions for American-made vehicles, and expanded health savings account access. This is a procedural measure that formally acknowledges existing tax policies rather than creating new legislation.
