Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a grant program to support operating projects for public transportation and related service improvements, particularly in underserved communities and areas of persistent poverty. Specifically, the bill requires DOT to allocate funding under the program for urbanized areas, states, and Indian tribes that are recipients of funds under either the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Urbanized Area Formula Funding program or Formula Grants for Rural Areas program. Eligible recipients may use funding for operating costs associated with projects that improve public transportation service for transit-dependent populations and support increased transit ridership (e.g., service expansion, information technology enhancements, and workforce development). DOT must apportion the funding so that recipients receive funds that are proportional to their share of operating costs. The bill also provides for an increased federal cost share for operating assistance for projects or programs carried out in areas of persistent poverty or underserved communities. DOT must set up a multimodal access measurement interface for public agencies to aid transit agencies in determining and reporting on access to jobs and essential services. A grant recipient must (1) report specific information to the FTA for inclusion in the National Transit Database, and (2) survey transit riders and non-riding residents regarding transit service improvements. Further, the bill expands the purposes of the public transportation programs to include supporting public transportation's role in combating climate change through growing/retaining transit ridership.
HJRES 96 is a congressional resolution that would block a specific proposed military sale to the United Arab Emirates. It targets defense articles and services listed in Transmittal No. 25-25 (submitted May 13, 2025), specifically F-16 aircraft components, spares, accessories, and related logistics support. The resolution would prohibit this sale under the Arms Export Control Act, requiring congressional disapproval before it could proceed. This directly affects the U.S. government (which would need to halt the sale) and the UAE (which would lose access to these defense items).
HJRES 97 is a congressional resolution blocking a specific proposed military sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It prohibits the sale of defense articles and services detailed in Transmittal No. 24-118, including six Chinook helicopters, missile warning systems, communications equipment, and machine guns. The resolution exercises Congress’s authority under the Arms Export Control Act to disapprove the sale before it proceeds. This directly affects the UAE government, which sought these defense items, and requires the U.S. State Department to halt the transaction. The bill does not create new policy but stops a specific foreign military sale.
This bill reinstates a tax deduction for personal casualty losses (such as property damage from crimes, scams, or disasters) that was suspended after 2017. It directly affects taxpayers who experienced qualifying losses but couldn't claim the deduction on past returns due to the suspension. The key provisions are: (1) removing the suspension of the deduction for future years, and (2) extending the deadline to file for refunds for past years where the deduction was suspended. The extension allows taxpayers to claim refunds related to these losses until the filing deadline for the tax year that includes the bill's enactment date.
This bill restores a tax deduction for personal losses caused by disasters, crimes, or scams (like stolen property or damage from hurricanes). It directly affects taxpayers who filed returns before 2025 but couldn’t claim this deduction due to a prior suspension. The bill reinstates the deduction and extends the deadline to file refund claims for these losses until the tax filing deadline for the year the bill becomes law. This allows eligible individuals to claim refunds they were previously barred from receiving.
This bill clarifies that the President has no constitutional authority to withhold funds Congress has appropriated. It creates new legal mechanisms allowing private citizens and state/local governments to sue the federal government for impoundments of appropriated funds. The bill strengthens the Comptroller General's oversight role by requiring executive branch cooperation in investigations of potential violations. Federal employees who knowingly violate these provisions would face personal liability and lose immunity protections. The legislation aims to reinforce Congress's constitutional authority over the budget process.
SRES 230 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting National Hospital Week (May 11-17, 2025). It recognizes hospitals’ roles in delivering health care across the U.S., including critical access, teaching, psychiatric, and VA facilities serving millions. The resolution urges the public to observe the week with activities highlighting hospitals’ contributions to communities. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges hospitals’ work through Senate recognition. This resolution affects all U.S. hospitals symbolically, with no direct policy changes.
HR 3418, the Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act, extends the federal Historic Preservation Fund through 2035 and increases its annual funding from $150 million to $250 million. This bill directly affects historic preservation programs nationwide, including state and local grants for protecting historic sites and buildings. The key provision updates the funding levels and duration in existing law (54 U.S. Code § 303102), ensuring continued support for preservation efforts. The change maintains current program operations without creating new requirements or altering eligibility.
HR 3398 (the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act) bans civilians from purchasing, owning, or possessing "enhanced body armor" (defined as bullet-resistant gear meeting National Institute of Justice RF1 standards) without exception. The law directly affects most private citizens who might seek such armor, while exempting law enforcement officers (including corrections officers), government agencies, tribes, and individuals who legally owned enhanced body armor before the law took effect. Key provisions include creating a new federal criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison for violations, with clear definitions of "enhanced body armor" and "covered law enforcement officer" based on existing legal standards. The bill focuses on restricting access to high-level protective gear for non-official use, not on regulating standard body armor.
SRES 219 is a Senate resolution directing the Senate Legal Counsel to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Senate to enforce the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause. This clause prohibits U.S. officials from accepting gifts, payments, or titles from foreign governments without Congress's consent. The resolution specifically targets alleged violations by President Trump involving a Qatar-provided plane for Air Force One and a $2 billion foreign-backed investment deal (MGX Fund-Binance) that could provide him financial benefits from foreign states. The lawsuit aims to stop Trump from accepting such foreign emoluments without congressional approval.
This resolution (SRES 224) calls for urgent U.S. diplomatic action to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where approximately 2.2 million civilians face acute hunger and malnutrition, including 10,000 children identified with acute malnutrition since January 2025. It highlights that Gaza’s borders have been blocked since March 2, 2025, preventing entry of food, medicine, and other lifesaving aid, leading to closed bakeries and exhausted food rations. The Senate resolution specifically urges the White House and State Department to use all available diplomatic tools to end the blockade, secure hostage releases, and achieve a durable conflict resolution. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact law but formally expresses the Senate’s concern and directs executive branch action.
SRES 220 designates the week of May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers across the United States. The resolution recognizes officers who have been killed, disabled, or injured in the line of duty, including 234 officers honored for 2024 fatalities and 18 officers killed in 2025. It expresses the Senate’s support for law enforcement, acknowledges the need for adequate resources for officer safety, and encourages public observance to celebrate their service and sacrifices. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding changes.
