Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2025

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers prior to purchase that a camera or microphone is part of the device. The bill does not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone.

A resolution honoring the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter and commending President Jimmy Carter for his life-long career of public service, humanitarian leadership, diplomacy, and courageous advocacy.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

This resolution (1) mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter and extends sympathy to his family; and (2) honors his life, legacy, and contributions to the United States. 

Washington, D.C. Admission Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States. The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits. The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives. The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services.  The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against formerly enslaved Africans and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within one year of its first meeting.

Health Care Affordability Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 This bill makes permanent temporary changes enacted by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) that generally expand eligibility for and increase the amount of the premium tax credit. Currently, eligible taxpayers may be able to claim the premium tax credit, which applies toward the cost of obtaining health insurance through health insurance exchanges. To be eligible for the premium tax credit, a taxpayer’s household income must meet or exceed 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and, after 2025, may not exceed 400% of the FPL (maximum income limit). For 2021-2025, the ARPA and IRA eliminated the maximum income limit, which generally expands eligibility for the premium tax credit. Further, under current law, the amount of the premium tax credit is (1) generally the plan premium (conditions apply), minus (2) the taxpayer’s household income multiplied by the applicable percentage. The applicable percentage is a specific percentage that varies depending on which of six income ranges (adjusted for inflation after 2025) the taxpayer’s household income falls within. For 2021-2025, the ARPA and IRA lowered the applicable percentages and eliminated the adjustment of the applicable percentages for inflation, which generally increases the amount of the premium tax credit. The bill makes permanent the elimination of the 400% maximum income limit, the lower applicable percentages, and the elimination of the inflation adjustment for the applicable percentages.

SAVE Girls Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Stopping the Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation of Girls Act or the SAVE Girls Act This bill authorizes the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to provide grants to certain governmental and nongovernmental organizations to combat the smuggling and trafficking of children and young women. The focus of this grant program is (1) preventing the smuggling of children and women between the ages of 12 and 24 across the U.S. border; and (2) providing support to such individuals if they have already been smuggled into the United States or if they have been or are at risk of becoming victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons, including child sex trafficking.

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities. Specifically, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking to develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applications for such funding to document each applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment, as well as a reasonable business plan.  The FCC must evaluate applications against reasonable and well-established standards and must consider each applicant’s history of compliance with the requirements of other government broadband funding programs. After the rulemaking is finalized, funds may only be awarded to applicants that satisfy the standards established therein.  Finally, the FCC must set financial penalties for applicants that default in some manner during the evaluation process before they are authorized to begin receiving support.  

Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters in recognition of their strength, resiliency, sacrifice, and service to protect the forests, grasslands, and communities of the United States.

Connected MOM Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act or the Connected MOM Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to report, and provide resources for states, on coverage of remote physiologic devices and related services (e.g., blood glucose monitors) under Medicaid, so as to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.

TAKE IT DOWN Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act or the TAKE IT DOWN Act This bill generally prohibits the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals, both authentic and computer-generated, and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence.  Specifically, the bill prohibits the online publication of intimate visual depictions of an adult subject where publication is intended to cause or does cause harm to the subject, and where the depiction was published without the subject’s consent or, in the case of an authentic depiction, was created or obtained under circumstances where the adult had a reasonable expectation of privacy; or a minor subject where publication is intended to abuse or harass the minor or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.  Violators are subject to mandatory restitution and criminal penalties, including prison, a fine, or both. Threats to publish intimate visual depictions of a subject are similarly prohibited under the bill and subject to criminal penalties.   Separately, covered platforms must establish a process through which subjects of intimate visual depictions may notify the platform of the existence of, and request removal of, an intimate visual depiction including the subject that was published without the subject’s consent. Covered platforms must remove such depictions within 48 hours of notification. Under the bill,  covered platforms are defined as public websites, online services, or applications that primarily provide a forum for user-generated content.

FASD Respect Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act or the FASD Respect Act This bill reauthorizes and modifies programs that are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), including educational and research programs. The bill also establishes FASD Centers for Excellence to support FASD prevention, such as through screenings, public awareness campaigns, and trainings, particularly at the state and local levels.

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025 This bill requires mortgage lenders to include on the Uniform Residential Loan Application (i.e., Fannie Mae Form 1003 or Freddie Mac Form 65) a notification that applicants with military service may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan. Not later than 18 months after the enactment of the bill, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether at least 80% of lenders using the loan application form have met this requirement.

Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025 This bill establishes a pilot program through which the Department of Housing and Urban Development provides grants to state and local governments to support the ability of certain landlords and low- to moderate-income homeowners to make necessary modifications, repairs, or updates to their properties. State and local governments must use the funds they receive under the program to award grants to homeowners and loans to landlords to make changes that address issues such as accessibility, habitability, and energy efficiency.  A homeowner is eligible for a grant if the homeowner's household income (1) does not exceed 80% of the area median income, (2) does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or (3) meets the income eligibility criteria of another federal program that serves families of limited means. A landlord is eligible for a loan (which may be forgivable) if the landlord owns fewer than 10 rental properties that have a total of up to 50 units and that mostly consist of units that are affordable (i.e., affordable to a tenant with an income that does not exceed 80% of the area median income). The program terminates on October 1, 2030. 

A resolution honoring the service of women in combat roles in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

This resolution recognizes the contribution of women serving in combat roles in the Armed Forces.

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2025

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes the Department of Defense to sell its excess aircraft and aircraft parts that are acceptable for commercial sale for wildfire suppression purposes. Such authority begins October 1, 2025, and ends October 1, 2035. The bill also provides that such aircraft may be used to deliver water by air in order to suppress wildfire (the previous authority only provided for the delivery of fire retardant). The bill removes the previous limitation on providing international wildfire suppression assistance with such purchased aircraft.

She DRIVES Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2025

She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety Act or the She DRIVES Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to revise motor vehicle safety standards to require the use of certain anthropomorphic test devices (i.e., crash test dummies) and testing on female crash test dummies. Specifically, DOT must issue final rules to revise the current testing regulations to include specific adult male and adult female frontal impact and side impact crash test dummies. The final rules must establish or update the testing injury criteria based on real-world injuries and the greatest potential to increase safety. The injury criteria must include head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper leg, and lower leg criteria for the crash test dummies. The final rules must also establish crashworthiness frontal and side impact tests for adult female occupants in all front seating positions that are currently tested for adult male occupants (as of the date of the bill's enactment). Further, DOT must promulgate a final decision notice to update the testing procedures for the  New Car Assessment Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require the use of these crash test dummies for frontal and side impact crashworthiness testing. Finally, DOT must submit reports to Congress that, among other things, identify timelines for DOT to incorporate additional types of crash test dummies into the regulations and identify testing devices used in other countries for similar crashworthiness standards.

Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025  This bill expands the allowable uses of grant funds under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program administered by the Department of Justice. Specifically, the bill allows grants to be used for purchasing containment devices for first responders and training first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances.

MEDAL Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends Act of 2025 or the MEDAL Act of 2025 This bill increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients from $1,406.73 to $8,333.33 and establishes a rate of $1,406.73 for the monthly special pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients. Both amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide special rules for the taxation of certain residents of Taiwan with income from sources within the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2025

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Roddie Edmonds in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during World War II.

TORNADO Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2025

Tornado Observations Research and Notification Assessment for Development of Operations Act or the TORNADO Act This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to evaluate and improve its communications about hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, and other hazardous weather events. Specifically, NOAA must establish a Risk Communication Office to evaluate the effectiveness of NOAA's communications and to identify ways to provide simpler and clearer information to the public about hazardous weather events. NOAA must also (1) establish a research program to modernize its communication systems, and (2) establish a pilot program to implement the research with respect to communications about tornadoes. Additionally, the bill requires NOAA to develop a strategic plan for implementing the Warn-on-Forecast System, which aims to provide more advanced warnings of thunderstorm-related events (e.g., tornadoes). The bill also requires NOAA to evaluate its tornado rating system and to conduct post-storm assessments of significant events. The bill also provides statutory authority for NOAA's Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (known as VORTEX-USA), a collaborative project between meteorologists and social scientists to study the conditions that contribute to dangerous tornadoes in the Southeast and the best ways to communicate these events to the public. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the National Weather Service's communication technology, particularly with respect to timely notices of hazardous weather events.

A resolution condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

This resolution disapproves of pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting U.S. Capitol Police officers.

Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Charitable Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2025

Charitable Act This bill allows an individual taxpayer who does not itemize their tax deductions to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions and eliminates the tax penalty for overstating charitable contributions. (Some limitations apply). Under the bill, for tax years beginning in 2026 or 2027, an individual taxpayer who does not itemize their tax deductions may deduct charitable contributions of up to one-third of the standard deduction allowed to such individual. (Under current law, an individual taxpayer generally must itemize their tax deductions to deduct charitable contributions.) The bill also eliminates the tax penalty for an underpayment of taxes attributable to overstated charitable contributions by taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. (Under current law, taxpayers who claim a deduction under this bill may be assessed a tax penalty in the amount of 50% of the portion of an understatement of tax liability attributable to overstated charitable contributions.)

PSA Screening for HIM Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2025

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Agency for International Development is essential for advancing the national security interests of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2025

This resolution affirms the centrality of the U.S. Agency for International Development for advancing the national security interests of the United States, including by promoting global stability and mitigating threats abroad before they reach the United States.

Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2025

Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of political affiliation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other participating entities (i.e., public or private entities providing or receiving assistance) in carrying out federal major disaster or emergency relief and assistance activities. Current law requires FEMA and other participating entities to provide federal major disaster or emergency relief and assistance without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. The bill adds political affiliation to the classes protected under this requirement. 

SBA Disaster Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2025

NO BAN Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act or the NO BAN Act This bill imposes limitations on the President's authority to suspend or restrict aliens from entering the United States. It also prohibits religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions, such as whether to issue an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, unless there is a statutory basis for such discrimination. The President may temporarily restrict the entry of any aliens or class of aliens after the Department of State determines that the restriction would address specific and credible facts that threaten U.S. interests such as public safety. The bill also imposes limitations on such restrictions, such as requiring the President, State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to (1) only issue a restriction when required to address a compelling government interest, and (2) narrowly tailor the suspension to use the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest. Before imposing a restriction, the State Department and DHS shall consult with Congress. The State Department and DHS shall report to Congress about the restriction within 48 hours of the restriction's imposition. If such a report is not made, the restriction shall immediately terminate. Individuals or entities present in the United States and unlawfully harmed by such a restriction may sue in federal court. The bill transfers the authority to suspend the entry of aliens traveling to the United States on a commercial airline that failed to comply with regulations related to detecting fraudulent travel documents from the Department of Justice to DHS. 

Incentivizing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Sales Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Incentivizing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Sales Act of 2025  This bill excludes the gain from the sale of a qualified real property interest under the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program from gross income for federal tax purposes. (Some limitations apply.) As background, the REPI Program supports cost-sharing agreements between the Armed Forces, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and certain private organizations to address land use near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activities, and increase military installation resilience. Under the bill, the exclusion from gross income applies to gain from the sale of a real property interest (pursuant to an agreement under the REPI Program) to a state or U.S. possession (or a political subdivision of a state or U.S. possession) or the District of Columbia; the United States; certain corporations, trusts, community chest, funds, or foundations; or certain charitable organizations. Further, under the bill, the real property interest that is sold may be (1) the entire interest in the real property, (2) a remainder interest in the real property, or (3) a restriction on the use of the real property (e.g., easement) that is granted in perpetuity and created under state law. However, the bill limits such exclusion from gross income for a partnership or other pass-through entity (other than a family partnership or family pass-through entity) to gain from the sale of a real property interest that is held for at least three years.

A resolution honoring the memory of the victims of the tragic mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

This resolution commemorates the 67 lives lost in the collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and the U.S. Army helicopter flying under the call sign PAT 25 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. The resolution also expresses gratitude to the law enforcement and emergency medical personnel who responded to the collision.

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.

SENIOR Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief Act or the SENIOR Act This bill expands the scope of authorized Administration on Aging (AOA) grants to include services addressing loneliness in older individuals (i.e., aged 60 or older), and requires a report evaluating whether certain federal programs are adequately addressing this topic. Under current law, the AOA provides grants to states for disease prevention and health promotion services for older individuals, including services addressing the negative health effects of social isolation. The bill expands the scope of the services eligible for these grants to include services addressing the negative health effects of loneliness. Also, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report (1) evaluating whether its programs for older individuals are adequately addressing loneliness, and (2) recommending measures for reducing the negative health effects of loneliness and fostering multigenerational family connections. 

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act This bill prohibits immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of a sensitive location except in exigent circumstances, such as the imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm to any person. Sensitive locations include  health care facilities; schools and school bus stops; places that provide assistance for people such as children, pregnant women, and abuse victims; child care facilities; places that provide disaster or emergency services; places of worship; courthouses and lawyers’ offices; facilities used as polling places; certain labor union facilities; and public assistance offices. The prohibition shall apply to Department of Homeland Security officers and agents, as well as state employees pursuing immigration enforcement actions. If an enforcement action is carried out in violation of this prohibition (1) no information resulting from the action may be entered into the record in a resulting removal proceeding, and (2) the affected individual may move to immediately terminate such a proceeding. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall annually report to Congress about enforcement actions taken at sensitive locations in the preceding year. 

BARCODE Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Barcode Automation for Revenue Collection to Organize Disbursement and Enhance Efficiency Act or the BARCODE Efficiency Act This bill requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to use barcodes, barcode scanning technology, and optical character recognition (or similar) technology to digitize certain federal tax return information and correspondence, unless the technology is slower or less reliable than other IRS processes (subject to conditions).  Specifically, the bill requires a scannable barcode on electronically-prepared federal tax returns that are printed and filed in paper format with the IRS. The bill also requires the IRS to use barcode scanning technology to convert data included on such returns into an electronic format. Further, the bill requires the IRS to use optical character recognition (or similar) technology to transcribe federal tax returns and correspondence received by the IRS that are not prepared electronically and are received in paper format. However, under the bill, the use of barcodes, barcode scanning technology, and optical character recognition (or similar) technology is not required if (1) such technology is slower or less reliable than manual transcription or any other IRS process, and (2) the IRS provides a report to Congress regarding the determination to not use such technology.

Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

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.

Right to Contraception Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 grants for state and local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to provide family support services and mental health services to law enforcement personnel.

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.