Senate Bill Introductions
Here's a look at news stories involving U.S. Senate bills introduced in the 119th Congress
Featured Stories
Sen. Duckworth Introduces Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-IL, has introduced the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025, aimed at prohibiting the commercialization of kangaroos and kangaroo products within the United States. This legislation responds to growing concerns over the protection of these unique animals, advocating for their conservation and addressing environmental ethics.
The bill specifically targets activities that involve the selling, trading, importing, or manufacturing of kangaroo products. Among the species covered under this legislation are the western grey kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, common
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-IL, has introduced the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025, aimed at prohibiting the commercialization of kangaroos and kangaroo products within the United States. This legislation responds to growing concerns over the protection of these unique animals, advocating for their conservation and addressing environmental ethics.
The bill specifically targets activities that involve the selling, trading, importing, or manufacturing of kangaroo products. Among the species covered under this legislation are the western grey kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, commonwallaroo, and the red kangaroo. By defining these parameters, the bill seeks to prevent exploitation and ensure that these animals are no longer subjected to commercial harm.
In recent years, there has been increased public awareness regarding wildlife conservation and the impact of international trade on animal populations. Kangaroos, a symbol of Australian wildlife, have faced threats from overhunting and habitat loss, prompting advocates to seek legal measures that protect them. The introduction of this bill reflects a growing commitment among lawmakers to safeguard species and promote responsible environmental stewardship.
The proposed legislation entails significant penalties for violations, including fines of up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment. Each offense would be counted separately, emphasizing the seriousness of these prohibitions. The bill empowers the Secretary of Commerce to develop regulations necessary for its implementation, ensuring that initiatives can be effectively enforced.
By advocating for the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025, Sen. Duckworth joins a broader conversation about animal rights and environmental conservation, contributing to a national and international dialogue on preserving wildlife for future generations. This initiative represents one of the many steps needed to address the urgent issues surrounding wildlife protection amidst evolving environmental challenges.
The bill (S. 2162) introduced on 6/25/2025 has 1 co-sponsor: Cory A. Booker, D-NJ.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2162/text
Sen. Cassidy Introduces Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, has introduced the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at enhancing support services for older adults and improving health outcomes for the aging population. This extensive bill seeks to authorize federal funding through the fiscal years 2026 to 2030, ensuring vital resources are allocated to programs dedicated to supporting older Americans.
The reauthorization of the Older Americans Act is critical as it addresses the evolving needs of the senior population, encompassing mental health, nutrition,
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, has introduced the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at enhancing support services for older adults and improving health outcomes for the aging population. This extensive bill seeks to authorize federal funding through the fiscal years 2026 to 2030, ensuring vital resources are allocated to programs dedicated to supporting older Americans.
The reauthorization of the Older Americans Act is critical as it addresses the evolving needs of the senior population, encompassing mental health, nutrition,and caregiving. With an influx of aging individuals facing isolation and health challenges, the bill outlines objectives to enhance the aging network by improving coordination among service providers. Key elements of the bill include the establishment of a national resource center focused on engaging older adults, initiatives to expand access to assistive technology, and the promotion of nutrition services, such as medically tailored meals.
In the context of an increasing elderly demographic, the legislation emphasizes mental health support, addressing issues such as cognitive impairment and substance abuse among seniors. The act also proposes enhancements to family caregiver support programs, recognizing the vital role family members play in patient care and promoting health and independence for aging individuals.
The motivations behind this legislative effort stem from ongoing discussions surrounding the necessity for comprehensive health care and support services for older Americans. As lawmakers assess the effectiveness of existing programs, the Reauthorization Act aims to equip communities with the right tools to foster healthy aging. By securing funding and legislative backing, this initiative underscores a commitment to dignity, care, and quality of life for older adults across the nation.
The bill (S. 2120) introduced on 6/18/2025 has 9 co-sponsors: Bernard Sanders, I-VT; Rick Scott, R-FL; Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D-NY; Susan M. Collins, R-ME; Tim Kaine, D-VA; Markwayne Mullin, R-OK; Edward J. Markey, D-MA; Lisa Murkowski, R-AK; Ben Ray Lujan, D-NM.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2120/text
Sen. Booker Introduces Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Cory A. Booker, D-NJ, has introduced the Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act, aiming to expand access to health insurance for immigrants and their families by removing legal and policy barriers that currently restrict their eligibility for federal healthcare programs.
This bill is designed to address longstanding disparities in healthcare access faced by immigrants, particularly those who are lawfully present in the United States but still encounter obstacles when seeking insurance coverage. The legislation seeks to ensure that all individuals
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Cory A. Booker, D-NJ, has introduced the Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act, aiming to expand access to health insurance for immigrants and their families by removing legal and policy barriers that currently restrict their eligibility for federal healthcare programs.
This bill is designed to address longstanding disparities in healthcare access faced by immigrants, particularly those who are lawfully present in the United States but still encounter obstacles when seeking insurance coverage. The legislation seeks to ensure that all individualslawfully residing in the U.S. are eligible for federally funded healthcare programs, advancing the ability of undocumented individuals to obtain health insurance through the exchanges set up under the Affordable Care Act.
Historically, immigrants have faced significant hurdles in accessing health services, often due to their immigration status. By eliminating restrictions on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility for lawful permanent residents, the bill aims to integrate these individuals into the healthcare system more effectively. This is especially crucial in light of the varying state policies that have limited access to healthcare for specific groups.
In addition, the proposed legislation includes provisions that would enhance coverage for families and individuals granted federally authorized presence, ensuring a more consistent approach across federal healthcare programs. The implications of this bill are significant, as it seeks to uplift the health outcomes of immigrant communities, thereby contributing to overall public health.
This legislative effort reflects a broader commitment to health equity and aims to dismantle barriers that have historically excluded immigrant families from essential healthcare services. The act's introduction comes at a time when healthcare access has become more critical than ever, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in health policy.
The bill (S. 2149) introduced on 6/24/2025 has 8 co-sponsors: Martin Heinrich, D-NM; Alex Padilla, D-CA; Elizabeth Warren, D-MA; Patty Murray, D-WA; Mazie K. Hirono, D-HI; Bernard Sanders, I-VT; Richard Blumenthal, D-CT; Edward J. Markey, D-MA.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2149/text
Sen. Blackburn Introduces Open App Markets Act
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-TN, has introduced the Open App Markets Act, a legislative effort aimed at promoting competition and reducing the dominance of major players in the app economy. The bill seeks to enhance consumer choice, improve service quality, and lower costs by curbing what it describes as gatekeeper power exerted by dominant app stores.
The Open App Markets Act sets forth several guidelines intended to create a more equitable playing field for app developers. Notably, it prohibits major app store operators from enforcing exclusive in-app payment systems or punishing
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-TN, has introduced the Open App Markets Act, a legislative effort aimed at promoting competition and reducing the dominance of major players in the app economy. The bill seeks to enhance consumer choice, improve service quality, and lower costs by curbing what it describes as gatekeeper power exerted by dominant app stores.
The Open App Markets Act sets forth several guidelines intended to create a more equitable playing field for app developers. Notably, it prohibits major app store operators from enforcing exclusive in-app payment systems or punishingdevelopers for opting to utilize competitor platforms. By doing so, it aims to dismantle barriers that restrict developers' ability to communicate and transact directly with users. Key provisions include ensuring developers can offer different pricing terms across platforms and preventing app stores from unjustly favoring their own applications over third-party offerings in search results.
Motivated by concerns over market concentration and the rising costs of app distribution, Sen. Blackburn's initiative seeks to empower developers and safeguard user interests. The bill responds to growing scrutiny of big tech companies and their influence over the app marketplace, particularly as reliance on mobile applications continues to escalate among consumers and businesses alike.
The legislation also establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, enabling them to pursue civil actions for violations. By championing this bill, Blackburn underscores her commitment to fostering a dynamic app economy that prioritizes innovation and consumer accessibility. The Open App Markets Act represents a significant step toward redefining the landscape of digital commerce, reflecting a broader push for regulatory reforms within the technology sector.
The bill (S. 2153) introduced on 6/24/2025 has 5 co-sponsors: Richard Blumenthal, D-CT; Mike Lee, R-UT; Amy Klobuchar, D-MN; Richard J. Durbin, D-IL; Josh Hawley, R-MO.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2153/text
Sen. Baldwin Introduces Women's Health Protection Act
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI, has introduced the Women's Health Protection Act, aiming to safeguard a person's right to make decisions regarding pregnancy, including the ability to obtain abortion services and ensuring health care providers can offer such care without facing undue limitations.
This legislation comes in response to a surge of state-level restrictions on abortion access that have occurred since 2022. By enforcing nationwide standards for abortion services, the bill seeks to eliminate barriers that disproportionally affect women's ability to participate fully in
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI, has introduced the Women's Health Protection Act, aiming to safeguard a person's right to make decisions regarding pregnancy, including the ability to obtain abortion services and ensuring health care providers can offer such care without facing undue limitations.
This legislation comes in response to a surge of state-level restrictions on abortion access that have occurred since 2022. By enforcing nationwide standards for abortion services, the bill seeks to eliminate barriers that disproportionally affect women's ability to participate fully insociety and maintain control over their reproductive health.
The act specifically prohibits states from imposing unnecessary and discriminatory regulations that target abortion providers and patients. It ensures that individuals can seek these services without facing obstacles that do not apply to other similar medical procedures, thus promoting equitable access to health care. The bill emphasizes the importance of interstate travel for patients seeking abortion services and recognizes the economic implications of restrictive state laws that force individuals to seek care across state lines.
Furthermore, the Women's Health Protection Act includes provisions aimed at preventing undue burdens that could deter patients from accessing necessary health care. Without this legislation, many women could continue to face increased costs, longer travel times, and other challenges in accessing timely care, particularly in states where stringent regulations are in place.
Baldwin's bill is positioned as a critical step in protecting reproductive rights in an era of heightened scrutiny and restrictive laws, reinforcing the fundamental right to choose and the ability to make personal health decisions without government interference. The introduction of this legislation marks an essential move towards maintaining reproductive health protections at the federal level.
The bill (S. 2150) introduced on 6/24/2025 has 46 co-sponsors: Richard Blumenthal, D-CT; Charles E. Schumer, D-NY; Patty Murray, D-WA; Richard J. Durbin, D-IL; Angela D. Alsobrooks, D-MD; Michael F. Bennet, D-CO; Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-DE; Cory A. Booker, D-NJ; Maria Cantwell, D-WA; Christopher A. Coons, D-DE; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-NV; Tammy Duckworth, D-IL; John Fetterman, D-PA; Ruben Gallego, D-AZ; Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D-NY; Margaret Wood Hassan, D-NH; Martin Heinrich, D-NM; John W. Hickenlooper, D-CO; Mazie K. Hirono, D-HI; Tim Kaine, D-VA; Mark Kelly, D-AZ; Andy Kim, D-NJ; Angus S. King Jr., I-ME; Amy Klobuchar, D-MN; Ben Ray Lujan, D-NM; Edward J. Markey, D-MA; Jeff Merkley, D-OR; Christopher Murphy, D-CT; Jon Ossoff, D-GA; Alex Padilla, D-CA; Gary C. Peters, D-MI; Jack Reed, D-RI; Jacky Rosen, D-NV; Bernard Sanders, I-VT; Brian Schatz, D-HI; Adam B. Schiff, D-CA; Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH; Elissa Slotkin, D-MI; Tina Smith, D-MN; Chris Van Hollen, D-MD; Mark R. Warner, D-VA; Raphael G. Warnock, D-GA; Elizabeth Warren, D-MA; Peter Welch, D-VT; Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI; Ron Wyden, D-OR.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2150/text
