Ted Cruz

Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025

This act permanently extends and expands judicial authority under the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016. The law allows and establishes procedures for civil claims and causes of action to recover artwork and other property lost between 1933 and 1945 because of Nazi persecution.

Among the changes, the act removes the deadline for filing civil claims or causes of action. Currently, the filing deadline is December 31, 2026. (Claims must still be filed within six years of the claimant's discovery of the property in question.)

The act permits courts to exercise jurisdiction over civil claims or causes of action against a foreign state without regard to the nationality or citizenship of the alleged victim. The art or property at issue must still have a connection to the foreign state's commercial activities in the United States.

Additionally, the act authorizes nationwide service of process, which allows courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over defendants in any judicial district where they may be found, reside, have an agent, or transact business.

Finally, the act limits the defenses that may be asserted against civil claims or causes of action, including by prohibiting

• defenses based on the passage of time, including equitable defenses such as laches (i.e., unreasonable delays); and

• discretionary bases for dismissal that are unrelated to the merits of the claim, including international comity (i.e., deference to the laws of other countries).

These changes apply to pending and future civil claims or causes of action.

This resolution designates October 4, 2025, as National Energy Appreciation Day.

Equal Campus Access Act of 2025

This bill prohibits funding made available under the Higher Education Act of 1965 from being provided to any public institution of higher education (IHE) that denies certain campus rights to religious student organizations.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a public IHE from receiving these funds if it denies a religious student organization any right, benefit, or privilege that is otherwise afforded to other student organizations at the IHE because of the religious student organization's beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct.

This resolution condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk, extends condolences and sympathies to his family, and honors his commitment to civil discussion and debate.

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team in recognition of the team's achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act or the STUDENT Act

This bill revises the federal charter for the National Education Association.

The bill specifies that the corporation and its state and local affiliates may only accept payment of membership dues or fees from a state or local government employee if the employee (1) has been notified of the employee's right under the First Amendment to refrain from membership and payment of associated dues or fees, (2) has clearly and affirmatively consented to membership and payment of associated dues or fees, and (3) has authorized the transmittal of membership dues or fees without the use of payroll deduction.

Further, the corporation and its state or local affiliates must process and honor cancellation requests for membership or payment of dues as soon as practicable following receipt of the request.

The bill also outlines requirements for the corporation, such as

• prohibiting the corporation or its directors or officers from contributing to, supporting, or participating in political activities;

• requiring each officer of the corporation to be a U.S. citizen;

• requiring the corporation to submit annual reports to Congress;

• prohibiting the corporation and its affiliates from requiring staff, officers, affiliates, or members to affirm, adopt, or adhere to certain principles related to race or sex; and

• prohibiting the corporation and its affiliates from calling or participating in a strike, work stoppage, or slowdown affecting a state or local government.

The bill repeals the corporation's exemption from District of Columbia property taxes.