Legislation

The "WISE Government Act" promotes government efficiency and transparency by ensuring federal employees have access to scientific resources. It prohibits confidentiality clauses in journal subscription contracts, mandates easy employee access to library resources, and requires a report to Congress on improving agency access to scientific publications and subscriptions. This report will address issues like contract limitations, access barriers, and pricing concerns, recommending solutions for better interagency transparency and purchasing models.

This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to expand scholarship opportunities at 1890 institutions to both bachelor's and graduate students. It provides mandatory funding of $15 million per fiscal year, starting in 2025, through the Commodity Credit Corporation, and makes discretionary funding available from fiscal year 2020 onward. The scholarships will be available each academic year that funding is available.

The "Strengthening the Quad Act" aims to enhance U.S. cooperation with Australia, India, and Japan (the Quad) to address regional challenges and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for deepening Quad engagement and establishes a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to foster collaboration between legislators from the four countries. The Act seeks to strengthen security, economic partnerships, and multilateral coordination within the Quad framework.

This bill suspends the production of pennies and nickels for 10 years, while allowing the Treasury Secretary to continue making them for coin collectors under specific guidelines. It also requires the Comptroller General to study the effects of this suspension, including potential savings and the impact of rounding cash transactions, and report findings to Congress within three years to determine if the suspension should continue, become permanent, or be reversed. Pennies and nickels will remain legal tender during this time.

The Securing the Cities Improvement Act amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002, modifying the STC program's eligibility criteria to focus on preparedness, threat levels, and potential consequences of nuclear or radiological attacks. It mandates the establishment of performance metrics and increased congressional oversight of the STC program. The Act requires a report to Congress detailing the program's participation, performance, and planned changes within two years.

The Inspector General for Ukraine Act establishes an independent Inspector General to oversee and audit the use of funds allocated for military and non-military aid to Ukraine. This office is responsible for preventing fraud, waste, and misuse of resources, ensuring accountability in the distribution and utilization of U.S. support. The Inspector General will provide quarterly reports to Congress and coordinate with other oversight bodies to enhance transparency and effectiveness. The office is set to terminate after five years, following a final audit report to Congress.

The Global Demining Protection Act mandates the Secretary of State to promptly resume all Department of State programs related to demining, clearing unexploded ordnance, and destroying small arms. This resumption is in accordance with the activities authorized by Executive Order 14169, section 3(e). The aim of the act is to restart global demining efforts.

The "Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025" aims to reform federal hiring practices by prioritizing merit, skills, and commitment to the Constitution. It requires the creation of a Federal Hiring Plan that focuses on recruiting individuals dedicated to improving government efficiency and upholding the rule of law, while preventing appointments based on race, sex, religion, or unwillingness to defend the Constitution. The Act also emphasizes the use of technology to streamline the hiring process, improve communication with candidates, and ensure agency head involvement. Finally, it directs the Office of Personnel Management to track the plan's progress and ensure it meets the needs of both job seekers and government agencies.

The United Nations Voting Accountability Act of 2025 prohibits the United States from providing assistance to countries that vote against the U.S. position in the UN General Assembly or Security Council. The Secretary of State can grant exemptions if a country's leadership and policies fundamentally change, with notification to Congress required. This act defines "opposed the position of the United States" as voting with the U.S. less than 50% of the time and specifies which types of assistance are restricted. The Act will take effect upon submission of the report due to Congress by March 31, 2026.

The Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2025 designates several wilderness areas, releases specific Wilderness Study Areas for other uses, and establishes both a National Conservation Area and Motorized Recreation Area in the Dubois Badlands. It also creates several Special Management Areas with specific rules to protect natural resources and directs the Secretary of Interior to conduct studies for potential land transfers and motorized recreation areas in specific counties. This act aims to balance conservation, recreation, and resource management across Wyoming's public lands.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

The Bipartisan Health Care Act aims to improve various aspects of the healthcare system, including Medicaid, Medicare, human services, and public health programs. It focuses on streamlining processes, increasing transparency, extending funding for critical services, and modernizing healthcare delivery. The act addresses issues such as prescription drug costs, telehealth access, maternal health, and pandemic preparedness. By reauthorizing and modifying key programs, this legislation seeks to enhance access to care, improve health outcomes, and ensure efficient use of healthcare resources.

The "Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act" mandates that Medicare Part D drug coinsurance be calculated based on a drug's actual acquisition cost rather than the wholesale price, beginning January 1, 2026. This change affects costs incurred between the annual deductible and the out-of-pocket threshold. The actual acquisition cost is defined as the negotiated price less any manufacturer concessions.

The "Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act" requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan for identifying and implementing new technologies like AI and advanced sensors to enhance border security. This plan includes assessing current technology efforts, integrating new technologies into standard programs, and evaluating the impact on border communities' privacy and security. The Act also authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to maintain Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for border security, and it mandates regular reports to Congress on these teams' activities and technological advancements.

The USA Batteries Act seeks to amend Superfund excise taxes by removing lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid from the list of taxable chemicals. This change aims to alleviate the tax burden on domestic battery manufacturers, ensuring fair competition with imported batteries. The Act recognizes the economic importance and high recyclability of lead batteries, which are crucial for various sectors, and emphasizes the need to support American manufacturing and jobs in the battery industry. Ultimately, the Act intends to bolster the global competitiveness of the U.S. lead battery industry by reducing raw material costs.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the First Rhode Island Regiment, a historically significant integrated unit that fought valiantly during the Revolutionary War. The medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act" prohibits federal funding to colleges and universities that have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or offices. To be eligible for federal funds, institutions must certify they do not have DEI programs that classify or give preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The Secretary of Education is responsible for verifying certifications and enforcing the Act, with an appeals process available for institutions that have funding terminated.

The "Clergy Act" allows clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security to revoke that exemption, enabling them to receive Social Security benefits. To do so, they must file an application by the due date of their federal income tax return for the second taxable year starting after December 31, 2027. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Social Security, must also develop a plan to inform clergy members about this new option.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the illegal use of xylazine by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for increased regulation and tracking of the substance. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to ease the transition for legitimate users, such as veterinarians and animal handlers. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines for xylazine-related offenses and mandates reports to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use. Finally, it will include xylazine in Arcos tracking.

This concurrent resolution acknowledges the League of Oregon Cities for its century-long commitment to supporting Oregon's cities through advocacy, resource provision, and promotion of best practices in municipal governance. It highlights the League's role in fostering collaboration among cities and its advocacy for key areas like sustainable development, infrastructure, and public safety. The resolution also recognizes the League's work with federal leaders to advance policies that align with local government priorities, acknowledging their contribution to the resilience and vitality of Oregon communities.