Legislation

The Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025 authorizes a land swap between the Chugach Alaska Corporation and the U.S. government to resolve complex ownership issues stemming from the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement lands. This exchange allows the government to perfect its surface conservation efforts while granting Chugach Alaska clear subsurface rights in exchange for other federally owned lands. The goal is to resolve split estate conflicts that have hindered both conservation management and the corporation's ability to develop its assets.

This resolution formally recognizes the life, achievements, and dedicated public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush in honor of her 100th birthday. It details her journey from her early life and marriage to her tenure as Second Lady and First Lady, highlighting her crucial work championing family literacy. The bill serves as a tribute celebrating her lasting legacy as a model citizen and public servant.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within our National Forests. This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture must adhere to the existing "Roadless Rule," prohibiting the construction of new roads, the reconstruction of old roads, and timber harvesting within these designated areas. The Act seeks to preserve critical watersheds, support wildlife, and maintain areas for traditional recreation without imposing new restrictions outside of these roadless zones.

The Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act establishes a new office within the Department of Commerce to review and mitigate national security risks posed by "covered transactions" involving connected vehicles and technology from "jurisdictions of concern." This office is empowered to investigate deals, impose mitigation measures, or prohibit transactions that present an undue risk of sabotage or harm to U.S. critical infrastructure. The law grants significant investigative and enforcement authority, including severe criminal and civil penalties for willful violations.

This bill prohibits the Secretary of Defense from awarding or renewing software source code contracts with entities that have specific ties to a "covered country," such as operating AI research facilities or allowing source code access to that nation. The restriction aims to safeguard sensitive technology by limiting defense contracts with certain foreign-linked companies. The Secretary may waive this prohibition if deemed necessary for U.S. national security interests.

This resolution officially designates July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day" to highlight the severity of this aggressive brain cancer. It honors those affected by glioblastoma and supports ongoing efforts to improve patient outcomes. The bill specifically calls for increased public awareness, collaboration in research, and continued funding for better treatments and diagnostic tools.

This resolution formally condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them access to necessary medical care. The document further affirms that taking hostages is a clear violation of international law.

The PARTNER with ASEAN, CERN, and PIF Act grants the President the authority to extend the legal privileges and immunities of the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This allows the U.S. to provide these key international partners with the same federal protections afforded to other recognized international organizations. The President will determine the specific terms and conditions for extending these benefits to each group.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025 aims to enhance tribal self-determination by allowing eligible Indian entities to directly manage the food distribution program through self-governance agreements. This legislation establishes specific rules for tribes purchasing U.S.-produced agricultural goods, ensuring nutritional parity or cultural relevance in food packages. Furthermore, the Act terminates existing FDPIR demonstration projects once their current performance periods conclude.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve support for postsecondary students with disabilities. It standardizes the types of documentation colleges must accept to verify a disability, ensuring clearer access to necessary accommodations. The bill also authorizes increased funding for national technical support centers and requires colleges to report essential data on enrolled students with disabilities. Finally, it clarifies that these changes do not alter existing rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This bill proposes the complete repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. By repealing this previous legislation, the bill removes all existing rules and requirements established under that Act.

The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2025 ensures that time spent receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital counts toward the required 3-day inpatient stay needed to qualify for Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. This change effectively removes a significant barrier to accessing post-hospital care for many Medicare beneficiaries. The Secretary of HHS is authorized to implement this rule immediately.

The Firearm Destruction Licensure Act of 2025 establishes a new federal license requirement for any business engaged in destroying firearms, excluding government agencies. Licensed destroyers must certify the use of a "covered method" when destroying firearms obtained from government entities, ensuring they are rendered permanently unusable scrap. The bill also mandates annual public reporting on destruction activities and creates a federal grant program to help local governments fund this destruction through licensed dealers.

The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act exempts large propane tanks, specifically those holding up to 126,000 pounds, from the security regulations under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). This measure aims to reduce regulatory burdens on facilities storing these specific quantities of propane. The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to implement this exemption promptly.

The Offshore Pipeline Safety Act mandates new safety regulations for offshore oil and gas pipelines, including deadlines for finalizing rules, requiring third-party inspections, and installing leak detection systems. It also directs studies on the environmental risks of pipeline decommissioning and requires annual fees from pipeline owners to cover future removal costs. Furthermore, the bill addresses the safety of exposed pipeline segments and requires a study on the environmental risks of chemicals used in offshore operations.

The Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act requires colleges receiving federal funding to proactively notify students receiving Federal work-study assistance about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This notification must include official documentation proving work-study status to help students meet SNAP eligibility exceptions. The goal is to streamline the process for food-insecure students to access federal nutrition benefits.

The Open America's Waters Act simplifies the requirements for vessels to qualify for coastwise trade endorsements along U.S. coasts. This legislation repeals outdated restrictions on who can participate in this domestic trade. Crucially, the Coast Guard is mandated to issue new regulations within 90 days to ensure all participating vessels meet current safety and security standards.

The SBIR/STTR Website Improvement Act mandates that recipients of SBIR and STTR research awards must report detailed information about their subcontracted research partners. This new requirement ensures the public website lists the name, location, and specific institutional classifications of all partnering research institutions. The goal is to increase transparency regarding the academic and nonprofit entities involved in federally funded small business research and development.

The Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act aims to streamline health insurance enrollment by allowing taxpayers to use their federal income tax returns, starting in 2027, to check eligibility for subsidized coverage like Medicaid or Marketplace plans. If eligible for a zero-premium plan, individuals can be automatically enrolled unless they opt out during a special enrollment period. The bill also modernizes eligibility verification by requiring greater use of existing government data sources, such as SNAP findings and new hire information, to reduce applicant burden. Finally, it establishes funding and an advisory committee to oversee the development and implementation of these new data-sharing and enrollment systems.

This bill, the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act, reauthorizes and extends the existing Colorado River System conservation pilot program. It pushes back key deadlines for the program, allowing it to continue operating for an additional two years. The legislation also updates the official naming reference within the program's description.