Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System. It extends authorization for the United States Geological Survey through 2030. It also extends authorization for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through 2030.

The "Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer approximately 180 acres of federal land in Alaska's Tongass National Forest to the Cape Fox Village Corporation, fulfilling their land entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It also requires the subsurface estate of that land be conveyed to Sealaska Corporation. The Act waives certain land selection requirements for Cape Fox and ensures public access to National Forest System land through a reserved easement.

The "DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act" allows the Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA to collaborate on research and development projects through competitive awards and interagency agreements. This collaboration aims to advance research in areas like propulsion systems, high energy physics, and space-based solar energy, while also promoting data sharing and access to research infrastructure. The DOE and NASA will report to Congress on their coordination activities, achievements, and future collaboration plans. All activities must adhere to research security protocols.

The BITCOIN Act of 2025 directs the U.S. Treasury Secretary to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by purchasing 200,000 Bitcoins annually for five years, totaling one million Bitcoins, to be held securely for at least 20 years. The Act mandates a Proof of Reserve system for transparency, consolidates government Bitcoin holdings, and allows states to voluntarily store their Bitcoin in the Reserve. To offset costs, the Act reduces discretionary surplus funds of Federal Reserve Banks, uses a portion of their net earnings, and requires a gold certificate exchange. The Act also protects private property rights related to Bitcoin and modifies the Exchange Stabilization Fund to include Bitcoin.

The Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025 amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, allowing Village Corporations to reclaim land previously conveyed in trust to the State of Alaska for future Municipal Corporations if such corporations were never established. This reversion occurs upon request by the Village Corporation and village residents, granting the Village Corporation the title to the land, subject to existing rights and easements. The Act also eliminates the requirement for Village Corporations to convey additional land in trust for future Municipal Corporations after the Act's enactment. It clarifies land use provisions, the definition of "sale," and the use of net revenues from conveyed land for community needs.

The Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It excludes Settlement Trust interests and distributions from being considered when determining eligibility for certain needs-based programs for aged, blind, or disabled Natives or their descendants for 5 years. This change aims to ensure that vulnerable individuals can maintain access to essential benefits without jeopardizing their trust benefits.

The Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025 extends the deadline for eligible veterans to apply for land allotments. This amendment extends the program duration from five years to ten years, allowing more time for Alaska Native Vietnam War-era veterans to receive land allotments.

The "Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act" allows Alaska Natives in Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell to form Urban Corporations and receive settlement land under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It ensures these new Urban Corporations' shareholders remain eligible for distributions from the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska. The Act authorizes the conveyance of approximately 23,040 acres of federal land to each Urban Corporation and addresses land use considerations, including subsistence, recreation, and existing special use authorizations. It also enables the establishment of settlement trusts to support the health, education, and welfare of trust beneficiaries and preserve Native heritage.