Legislative Activity

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer specific parcels of federal land in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). The transfer is generally made without monetary consideration, contingent on SCF using the land exclusively for health care and related services. Furthermore, the Act shields SCF from liability for pre-existing environmental contamination on the conveyed property.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan." By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this action immediately nullifies the BLM's submitted rule. Consequently, the Central Yukon Resource Management Plan will not take effect as a regulation.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove the Bureau of Land Management's rule regarding the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision. If enacted, this disapproval would prevent the submitted rule from taking effect.

The Public Lands Military Readiness Act of 2025 extends the military withdrawal period for key training lands in Alaska, New Mexico, and California until 2051. This legislation also corrects the official acreage descriptions for the McGregor Range and Fort Irwin military lands. The bill ensures continued federal land availability necessary for Department of Defense training operations.

This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow for the importation of polar bear trophies from sport hunts in Canada. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for trophies legally harvested before specific dates in 1997 or 2008. These provisions apply even if the polar bear was later listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

The Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act of 2025 mandates that the EPA require a cold weather operability additive in diesel fuel between November and March to prevent fuel gelling above 5°F. Additionally, the Act allows manufacturers to temporarily suspend emissions-related engine shutdowns below 32°F when necessary for safety or essential transport. It also grants year-round exemptions from Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system requirements for vehicles operating in extremely cold or high-latitude regions.

The Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act clarifies federal law regarding authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft. This bill amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to permit the possession and sale of these handicrafts, even if they contain nonedible migratory bird parts. The exception applies unless the bird part was taken illegally or wastefully. The Act also requires the State Department to establish procedures with treaty partners to reflect this clarification.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan. By utilizing the Congressional Review Act process, this action invalidates the BLM's recently finalized decision. Consequently, the disapproved rule will have no force or effect.

The Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025 clarifies and updates the process for land held in trust by the State of Alaska for the establishment of Native village municipal corporations under ANCSA. This Act allows Village Corporations to reclaim land previously conveyed into trust if a municipal corporation was never formed, subject to existing public rights-of-way. Furthermore, it eliminates any future requirement for Village Corporations to convey additional land for the purpose of establishing these municipal entities.

The Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act temporarily changes eligibility rules for certain federal assistance programs for aged, blind, or disabled individuals. For five years following enactment, distributions or interests from a Settlement Trust will not count against an individual when determining their eligibility for these specific benefits. This aims to ensure that Alaska Natives receiving trust distributions can still qualify for necessary aid.

The Save our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act ensures that sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii receive adequate Medicare reimbursement for outpatient services. If standard payments fall below 94% of the hospital's actual costs, Medicare must increase the payment to cover the difference. This targeted financial support is exempt from budget neutrality requirements to stabilize essential remote healthcare access.

The Safety from Aerial Technology (SAT) Act permits pipeline owners and operators to utilize drones and satellites for required surface condition inspections along pipeline rights-of-way. This modernizes inspection methods by allowing aerial technology instead of relying solely on ground crews. However, the use of these aerial systems must still comply with all existing drone and satellite operation regulations.

This bill amends the Small Business Act to eliminate the requirement that recipients of certain construction contracts must award subcontracts to businesses located within the county or state of performance. By repealing this outdated rule, the legislation removes a geographic restriction on subcontracting for small businesses awarded these contracts. This change aims to provide greater flexibility in awarding construction subcontracts.

The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the air traffic control pipeline by improving the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and establishing new grants for participating colleges. The bill also funds new training equipment and creates financial incentives to both encourage trainees to complete their certification and retain experienced controllers. Finally, it mandates improvements to mental health support for controllers and requires a report on the future of airport radar safety systems.

The DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act formalizes collaboration between the Department of Energy and NASA on critical research and development projects. This bill authorizes the two agencies to jointly pursue advancements in areas like advanced propulsion, quantum technology, and fundamental science through competitive awards. The coordination aims to leverage the unique capabilities of both agencies to achieve shared mission goals and requires a public report on progress two years after enactment.

The BITCOIN Act of 2025 establishes a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to secure and manage government-held Bitcoin, viewing it as a national asset for financial stability. The Act mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to initiate a five-year program to purchase 1,000,000 Bitcoins for long-term holding. Furthermore, it institutes strict public proof-of-reserve requirements and explicitly protects the private property rights of individuals to own and control their own Bitcoin.