Legislative Activity

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.

The Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act (ARTIST Act) creates specific exemptions under federal law for Alaska Natives residing on the coasts of the North Pacific or Arctic Oceans. This bill defines authentic Alaska Native handicrafts made using traditional skills and allows coastal Natives to take marine mammals for subsistence or to create and sell these authentic crafts. Furthermore, the Act prohibits states from restricting the import, sale, or possession of marine mammal ivory or bone incorporated into these certified Alaska Native handicrafts.

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.