Legislative Activity

The Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025 grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) new authority to address inadequate electric service by ordering utilities to keep existing power units operational for up to five years. This Act also mandates that power plant owners must provide at least five years' advance notice before permanently retiring a generating unit, with exceptions for catastrophic events. Crucially, compliance with a FERC service order supersedes conflicting federal, state, or local environmental laws, shielding utilities from related penalties.

The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025 makes technical corrections to the 2022 Camp Lejeune Justice Act to clarify standards for proving harm and venue for trials. This legislation sets specific caps on attorney fees and retroactively applies these changes to all existing and future claims filed under the original 2022 Act. The bill ensures that existing statutes of limitations for filing claims remain unchanged.

The Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act updates federal grants supporting high-quality charter schools by enhancing technical assistance for authorizing agencies. It establishes new educator-led experience requirements for entities receiving pre-charter planning subgrants. The bill also modifies the required allocation percentages for how state entities distribute these grant funds.

The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2025 aims to improve women's health after childbirth by clarifying Medicaid/CHIP coverage for essential pelvic health services. It mandates federal guidance for states on covering services like pelvic floor exams and physical therapy, alongside establishing a national education campaign for both providers and new mothers. The bill also directs the GAO to study existing coverage gaps for postpartum women under Medicaid.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding California's stringent motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation." By exercising disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, this measure prevents the EPA's decision on waiving federal preemption for these California standards from taking legal effect. If passed, the EPA's rule will be entirely canceled.

The Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act aims to increase the pay for certain Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees currently receiving the "Rest of US" locality pay rate. This bill mandates that their pay locality be adjusted to the nearest established locality offering a higher rate, provided it is within 200 miles of their worksite. This change is designed to ensure fairer compensation for these federal correctional staff.

This joint resolution expresses Congressional disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rule regarding California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" vehicle pollution standards. By rejecting this rule, Congress is effectively canceling the EPA's decision to grant California a waiver allowing it to set stricter emission standards than federal law typically permits. Consequently, the approved California standards will not take effect.

This bill prohibits males from participating in any athletic program or activity at the U.S. military service academies that is designated for women or girls. It mandates that sex in this context is defined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth. While males may practice with women's teams, they cannot displace female athletes from rosters, competition opportunities, or scholarships.

The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act aims to penalize jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as those that refuse to honor detainer requests or share immigration information, with an exception for protecting crime victims and witnesses. Furthermore, the bill makes these designated sanctuary jurisdictions ineligible for specific federal development and community improvement funds, such as EDA grants and CDBG funds. Cooperating local officers are granted liability protection when honoring valid federal detainer requests.

The No Passports for Terrorists and Traffickers Act mandates the denial or revocation of U.S. passports for individuals charged with or convicted of providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations. This measure grants the Secretary of State the authority to restrict travel for those deemed affiliated with terrorism. Exceptions exist for urgent humanitarian needs or safe return to the United States, and affected individuals retain the right to appeal the decision.

The Protect Children’s Innocence Act establishes federal penalties, including imprisonment, for knowingly performing genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on individuals under the age of 18. This law applies when interstate commerce is involved in the act, communication, or payment for the procedure. It explicitly prohibits religious or customary defenses for female genital mutilation and details specific medical exceptions, such as procedures necessary for a minor's immediate health. The bill defines the prohibited procedures broadly, covering female genital mutilation and surgeries intended to alter a minor's body to correspond with a different sex.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

This resolution officially recognizes the significant and growing contributions of independent workers, freelancers, and sole proprietors to the American economy. It highlights the substantial economic impact of this sector, which provides flexibility and opportunity for millions of Americans. Furthermore, the resolution expresses concern over potential legislation that could restrict the freedom and flexibility enjoyed by these independent workers.

The Locally Led Restoration Act of 2025 aims to streamline the process for third-party contractors to remove hazardous fuels from forests to prevent wildfires, emphasizing salvage requirements in those projects. Additionally, the bill updates the minimum dollar threshold for publicly advertising timber sales in national forests to account for inflation, raising it from $10,000 to $55,000. This new threshold will be automatically adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index moving forward. The Act also mandates a report to Congress five years after enactment detailing the outcomes of these new contracting procedures.

The END CELLS Act amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the introduction, possession, or transfer of unauthorized wireless communication devices in jails and prisons. This legislation establishes significant civil and criminal penalties for violations involving contraband electronics in detention facilities. The law specifically targets actions that violate existing federal or state rules regarding such devices within correctional settings. These new rules apply to all conduct occurring after the date the Act is officially enacted.

This resolution calls upon all Americans to observe Memorial Day, 2025, as a solemn occasion to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and peace. Congress recognizes the profound debt owed to these patriots who have died defending American values globally. The bill encourages a national expression of respect, pride, and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

This bill expresses the disapproval of Congress, under the Congressional Review Act, of a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rejected rule concerned the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the rubber tire manufacturing industry. As a result of this disapproval, the EPA's proposed standards will not take effect.

This resolution strongly condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. It specifically honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were tragically murdered while promoting peace. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and ensuring the vigorous enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom.

The Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 establishes a national, voluntary partnership—the Wildlife Confiscations Network—to coordinate the care and placement of illegally smuggled or confiscated wildlife. This network will utilize qualified animal care facilities to ensure seized animals receive proper triage, housing, and forensic documentation. The Act authorizes up to $5 million annually from Fiscal Year 2026 through 2030 to support this critical infrastructure.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.