Legislative Activity

This act reauthorizes funding for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System. It extends the authorization of appropriations deadlines from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2028.

The Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and enhances federal support for local watershed restoration efforts through 2031. This legislation expands grant eligibility to include Indian tribes, increases funding caps for planning projects, and prioritizes communities facing significant impacts from drought and wildfires. Additionally, the bill streamlines program administration to improve access to technical assistance and project funding.

This resolution commemorates 35 years of independence for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, marking the end of Soviet rule in the region. It reaffirms the strategic importance of the United States' partnership with these nations in promoting regional stability, economic modernization, and global security. Furthermore, the bill underscores a commitment to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these Central Asian countries.

The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act aims to streamline the federal licensing process for hydropower projects by narrowing the scope of regulatory requirements. It mandates that conditions imposed for Indian reservations and fishway prescriptions must be directly linked to mitigating the specific adverse effects of the project in question.

The Small County PILT Parity Act seeks to update the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program by adjusting population thresholds for qualifying local governments. By lowering these figures and introducing a new payment calculation table, the bill aims to better support the unique financial needs of the nation's smallest counties.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Army to establish standardized, transparent procedures for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review applications related to non-Federal hydropower projects. By implementing clear checklists, phased timelines, and defined review scopes, the legislation aims to streamline the approval process and prevent unnecessary technical delays.

This resolution designates June 2026 as "Great Outdoors Month" to celebrate the vital role of outdoor recreation in the U.S. economy, public health, and quality of life. It encourages all Americans to participate in outdoor activities while emphasizing the importance of preserving access to these spaces for future generations.

This resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a pivotal event in American history that occurred in 1876. It honors the memory of all soldiers, scouts, civilians, and warriors who lost their lives in the conflict. Furthermore, the resolution encourages citizens nationwide to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument to mark this significant sesquicentennial.

This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision, celebrating the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and the return of abortion regulation to elected representatives. It affirms the right to life for the unborn and commits to supporting families and expectant mothers. The resolution also recognizes the role of pregnancy centers and advocates for laws protecting unborn life.

This bill, the Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act, proposes amending the Fair Labor Standards Act to exempt certain employees who primarily work in outdoor recreational outfitting or guiding services. This exemption would remove them from federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. The exemption applies only if the employer's main business is also providing these outdoor services.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

This bill strengthens protections for taxpayer information by significantly increasing both criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure. It raises maximum fines and prison time for willful disclosures and establishes new, severe penalties for IRS contractors who fail to safeguard confidential data. The legislation also increases the minimum civil damages available to individuals whose information is improperly disclosed.

This resolution officially designates May 2026 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. It aims to raise public awareness about the significant impact of brain tumors, which remain a leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults. The resolution calls for increased support for research to develop better treatments and improve outcomes for those affected.

The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act authorizes the construction of a major rural water project to secure a safe and adequate water supply for several counties in Montana and North Dakota. The bill authorizes $602 million in federal funding, covering up to 75% of planning, design, and construction costs, while preserving state authority over water rights. Furthermore, it mandates the Western Area Power Administration to supply necessary power for the system's operation at the firm power rate.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It aims to honor the lives of missing and murdered American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls and demonstrate solidarity with their families. The bill also calls for a new Department of Justice study to update statistics on this ongoing crisis.

This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant licensees of certain hydropower projects, licensed before March 13, 2020, an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction. This extension is available upon request and demonstration of good cause. The legislation also addresses projects whose original deadlines expired recently, allowing for reinstatement of the license before the extension period begins.

The Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act of 2026 significantly expands educational and training support for youth who have experienced foster care. This bill broadens eligibility, increases the maximum voucher amount to $12,000, and allows vouchers to cover a wider range of opportunities, including short-term training and remedial education. Furthermore, it mandates improved state efforts to inform eligible youth about these benefits and removes transportation barriers to participation.

The Montana Sportsmen Conservation Act releases three specific Wilderness Study Areas in Montana—Middle Fork Judith, Hoodoo Mountain, and Wales Creek—from further wilderness consideration. This action aligns land management with existing, recently updated resource management plans developed through collaborative processes. The bill allows for improved management of these lands, supporting sportsmen opportunities, public access, and conservation projects.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.

The Expanded Telehealth Access Act broadens Medicare coverage for telehealth services by adding several new types of healthcare practitioners, including audiologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, to the list of eligible providers. This legislation ensures these professionals can be reimbursed for delivering care remotely to Medicare beneficiaries. It also establishes payment rules for services provided by therapy assistants via telehealth.