Legislative Activity

The DRIVE Act prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from issuing any new rules that would mandate speed limiting devices on commercial motor vehicles. This legislation prevents the federal government from setting a maximum speed cap for eighteen-wheelers through future regulations.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2025, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It highlights the severe crisis of violence, homicide, and human trafficking disproportionately affecting American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. The bill calls for national recognition of this day to honor victims and urges the Department of Justice to conduct an updated study on the crisis. Ultimately, it acknowledges ongoing efforts while emphasizing that more action is urgently needed to address this national tragedy.

The JOBS for Success Act of 2025 aims to boost employment and economic opportunity by expanding access to essential job training, supportive services, and benefits for workers. This legislation focuses on creating pathways to stable careers and improving overall workforce readiness.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

This bill authorizes the mining of specific Federal coal reserves in Musselshell County, Montana, for one year. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to approve the existing Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification within 30 days to facilitate this mining. The authorization applies to approximately 800 acres under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988.

The GAZA Act proposes to amend immigration law to make individuals holding passports issued by the Palestinian Authority inadmissible to the United States. This means they would be barred from receiving visas, admission, or parole into the country.

The Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025 provides a comprehensive framework to resolve long-standing water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community while authorizing critical infrastructure investments for both the Fort Belknap and Blackfeet Reservations. This legislation secures reliable water supplies, rehabilitates aging irrigation and wastewater systems, and facilitates land transfers to support tribal economic development and public health. By settling these claims and funding essential utility projects, the act ensures long-term water stability for tribal communities and regional water users across Montana.

The Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act bans the importation of specific Russian-origin minerals, including platinum group metals, nickel, and copper, into the United States. This prohibition begins 90 days after enactment and remains in effect until one year after the President certifies that Russia has ceased all fighting against Ukraine. Crucially, the President has no authority to waive this specific ban.

The "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow more flexibility for health plans covering telehealth services. This act ensures that offering telehealth services without a deductible does not disqualify a health plan as a high-deductible health plan. These provisions aim to expand access to remote healthcare services by reducing financial barriers. The changes will take effect for plan years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025" allocates $150 million from 2025-2029 to improve public access to private lands for recreational purposes. A portion of the funds, $3 million, will be used to specifically enhance access to land covered by wetland reserve easements through agreements with state and tribal governments.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Supporting Made in America Energy Act" mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a minimum number of oil and natural gas lease sales annually for both onshore and offshore lands, including specific requirements for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska regions. It extends the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico until December 31, 2035, and sets deadlines for preparing subsequent oil and gas leasing programs. The Act also restricts the President's authority to pause or impede Federal energy mineral leasing processes without congressional approval.

The "Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act" eliminates an administrative fee charged under the Mineral Leasing Act, which will likely increase the amount of revenue states receive from mineral leasing on federal lands. It also makes necessary technical and conforming changes to other related laws, such as the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, to reflect the elimination of this fee.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

The A PLUS Act empowers states and local communities to take greater control of federal education funding by reducing administrative red tape and allowing for the consolidation of various programs. By opting into this flexibility, states can better tailor educational reforms to their specific needs while remaining publicly accountable for student achievement. The legislation ensures that states continue to uphold civil rights protections and provide transparent reporting on student progress to parents and taxpayers.

The Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025 ensures that the estates of deceased veterans and survivors receive their full VA pension payment for the month in which they pass away. By updating federal law to allow benefits to continue through the end of the month of death, this legislation prevents the retroactive clawback of funds and provides families with essential financial stability during a difficult time.

The Crow Revenue Act facilitates a land and mineral exchange between the Crow Tribe of Montana, the Hope Family Trust, and the federal government. This legislation enables the Tribe to acquire mineral interests within the Crow Reservation while providing the Hope Family Trust with federal land and mineral interests in Musselshell County. Additionally, the Act ensures that these transactions do not negatively impact the Tribe’s eligibility for other federal benefits or services.

The Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2025 prohibits institutions of higher education from receiving federal funding if they host or are affiliated with campus clinics that provide abortions or abortion-inducing drugs. To remain eligible for federal support, institutions must submit annual certifications confirming their compliance with these restrictions. The bill also includes provisions to protect compliant institutions from conflicting state-level penalties.

The Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act prohibits performing an abortion when the procedure is motivated by a prenatal diagnosis or the possibility that the unborn child has Down syndrome. The bill establishes criminal penalties and civil liabilities for providers who violate this prohibition, while explicitly protecting the pregnant woman from prosecution or civil action. Additionally, the legislation mandates reporting of suspected violations and links compliance to federal funding eligibility.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act makes the 20% pass-through business deduction permanent by removing its scheduled expiration date. This legislation ensures that owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations can continue to benefit from this tax relief indefinitely.