Legislative Activity

The FIRE Act reforms how the EPA handles air quality data affected by wildfires and prescribed burns under the Clean Air Act. It establishes clearer standards for states to exclude wildfire-related air quality data from regulatory decisions, focusing on causality rather than event predictability. The bill also updates regulations regarding air quality data influenced by actions taken to mitigate wildfire risk, such as prescribed fires.

This bill establishes an interagency strike force to ensure federal land management agencies prioritize and expedite the review of requests for communications use authorizations. The strike force will set goals, monitor progress, and report to Congress on its effectiveness in speeding up broadband deployment reviews on federal lands.

The "Stop Pills That Kill Act" aims to combat the distribution of counterfeit fentanyl and methamphetamine by restricting the interstate shipment of related drug paraphernalia. The legislation mandates the creation of a comprehensive DEA response plan, including targeted youth prevention strategies and public awareness audits. Additionally, it requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress detailing federal enforcement efforts, seizures, and prosecution data regarding these dangerous substances.

The National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program Reassignment and Funding Reform Act of 2026 transfers the NTER Program from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement within the Department of Homeland Security. This legislation ensures the program is better aligned with its mission of supporting non-federal partners by shifting its management and prohibiting the use of National Intelligence Program funding. The act mandates a seamless transition of operations and requires regular progress reporting to Congress.

This bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and submit a comprehensive plan for reorganizing and realigning the Department's Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach (ELO) Office. The reorganization aims to eliminate redundancies and strategically integrate essential functions into the Intelligence and Analysis (IA) office's Partner Engagement directorate. This realignment is intended to improve management, centralize communication, and enhance accountability in relationships with key law enforcement partners.

The Veterans Burial Allowance and Reimbursement Act of 2026 standardizes and updates burial benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation increases the burial and funeral expense allowance for veterans who died from a service-connected disability to a flat rate of \$2,000. It also raises the plot allowance for veterans interred in private cemeteries to \$1,000.

The Advanced Wound Care and Regenerative Medicine Access and Reform Act overhauls Medicare payment for skin substitute products, establishing a new fixed payment system starting in 2026 and ensuring consistent reimbursement across all outpatient settings. It also introduces enhanced program integrity measures, including prepayment reviews and prior authorization for high-volume providers. Finally, the bill mandates the FDA to review and streamline the approval process for certain human cell and tissue-based regenerative medicine products while maintaining safety standards.

The State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act mandates that states adopt a new federal standard for electric reliability in their utility planning processes. This standard requires utilities to ensure the availability of generation facilities capable of continuous, reliable operation, especially during emergencies. The bill also directs the GAO to report on the past effectiveness of state integrated resource planning in maintaining sufficient reliable generation.

The "No Fentanyl on Social Media Act" mandates the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and report on how minors access fentanyl through social media platforms. This report, developed with key agencies, will detail the prevalence, risks, and methods used by sellers to distribute fentanyl to minors online. Ultimately, the legislation seeks recommendations for Congress on effective measures to curb this dangerous access.

This Act allows state and local election offices the option to prioritize hiring veterans and individuals with disabilities for election work. It also permits election offices to hire nonresident spouses or dependents of active-duty military members serving away from home, without requiring local residency.

The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act of 2025 establishes several new grant programs managed by the Attorney General to address the fentanyl crisis. These grants will fund local law enforcement efforts to stop social media drug sales, support non-profit organizations in running public awareness campaigns, and equip officers to safely handle fentanyl exposure. The Act specifically allocates funds for enforcement, education, and officer protection related to the dangers of fentanyl.

This resolution celebrates the 60th anniversary of Medicaid while addressing significant concerns over projected spending increases. Congress commits to protecting the program from waste, fraud, and abuse to ensure its long-term viability for vulnerable populations. The bill emphasizes the ongoing partnership between federal and state governments in supporting essential healthcare access.

The Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025 declares attracting investment from trusted private companies a national priority to boost U.S. competitiveness and security. The bill mandates a comprehensive review by the Commerce Department and GAO to assess how the U.S. can better attract this foreign direct investment while countering threats from state-backed entities, particularly those connected to China. The ultimate goal is to strengthen domestic supply chains and technological leadership by streamlining investment from reliable partners.

This resolution formally condemns the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, carried out by an individual who was in the U.S. illegally. It uses this incident to call for stricter vetting of visa applicants and the swift removal of aliens who violate their visa terms. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the critical importance of communication between federal and local law enforcement agencies to prevent future acts of terrorism.

This resolution formally denounces the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, carried out by an individual who entered the U.S. illegally. It uses this event to emphasize the critical need for stricter vetting of visa applicants and improved cooperation between state and federal law enforcement agencies. The bill also specifically criticizes Colorado's sanctuary state laws for hindering immigration enforcement efforts. Ultimately, it affirms the importance of open communication between all levels of law enforcement to prevent future acts of terrorism.

The BELO'S Act, or Benefits that Endure for Lifetimes Of Service Act, expands eligibility for free lifetime passes to federal recreation lands. This change grants passes to qualifying survivors who receive specific federal death benefits related to military service members who have died. The bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to include these eligible survivors.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 3344 11th Avenue in Evans, Colorado. The facility will now be known as the "Deputy Samuel Kent Brownlee Post Office." This action ensures the building is formally recognized under its new designation.

The State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act mandates that electric utilities must update their long-term energy plans to guarantee a minimum of ten years of reliable power availability. This reliability is defined by requiring power sources to generate electricity continuously for at least 30 days, supported by sufficient on-site or contracted fuel supplies. State regulators must review and adopt this new reliability standard within two years, though prior consideration of the standard may exempt them from these deadlines.

The Law Enforcement Support and Counter Transnational Repression Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to create a public service announcement campaign educating the public and international allies about transnational repression and related terrorism threats, including resources for victims. It also requires research and development of technologies to support law enforcement in countering transnational repression while protecting constitutional rights. "Transnational repression" is defined as actions by a foreign government or its agents to coerce, harass, threaten, or retaliate against a person or their family in the U.S. or against a U.S. person.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress in support of designating a specific week in April 2025 as "National Water Week." The bill emphasizes the critical need for clean, safe drinking water and sanitation access across all U.S. communities, including rural and Tribal lands. It highlights the importance of federal investment in water infrastructure, research, and addressing challenges like aging systems and supply chain issues. Ultimately, this is a symbolic measure to raise awareness about vital water issues without enacting new laws or funding.