Legislative Activity

The MERICA Act of 2025 amends the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands by updating existing definitions and adding a specific definition for "Hardrock mineral." This legislation explicitly brings hardrock mineral deposits, including base and precious metals, under the purview of the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands. The bill modifies Section 3 to include hardrock minerals alongside existing covered resources.

This bill, the District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act of 2025, changes the appointment process for the D.C. Attorney General. It transfers the authority to appoint the Attorney General to the President of the United States, with the appointee serving at the President's pleasure. The current Attorney General's term will immediately end upon the law's enactment.

This bill prohibits the Secretary of Defense from awarding or renewing software source code contracts with entities that have specific ties to a "covered country," such as operating AI research facilities or allowing source code access to that nation. The restriction aims to safeguard sensitive technology by limiting defense contracts with certain foreign-linked companies. The Secretary may waive this prohibition if deemed necessary for U.S. national security interests.

The Flexible Acquisition of Software Technology (FAST) Act grants the Secretary of Defense new authority to streamline how the Department of Defense (DoD) purchases and modifies software and data to support its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This allows the DoD to acquire necessary technology through flexible methods, such as Software as a Service (SaaS) and Data as a Service. The Secretary must establish new regulations to govern these modernized procurement practices for AI technology.

The Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025 mandates the creation of a Federal Cyber Workforce Development Institute to centralize and standardize cybersecurity training for federal employees. Led by the National Cyber Director, this Institute will develop modular, hands-on training aligned with the NICE framework for current and incoming cyber staff, including HR personnel. The resulting plan must detail curriculum, delivery methods, and necessary resources, though the Act itself does not authorize new appropriations.

The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Defense prioritize competition, security, and interoperability when procuring Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing services. It establishes strict rules to prevent vendors from using government data to improve their commercial AI products without explicit authorization. Furthermore, the bill requires annual reporting to Congress on market competition, innovation barriers, and the use of any granted security exemptions.

The REG Budgeting Act of 2025 establishes a system requiring the OMB Director to set annual caps on the total new, unfunded regulatory costs agencies can impose on the public. Any proposed limit that results in a net increase in these costs requires Congressional approval to take effect. The Act mandates strict reporting and review processes, allowing affected parties to challenge agency rules that violate these new cost control provisions.

The Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act significantly increases penalties for fraud targeting essential systems like power grids and communication networks, mandating decades-long prison sentences. Furthermore, it requires the President to impose strict sanctions, including asset freezes and entry bans, on foreign persons who knowingly access U.S. critical infrastructure to harm national security. The bill grants the President authority under IEEPA to enforce these measures, with specific reporting requirements to Congress.

The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act ensures that specialized local government entities, known as special districts, are explicitly recognized as eligible recipients for federal financial assistance. This legislation mandates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue clear guidance on recognizing these districts for grants and loans. The goal is to standardize how federal agencies distribute financial aid to these essential local service providers.

The SAFE Supply Chains Act restricts the Department of Defense (DoD) from purchasing covered IT hardware and embedded software unless it comes directly from the original equipment manufacturer or an authorized reseller. This measure aims to secure federal technology supply chains by eliminating purchases from unapproved third-party vendors. The Secretary of Defense may request a waiver for mission-critical or scientific research needs, provided they notify Congress and certify the product is not sourced from a foreign adversary. The DoD must also report annually to Congress on the use of these waivers.

This bill mandates a comprehensive, independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction therapy provided to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) versus non-VA providers. The study will assess outcomes, treatment methods, coordination, and patient experience across various care settings. The final report will be submitted to Congress and made public to inform future quality improvements.

The Kairo Act of 2025 mandates that all federally funded child care and early learning providers establish a "Parents Bill of Rights." This bill must clearly outline parents' rights to access crucial facility records, inspection reports, and video evidence related to their child. Providers must distribute these rights to all parents and face consequences for non-compliance.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow the production tax credit and investment tax credit for offshore wind facilities placed in service in the inland navigable waters or coastal waters of the United States. It specifically restricts eligibility for the Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit and the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit for these projects. These changes will take effect for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow both the production tax credit and the investment tax credit for offshore wind facilities placed in service in the inland navigable waters or coastal waters of the United States. These changes will be effective for energy produced and property placed in service after December 31, 2025.