Legislative Activity

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

The "Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act" prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from implementing or enforcing minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. It also establishes an advisory panel to assess and provide recommendations on strengthening the nursing home workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and to address workforce shortages. The panel will be composed of 17 members and will submit regular reports to the Secretary and relevant committees.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

The "Fair SHARE Act of 2025" introduces a tax on electric vehicles and heavy battery modules to support the Highway Trust Fund. Effective January 1, 2026, the act levies a $1,000 tax on each electric vehicle and a $550 tax on battery modules exceeding 1,000 pounds. Revenue generated will be allocated to the Highway Trust Fund. The bill aims to ensure that electric vehicle users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the nation's road infrastructure.

The "Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025" temporarily waives distance requirements for certain rural community hospitals seeking critical access hospital designation, provided they participated in a demonstration program as of the enactment date. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a section of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 does not apply to critical access hospitals.

The She DRIVES Act mandates immediate updates to federal motor vehicle safety standards by requiring the use of new crash test dummies, specifically incorporating both male and female dummies in front and side impact tests. This legislation aims to improve vehicle crashworthiness by basing new injury criteria on real-world data that better reflects diverse body types. Furthermore, the bill establishes a roadmap for the Department of Transportation to continuously review and adopt more advanced testing devices used internationally.

The "Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act" enhances the existing paid family and medical leave credit by allowing the credit to be calculated based on wages paid or total premiums paid for qualifying insurance policies. It modifies eligibility criteria for both employers and employees, and requires outreach programs to increase awareness of the credit. This bill also ensures that employers cannot deduct the portion of paid premiums equal to the credit amount.

The Amtrak Transparency Act amends Title 49 of the U.S. Code, modifying requirements for Amtrak's Board of Directors meetings, including quorum rules, public notice for meetings, and annual meetings with state transportation heads. It mandates public disclosure of discretionary bonuses paid to officers and non-bargaining unit employees. Additionally, Amtrak must disclose vendor agreements over $250,000 to states or State-Amtrak Committees for state-supported route services upon request.