Legislative Activity

The Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act aims to accelerate geothermal energy development on federal lands. It streamlines environmental reviews for specific, small-scale geothermal exploration projects by exempting them from standard "major Federal action" requirements under NEPA. Furthermore, the bill mandates the designation of "geothermal leasing priority areas" and establishes specific environmental review protocols to expedite leasing decisions in those zones.

The One Subject at a Time Act mandates that all introduced legislation must focus on a single, clearly described subject. This law ensures bills have accurate titles and prevents unrelated provisions from being attached to spending measures. Violations of these focus and title requirements can lead to parts, or even the entirety, of a law being voided upon legal challenge.

This bill amends the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing rights-of-way can be used to convey water for aquifer recharge purposes by state, local, or tribal entities. It establishes a 30-day notification requirement to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) before using these existing access routes. The clarification ensures this flexibility does not authorize new infrastructure or waive compliance with other applicable federal laws.

The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires manufacturers to clearly disclose if an internet-connected device, such as a smart speaker, has a built-in camera or microphone before purchase. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these disclosure rules as unfair business practices. This law specifically excludes standard personal electronics like phones and laptops from these new requirements.

The Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025 aims to accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet infrastructure on federal lands. This is achieved by exempting certain broadband projects within established rights-of-way from major environmental reviews under NEPA and historic preservation reviews. Essentially, the bill streamlines federal authorization processes for providers installing necessary broadband infrastructure.

The CLEAN Act aims to expedite geothermal energy development by requiring the Department of Interior to hold replacement lease sales if scheduled ones are canceled, offer all eligible nominated parcels for geothermal development, and make timely decisions on geothermal drilling permit applications.

This bill disapproves and nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. The rule aimed to expand E-Rate funding to support internet access for students at home. By disapproving the rule, the bill prevents the FCC from implementing this expansion of the E-Rate program.

The "MAILS Act" aims to improve communication between the Postal Service and local communities regarding the relocation or establishment of post offices. It mandates a formal process for local officials to request new post offices and requires the Postal Service to gather community input, provide detailed notifications to local officials, and offer public presentations before any temporary relocation lasting more than two days. Additionally, for extended relocations, the Postal Service must report to Congress on communication compliance and reasons for extending the relocation period.

This bill nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3." By disapproving the rule, the bill prevents the EPA from enforcing stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

The ATF Transparency Act aims to make the firearm application process more transparent and efficient. It allows applicants to appeal denied firearm transfer applications, potentially recoup attorney fees if successful, and prevents application delays by mandating automatic approval if the Secretary doesn't decide within 90 days. The Act also requires reports and agreements related to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to improve its administration and minimize unresolved inquiries.

The "Keep Every Extra Penny Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude overtime compensation, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, from an individual's gross income, effectively making overtime pay tax-free. This exclusion aims to provide financial relief to workers who earn overtime pay.