Legislative Activity

The ANCHOR Act requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) Director to develop a plan to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, including assessments of needs, costs, and opportunities for shared solutions. The plan will address network capabilities for scientific missions, cybersecurity recommendations, and a spending plan involving multiple stakeholders. The Act allows the Director to support cyberinfrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades to the fleet, and requires a progress report on the plan's implementation.

The "Save Our Sequoias Act" aims to protect giant sequoia groves from wildfires, insects, and drought by streamlining environmental review processes for emergency response projects, establishing a collaborative coalition, and creating a reforestation strategy. This act directs the Secretary to create agreements, assessments, and strike teams to address threats to giant sequoias on both public and National Forest System lands. It also establishes grant programs and amends existing laws to support these efforts, including stewardship contracting and good neighbor agreements. Finally, the act authorizes appropriations for these protection and restoration activities.

The MACH Act allows NASA to establish the "Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics Program" to facilitate testing opportunities for high-speed aircraft technologies, while ensuring alignment with existing research roadmaps and collaboration with other agencies like the Department of Defense and the FAA. The Act requires NASA to develop a strategic plan and submit regular reports to Congress on the program's activities and progress. It also prohibits NASA from collaborating with entities or countries of concern on these technologies.

The ACERO Act directs NASA to leverage its technology and expertise to enhance aerial wildfire response capabilities through research and development. It aims to improve aircraft technology, data sharing, and coordination among wildfire response teams, establishing a platform for real-time situational awareness. The Act generally prohibits NASA from procuring drones from covered foreign entities, with a national interest waiver option, and requires annual reports to Congress on its progress. Fifteen million dollars is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 to carry out the act.

The "Clergy Act" allows clergy members to revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage, making them eligible for benefits. To revoke the exemption, clergy must file an application by the due date of their second tax year after December 31, 2027, with the revocation taking effect in either the first or second tax year after that date. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Social Security, must submit a plan to Congress on how to inform clergy about this new option.