Legislative Activity

The Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety Act of 2025 (PIPES Act) significantly updates federal pipeline safety by authorizing appropriations through FY 2029 and expanding regulatory oversight to include carbon dioxide pipelines. The bill focuses on improving workforce development, mandating transparency for outstanding safety rules, and establishing new grant programs for community infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, it directs numerous studies on critical areas like composite materials, geohazards, and the costs of pipeline failures to inform future safety standards.

The FEMA Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency to lead a unified, all-hazards approach to national emergency management. The bill enacts sweeping reforms across Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Mitigation programs to accelerate recovery, streamline funding, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for disaster survivors and communities. Furthermore, it mandates significant new transparency measures, including public data reporting and GAO oversight, to ensure accountability for federal disaster spending.

The Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act establishes stricter requirements for temporarily converting former railroad rights-of-way into public trails. It mandates landowner approval, financial guarantees, and comprehensive public review, including a cost-benefit analysis, before interim trail use can be certified. Furthermore, the bill requires periodic review of existing trail corridors and creates an advisory committee to recommend maintenance standards for trail sponsors.

The **Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill that authorizes funding and sets personnel goals for the Coast Guard through 2029 while enacting sweeping organizational reforms. Key changes include establishing a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, significantly increasing accountability and reporting requirements for major acquisitions, and modernizing policies related to merchant mariner credentials and sexual assault response. The legislation also mandates numerous GAO studies to assess infrastructure needs, healthcare quality, and overall operational efficiency across the service.

The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act is a comprehensive bill designed to stabilize and strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure across the nation. It achieves this by permanently enhancing Medicare payment structures for rural hospitals, reducing regulatory burdens, and establishing new grant programs to foster innovative care delivery models. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to ensure the financial viability of these essential providers and improve access to care for rural beneficiaries.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital role of elementary and secondary school teachers in strengthening the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States. It designates the week of May 5 through May 9, 2025, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. The bill encourages public awareness and respect for the teaching profession and its essential contributions to the nation.

The USPS SERVES US Act aims to reform postal operations by linking annual rate increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) minus 0.5% and establishing penalties for service failures. The bill also creates an independent Office of the Customer Advocate within the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to represent public interests. Furthermore, it mandates stricter procedures for service changes and overhauls how retiree health benefits funds are invested.

This bill establishes the **Southwestern Power Administration Fund** as a dedicated account within the U.S. Treasury to consolidate all revenues and existing balances of the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA). The Fund will finance the SWPA's operational costs, including facility maintenance and new construction. The Secretary of Energy is authorized to use these funds for approved purposes, even ahead of annual appropriations, with excess funds being returned to the Treasury.

This bill allocates $23,290,035 from the House of Representatives' funds to cover the expenses of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 119th Congress, including staff salaries. It sets spending limits for two sessions and mandates that all payments be made through vouchers signed by the Chairman and approved by the Committee on House Administration. Additionally, all funds must be spent in accordance with the regulations set by the House Administration Committee.

The Pony Up Act mandates the USPS to compensate citizens for late fees on bills when delays are attributable to the Postal Service, not external factors. It also requires the USPS to provide an annual report to Congress on mail delivery delays, including data on presorted mail and potential prioritization of certain mail types. Additionally, the Postal Service Inspector General must audit and report on whether the USPS prioritizes mail delivery under agreements over other mail of the same class.