Legislative Activity

The "Strengthening America's Turning Point Act" renames Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park. This act mandates that all references to the park in federal documents, maps, laws, and regulations be updated to reflect the new name.

The "Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act" establishes the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area, encompassing 14 counties in New York, as part of the National Heritage Area System. The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is designated as the local coordinating entity, tasked with submitting a management plan to the Secretary of the Interior within three years. The Act terminates the Secretary of the Interior's authority to provide assistance 15 years after enactment.

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to produce gold and silver coins to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum’s establishment. The coin designs will represent the courage, sacrifice, and strength of those affected by the attacks. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be donated to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance. The Act ensures that the coin minting will result in no net cost to the federal government.

The Fire Island AIDS Memorial Establishment Act allows for the creation of the Fire Island AIDS Memorial within the Fire Island National Seashore to honor and remember residents of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, New York, who suffered and died from AIDS. The Pines Foundation is authorized to establish and maintain the memorial, with the Secretary of the Interior's approval on design and location. No federal funds will be used for the Memorial.

The Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2025 establishes a program to conserve and restore forests by providing financial and technical assistance to eligible entities for purchasing forest land easements from private and tribal landowners, as well as allowing the Secretary to purchase forest reserve easements. This program aims to protect natural resources, promote sustainable forest management, and support socially disadvantaged landowners, while also allowing landowners to participate in environmental services markets. The Act also repeals the Healthy Forests Reserve Program, but ensures the validity and continuation of existing agreements under that program, and authorizes $100 million to be appropriated annually from 2025 through 2029 to carry out the Act.

The "Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act" directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to set mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in light electric vehicles and e-bikes, referencing existing industry benchmarks. Revisions to these standards will be automatically recognized unless the Commission objects. The Commission is required to report to Congress on safety incidents involving these batteries in micromobility products.

The "Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes key programs dedicated to the Long Island Sound's health. It extends the Long Island Sound Grants program and the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006 through 2029, ensuring continued support for restoration and conservation efforts. The bill also corrects a technical error in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act related to the Long Island Sound.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 expands access to mental health evaluations, refines the criteria for healthcare provider credentialing, and clarifies enrollment calculations for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. It also adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026-2090, ensuring adequate resources for the program by considering enrollment numbers and increasing funding by 7% annually, with a possible 25% increase in 2026. Finally, the Act mandates a report to Congress on the program's long-term budget needs and potential funding adjustments.

The African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act facilitates the establishment of a museum at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. This museum will serve as a memorial and educational center dedicated to those enslaved and buried at the site, as well as other enslaved Africans and African Americans. The Act outlines the acquisition of property, the planning, design, and construction of the museum, and its operation in collaboration with the National Park Service and other entities. It also establishes an Advisory Council to guide the museum's development and administration.

The African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Study Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground National Monument. The study will assess the suitability of the museum to serve as a memorial to enslaved Africans, examine African cultural traditions, explore the history of slavery, and provide space for exhibits and research. It will also analyze potential collections, community support, and the best entity to operate the museum, and consider the optimal location within the National Monument. A report on the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within three years of funding availability.

The First Responders Wellness Act aims to improve mental health support for first responders by establishing a national hotline providing peer support, crisis intervention, and referrals for mental health and substance use issues. It also expands crisis counseling and training to emergency responders during major disasters and requires a report on best practices for on-site mobile healthcare services for responders during national disasters.

The "Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act" mandates that dairy manufacturers report detailed production costs and product yield information to the Department of Agriculture. The Secretary of Agriculture will then publish a report, starting three years after the Act's enactment and every two years thereafter, containing the collected production cost data. This aims to provide greater transparency in milk pricing.

The "Tax Fairness for Survivors Act" exempts from federal income taxes any monetary judgments, awards, or settlements received relating to sexual assault or sexual harassment claims. This includes both lump sum and periodic payments. The bill ensures survivors are not further burdened by taxes on compensation intended to help them recover. These amendments will apply to taxable years beginning after the enactment of this Act.

The "Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025" aims to protect postal workers by allocating funds for high-security collection boxes and electronic mailbox keys. It mandates the appointment of dedicated attorneys to prosecute crimes against postal employees and directs the Sentencing Commission to update guidelines to ensure that assaulting or robbing a postal worker is treated as severely as assaulting a law enforcement officer.

The "Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act" establishes a new National Historical Park to preserve and interpret the story of the Fort Ontario refugee shelter. The park will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior, who can acquire land through donation, purchase, or exchange, and is required to create a management plan for the park within 3 fiscal years. Cooperative agreements with state, public, and private entities may be formed to aid in the park's interpretive and educational services.