Legislative Activity

The Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress on current and emerging vehicular terrorism threats, including those involving autonomous vehicles, and outline strategies for prevention and response. This report will assess vulnerable locations, summarize actions taken by DHS and other agencies, evaluate stakeholder engagement, and provide recommendations for technology development and deployment. The goal is to enhance coordination between federal, state, local, and private sectors to mitigate vehicle-based threats while respecting individual rights and promoting public awareness.

The "Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act" prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from procuring batteries from specific foreign companies, primarily those with ties to China, starting in 2027. Waivers are permitted under certain conditions, such as lack of national security risk or use for research purposes, with congressional notification required. The Secretary of Homeland Security must report on the ban's impact on Department of Homeland Security operations and costs.

The Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025 mandates security inspections of foreign-made cranes used at high-risk U.S. ports, assessing and mitigating cybersecurity risks associated with these cranes. The Act prohibits the operation of new foreign cranes and, within five years, foreign software on cranes at U.S. ports, particularly those connected to a "covered foreign country". These covered foreign countries are identified as foreign adversaries by the intelligence community or the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence. The goal is to enhance port security and protect against potential cyber threats.

The "Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2025" prohibits federal funds from being used to procure solar panels manufactured or assembled by entities based in or controlled by the Chinese government, with a waiver option available under specific conditions. It mandates the development of standards and guidelines for executive agencies and requires amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement these prohibitions. Additionally, the Act requires a report from the Comptroller General on past solar panel purchases from covered entities and a study on the state of solar panel production, technology, and supply chains.

The Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act adds the area known as Osceola Camp to the Miccosukee Reserved Area, as depicted on a specified map. This map will be available for public viewing at the National Park Service offices and filed with Miami-Dade County and the Tribe. The law also directs the Secretary to take action within two years to protect structures in Osceola Camp from flooding, in consultation with the Tribe.