Legislative Activity

The Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025 reinforces the independence of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from political pressure. This bill explicitly prohibits the FCC from taking punitive action against broadcasters based solely on the viewpoints or opinions they air. It ensures that broadcast licenses and business transaction approvals cannot be conditioned on changing content or political speech. However, this protection does not shield broadcasters from enforcement actions related to fraud, obscenity, or incitement to lawless action.

The Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act expands the list of water-related rebates and subsidies that homeowners do not have to count as taxable income. This change specifically covers payments received from public utilities or governments for installing water conservation, storm water management, or wastewater management improvements. These modifications apply to subsidies received after December 31, 2021.

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act focuses on land conservation and management in Colorado. It expands wilderness areas, protects wildlife corridors, and addresses land use issues within the White River National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the San Juan Mountains region. The bill also withdraws the Thompson Divide area from mineral and geothermal leasing while establishing the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This legislation aims to balance wilderness preservation, recreational use, wildlife protection, and responsible energy development, while also safeguarding existing land uses and tribal rights.

The "Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of the Interior to regularly report to Congress on the state of global critical mineral and rare earth element resources, including identifying resources controlled by foreign entities of concern. It also requires establishing a process for U.S. individuals to notify the government when divesting stock in foreign critical mineral operations, and directs the development of a strategy to collaborate with allied countries on advanced mining and processing technologies. The goal is to ensure the U.S. and its allies have secure access to these critical resources.

This resolution celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Denver International Airport. It recognizes the airport's contributions and importance to the city. The anniversary will be recognized on February 28, 2025.

This resolution condemns the U.S. delegation's vote against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine, which aligned the U.S. with Russia and other autocratic regimes. It criticizes the failure to identify Russia as the aggressor and demands collaboration with Ukraine and European allies in future UN efforts. The resolution reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of 529 education savings accounts for expenses related to postsecondary credential programs. These programs include workforce training, professional certifications, and licenses. This change expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and testing fees associated with recognized postsecondary credentials. The bill aims to make workforce training and professional certifications more accessible and affordable.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month, acknowledging the historical injustices and significant contributions of African Americans to the United States. It recognizes Black History Month as a time for reflection, commemoration, and learning from the past. The resolution encourages the celebration of Black History Month and emphasizes the importance of moving forward as a united nation with liberty and justice for all.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

The Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., the first African-American astronaut candidate, in recognition of his achievements and contributions to art and Black history. The Act instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal. It also allows for the production and sale of bronze duplicates to the public and specifies that these medals are national and numismatic items.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The "Protect the West Act of 2025" establishes an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund to provide grants and support restoration projects on federal and non-federal lands, with the goal of improving forest health, watershed function, and wildlife habitat. It creates a Restoration Fund Advisory Council to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on fund distribution and project prioritization. The act also establishes a Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program to implement restoration projects in designated areas, and it allocates significant funding for these initiatives, emphasizing job creation, community involvement, and ecological integrity.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The Simplifying Subcontracting Act requires prime contractors to use plain language when soliciting subcontracts, making it easier for small businesses to understand the solicitations. Prime contractors must confirm they will use plain writing in solicitations and include this requirement in all subcontracts. Failure to comply requires the contractor to issue a new solicitation in plain writing within 30 days. The Small Business Administration will issue regulations to implement these requirements within 90 days.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act" amends existing legislation to allow research and extension grants for land-grant institutions to study and promote ungulate grazing land management techniques for wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery on both public and private lands. This includes researching the economic benefits and increasing social support for these activities while ensuring compatibility with practices that protect against adverse environmental effects and improve soil health. The act also focuses on sharing this information through educational materials and outreach programs for landowners, land managers, and livestock owners.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

The Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 provides compensation to individuals and businesses who suffered damages from the 2015 Gold King Mine spill and whose claims were previously denied or not fully compensated by the EPA. This Act allows the EPA Administrator to investigate and settle these claims, using Colorado state laws to calculate damages, and establishes a process for claimants to challenge the Administrator's decision in court. The bill also allocates $3.3 million for claim payments. Acceptance of payment under this act releases the United States from any further liability related to the Gold King Mine spill.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.