Legislative Activity

The Workforce Data Enhancement Act mandates the creation of a comprehensive, nationwide system for collecting, analyzing, and publicly sharing detailed workforce data, including information on wages, job openings, and remote work. It also establishes a grant program to help states improve and integrate their local workforce data systems. The legislation emphasizes strict privacy protections while ensuring data is accessible, standardized, and machine-readable for better labor market analysis.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to disapprove a rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. By nullifying the Bureau's withdrawal of "Bulletin 2015-07," this measure effectively restores the original guidance regarding the in-person collection of consumer debt.

The Geo POWER Act establishes a milestone-based demonstration program to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation geothermal energy technologies. By providing innovative financing for projects in challenging geological regions, the bill aims to reduce financial risks, generate public data, and catalyze private investment in geothermal electricity production.

The Responsible Containment Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the federal authorization for the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. By removing the current expiration date, this legislation ensures the continued oversight and management of radioactive mill tailings.

The Orbital Sustainability Act of 2025 (ORBITS Act) aims to reduce dangerous space debris by establishing a government-backed program to fund and demonstrate technologies for active debris removal. The bill also mandates the update of U.S. orbital debris mitigation standards and promotes the creation of uniform practices for space traffic coordination. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of access to space for government and commercial activities.

The Water Project Navigators Act establishes a Department of the Interior program to provide grants for hiring "navigators." These navigators will assist communities and organizations in developing and applying for funding for multi-benefit water projects. The program prioritizes support for rural, Tribal, and disadvantaged communities to increase their capacity for securing water project funding.

This resolution expresses support for designating 2026 as the "Year of Math" in the United States. This designation coincides with the U.S. hosting the International Congress of Mathematicians. The goal is to increase the visibility of mathematical sciences and highlight their critical role in STEM, national security, and everyday life.

The Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries (ASCEND) Act establishes a permanent NASA program to systematically purchase and distribute commercial Earth observation data and imagery. This initiative aims to cost-effectively acquire data to complement NASA's scientific needs and broaden its availability to researchers. The legislation ensures that data acquired can be freely published for scientific purposes and mandates regular reporting on vendor agreements and data usage.

The Family Vaccine Protection Act formally establishes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in law, requiring its vaccine recommendations to be based strictly on the preponderance of the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence. It mandates that the CDC Director adopt these recommendations unless they can scientifically justify a deviation, with any contrary action requiring public justification and notification to Congress. Furthermore, the bill institutes a new scientific evidence standard for any changes made to the list of covered injuries within the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The Investing in All of America Act of 2025 amends the Small Business Investment Act to redefine "private capital" for Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) by excluding direct government funding when calculating leverage. The bill also adjusts the maximum leverage amounts available to single and commonly controlled SBICs. Finally, it expands the ability for SBICs to exclude certain investments in targeted areas, such as low-income or rural businesses, from their leverage calculations.

The Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2025 aims to protect federally funded astronomical research from interference caused by satellites and spacecraft. It establishes a Center of Excellence to foster cooperation between federal agencies and private industry in developing voluntary best practices for mitigating optical and radio interference. This Center will conduct research, test mitigation techniques, and share findings to ensure clear skies for scientific observation.

The Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the FCC to assess how the availability of network equipment impacted the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability. This assessment must use currently available data and does not impose new reporting burdens on telecommunications providers. The bill also includes technical corrections to update cross-references within the relevant section of the Act.

The Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs submit an annual report detailing the causes and manner of death for deceased veterans for five years. This report must include specific data points, such as service-connected disability ratings and primary/secondary causes of death. The goal is to provide Congress with comprehensive data on veteran mortality trends.

The SPACEPORT Act updates federal grant programs to modernize and expand space launch infrastructure across the United States. It revises eligibility criteria for applicants and grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to waive standard funding limits when deemed in the national interest. Furthermore, the bill mandates comprehensive reports to Congress assessing national space transportation needs and suggesting future policy to maintain U.S. competitiveness.

The Native American Entrepreneurial and Opportunity Act of 2025 establishes a new Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA). This office will focus on strengthening relationships with Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations to better direct SBA resources toward their economic growth. It aims to improve access to capital, contracting, and entrepreneurial development programs specifically for Native communities. The Act ensures leadership with relevant cultural expertise will oversee these efforts and coordinate assistance across federal agencies.

The Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy (VET) Artificial Intelligence Act aims to foster trust and adoption of AI by establishing voluntary technical guidelines for testing and validating AI systems based on risk. This legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create these guidelines, which will cover safety, privacy, and transparency. Furthermore, the Act establishes an advisory committee to recommend qualifications for entities performing these AI assurance checks and mandates a study on the capacity of current assurance providers.

This bill reauthorizes and modernizes the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program through 2031 with increased annual funding. It shifts the program's focus toward integrating advanced technologies, such as machine learning and integrated modeling, for more accurate snowpack and water supply predictions. The legislation also refines reporting requirements to detail the application and outcomes of these new measurement technologies across various river basins.

The Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2025 expands medical benefit authority under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. This legislation allows certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to prescribe, recommend, or order necessary care, appliances, and supplies for eligible employees. This change ensures that qualified NPs and PAs can manage the medical needs of benefit recipients within their state's scope of practice.

This bill, the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act, reauthorizes and extends the existing Colorado River System conservation pilot program. It pushes back key deadlines for the program, allowing it to continue operating for an additional two years. The legislation also updates the official naming reference within the program's description.

The NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act establishes a new office within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) dedicated to developing national policy for the internet and communications technology. This office will focus on fostering innovation, competition, and digital inclusion while coordinating cybersecurity and privacy guidelines through multistakeholder processes. Its core mission is to advise on and advocate for policies that enhance network security and resilience across the digital economy.