Legislative Activity

This resolution designates May 10, 2025, as "World Migratory Bird Day" to recognize the ecological and economic importance of migratory birds. It aims to raise awareness about the threats these birds face and promote conservation efforts through education, community engagement, and international cooperation. The resolution encourages U.S. residents to participate in activities that support migratory bird conservation.

The "M. H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act" designates segments of the Gila River system in New Mexico as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, protecting them from development. It also modifies the boundaries of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Gila National Forest by transferring approximately 440 acres of land from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Interior. The Act ensures continued access for existing rights holders, such as grazing and water rights, and allows for native fish habitat restoration projects. It also preserves the jurisdiction of the State of New Mexico over its lands, fish, and wildlife, and does not alter treaty rights of any Indian Tribe.

The Buffalo Tract Protection Act withdraws approximately 4,288 acres of Federal land in Placitas, New Mexico from mining, mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to convey the surface estate of the land while the mineral estate remains with the United States.

The "Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act" aims to finish the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail within 10 years through a joint effort by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. This includes forming a Trail Completion Team to coordinate trail improvements, create a comprehensive development plan, and collaborate with various stakeholders. The Act emphasizes using voluntary easements to address trail gaps and partnering with volunteer groups, while ensuring no new land acquisition authorities are created.

The "Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act" renames an area to "Ro Grande del Norte National Monument" and designates approximately 12,295 acres of land in Taos County, New Mexico, as the "Cerro de la Olla Wilderness". It allows for maintenance of existing wildlife projects if wilderness values are enhanced and requires a cooperative agreement with New Mexico for wildlife management activities. The Act also updates the boundary of the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument.

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act amends Title 18 to restrict the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of specific gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (over 10 rounds), with exceptions for governmental agencies, Atomic Energy Act licensees, firearms legally owned prior to enactment, and transfers to immediate family members. The bill also allows Byrne grants to be used for buy-back programs for gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. It also directs the Attorney General to publish a list of prohibited firearms, establishes an application and appeals process for manufacturers, creates a Firearm Safety Trust Fund, and sets penalties for violations.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of devices that convert semiautomatic firearms into machine guns. It requires individuals who legally owned modified firearms before the enactment of the BUMP Act to register them. The act amends both title 18 of the U.S. Code and the Internal Revenue Code to include these devices under the regulatory scope of machine guns.

The Pecos Watershed Protection Act withdraws federal land in the Pecos Watershed area of New Mexico from mineral development and other public land laws. It also designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area, preserving it as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System while allowing for continued state jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management and existing livestock grazing.

The "Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic Act" renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to the Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic. This ensures all references to the clinic will reflect the new name.

This resolution recognizes and honors teachers who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification, highlighting their significant contributions to student learning and leadership. It acknowledges the rigorous standards required for certification and the positive impact these teachers have, especially in addressing learning loss. The resolution encourages increased support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification to further enhance educational quality. As of March 2025, there are 141,464 National Board Certified teachers.

The "Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" aims to settle all water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo within the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico. This will be achieved through the ratification and implementation of a settlement agreement between the Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and other parties, with the Secretary of the Interior authorized to execute the agreement and manage a trust fund of over $745 million for water infrastructure, restoration, and economic development. In exchange for these benefits, the Pueblo will waive certain past and present water rights claims. The Act outlines specific conditions for the agreement's enforceability, waivers, and the management of water rights and project funding.

This bill settles water rights claims for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia in New Mexico, ratifying agreements between the Pueblos, the state, and other parties. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to execute these agreements, establishes trust funds for water infrastructure and related projects, and defines the scope and protection of Pueblo water rights. The bill also outlines funding contributions from the federal government and the State of New Mexico, while requiring the Pueblos to waive certain claims in exchange for the settlement benefits. Ultimately, the goal is to resolve long-standing water disputes and promote economic development within the Pueblo communities.

The "Navajo Nation Rio San Jos Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" settles water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico's Rio San Jose Stream System. It ratifies an agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties, establishing a trust fund for water projects and infrastructure. The Act defines water rights, waivers, and releases of claims, and it addresses the rights of individual land allottees. It also authorizes the expansion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to include communities within the Rio San Jos Basin.

This bill settles water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe in New Mexico's Zuni River Stream System and safeguards the Zuni Salt Lake by establishing trust funds, clarifying water rights, and withdrawing federal lands from certain uses. It aims to resolve disputes, improve water infrastructure for the Tribe, and protect culturally significant areas, ensuring the Zuni Tribe has control over key lands and resources. The bill also defines land management practices and protects existing water rights of individual Native American landholders.

This resolution designates the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role of TCUs in providing culturally relevant education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. TCUs serve over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes by offering high-quality postsecondary education and workforce preparation. The resolution encourages the public to participate in activities and programs that support these institutions.

The "Apprenticeship Pathways Act of 2025" aims to increase apprenticeship opportunities for high school students by enabling the Secretary of Labor to contract with industry intermediaries. These contracts will support the development and expansion of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in high-need occupations, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, disconnected youth, and individuals with disabilities. Funds can be used for various support services, apprentice wages, educational materials, and equipment. The Act prioritizes industry intermediaries that focus on specific student populations and high-need school districts.