Legislative Activity

The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act restricts the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill establishes a federal process for determining which specific firearms are banned and makes it illegal to possess magazines holding more than 10 rounds manufactured after the enactment date. Furthermore, it allows states to use federal Byrne grant funds to establish buy-back programs for these prohibited items. Violations of the new prohibitions carry significant fines and potential prison sentences.

The Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of devices or modifications that significantly increase the firing rate of semiautomatic firearms to mimic machinegun function. Existing owners of such modified firearms must register them within 120 days of enactment to maintain lawful possession. This legislation updates federal law by classifying these rate-of-fire-enhancing modifications as regulated items under the National Firearms Act.

The Pecos Watershed Protection Act withdraws specific federal lands in New Mexico from development, mining, and mineral leasing to protect the watershed. The bill also officially designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area. This new wilderness area will be managed under the Wilderness Act, while preserving existing rights for wildlife management and authorized livestock grazing.

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to the **Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic**. The Act ensures that all official records and documents will use this new designation moving forward.

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 Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025 resolves long-standing water rights disputes by ratifying comprehensive agreements between the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia, the State of New Mexico, and local water users. This legislation authorizes over $1.3 billion in federal and state funding to support critical water infrastructure, economic development, and long-term water security for the region. By securing these water rights and requiring the waiver of past legal claims, the bill provides essential stability and certainty for all water users in the basin.

The **Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025** provides a final, equitable settlement of all water rights claims for the Navajo Nation within the Rio San José Stream System. The Act ratifies a comprehensive settlement agreement among the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other local water users, while establishing a dedicated trust fund to support water infrastructure and management. By formalizing these rights and providing federal funding, the legislation ensures long-term water security for the Nation while protecting the rights of other water users in the region.

This bill ratifies the Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Agreement to achieve a final resolution of the Pueblo's water rights claims in the Rio Chama Stream System. It establishes a federal Trust Fund, capitalized with $745 million, to support the implementation of the agreement and water infrastructure projects. In exchange for the recognized water rights and benefits, the Pueblo and the United States must waive most past and present water rights claims against each other in the stream system. The settlement becomes legally effective only upon the completion of several key actions, including court approval and necessary legislative enactments.

The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 ratifies a comprehensive agreement resolving the Zuni Tribe's water claims in the Zuni River Stream System through defined water rights and federal funding for infrastructure. Title I establishes two dedicated trust funds totaling $685 million to support water projects and operations. Title II withdraws nearly 93,000 acres of federal land around the Zuni Salt Lake from mineral development and places certain parcels into trust for the Tribe, ensuring cultural and water resource protection.

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 establishes a federal program to expand access to apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for secondary school students in high-need occupations. By partnering with industry intermediaries, the Act provides funding for training, wraparound support services, and wage subsidies to help students gain workforce experience. The program prioritizes outreach to underserved populations, including disconnected youth, students in high-poverty areas, and individuals with disabilities.