Legislative Activity

The North American Energy Act streamlines the approval process for cross-border energy infrastructure projects, such as oil and natural gas pipelines and electric transmission facilities, by designating specific agencies to issue certificates of crossing within a defined timeframe. It removes the requirement for Presidential permits for these projects and aims to expedite the approval of natural gas import/export applications with Canada and Mexico. The Act excludes existing facilities and modifications to existing facilities from the new certificate requirements and sets a one-year effective date for key provisions, including rulemaking by relevant agencies.

The "Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act" requires the Secretary of the Interior to maintain a genetically diverse herd of at least 150 horses in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It directs the Secretary to develop a management plan within 120 days, ensuring cost-effective management without adverse impact on the park's resources. The Act restricts the removal of horses from the park, except for maintaining genetic diversity, emergencies, or protecting public health and safety, and mandates annual public reporting on the horse population's health and structure.

The North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2025 facilitates land exchange between the State of North Dakota and the Federal government to consolidate state trust lands and resolve land ownership issues, particularly within Indian reservations. This act allows North Dakota to relinquish land within reservations to the Department of Interior, and in return, select federal land of equal value. It outlines valuation methods for land exchanges, addresses existing leases and rights-of-way, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations and tribal treaty rights. The goal is to improve land management and economic development for both the State and tribal nations.

The Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 modifies loan amounts and terms available to farmers and ranchers. It increases the limits on farm ownership and operating loans, changes the calculation of inflation percentage, modifies the down payment loan program, and increases the microloan limit. The Act also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create regulations allowing certain Farm Service Agency-guaranteed loans to be refinanced into direct loans. Finally, the Act expresses the sense of Congress that Farm Service Agency loans should be fully funded.

The Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act modifies permitting requirements for oil and gas leases under the Mineral Leasing Act when the federal government owns a minority of the mineral rights in a drilling unit or when wells on non-federal land access federal mineral estates. It limits the Secretary of the Interior's authority to require permits to drill, bonds, land access, mitigation, or surface reclamation approvals in certain situations. The Act requires lessees to notify the Secretary of the Interior when submitting state drilling permits and provide access agreements for inspections. This act does not apply to Indian lands and does not affect royalty payments.

The "Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025" aims to bolster the air traffic control workforce by enhancing training programs, providing financial support to educational institutions, and improving mental health resources for controllers. It establishes an Enhanced-CTI grant program, promotes the use of Terminal Simulation Systems, and mandates the creation of a mental health training course for aviation professionals. The act also requires reports on airport surveillance technology and radar systems.

The "Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Museum Artifacts Act" authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant up to $50,000,000 to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation for establishing the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. The grant is contingent upon the Foundation securing $100,000,000 in matching funds from non-federal sources. The Act also allows the Secretary to loan federal artifacts and objects to the Foundation for use in the Library.

The "Air Guard STATUS Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of the Air Force to establish a permanent tuition assistance program for Air National Guard members. This program will utilize existing federal law to cover tuition and expenses for eligible members who meet specific training requirements. This standardization aims to unify tuition assistance benefits across all military services.

The GRID Power Act aims to improve the process for connecting new power projects to the electric grid, prioritizing those that enhance grid reliability and resilience. It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish rules that allow transmission providers to propose adjustments to their interconnection queue, giving priority to projects that improve grid reliability. These proposals must demonstrate the need for prioritization, explain how it will improve grid reliability or resilience, and be subject to public comment. FERC is required to review and update these regulations regularly to address evolving grid challenges.

This joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to prevent the rule's implementation.

This resolution congratulates the North Dakota State University Bison football team on their 2024 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title win, marking their 18th national football championship. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff, as well as the support from the university's leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and fans.