Legislative Activity

The Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025 aims to improve workforce readiness for youth aged 6-18 through out-of-school programs. It establishes a grant program for community-based organizations and partnerships to develop and implement comprehensive workforce readiness programs, including career pathway support, work experiences, and occupational skill training. The Act also reestablishes youth councils within local workforce development boards to represent youth interests and advise on youth workforce development strategies. Finally, the Act allocates $100,000,000 annually from 2026-2030 to fund the program.

The "Safeguarding Our Levees Act" amends the Flood Control Act of 1941, mandating the Secretary to initiate repairs on flood control projects within 180 days of a request from a non-Federal sponsor. It also sets the federal share of expenses at 25 percent of the difference,aiming to expedite levee repairs after natural disasters.

The Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act holds individuals who transfer ownership of commercial vessels for recreational use accountable for expenses if the vessel sinks in U.S. waterways, including damages, removal costs, pollution cleanup, and water intake repairs. This liability applies unless the vessel is smaller than 35 feet or less than 40 years old, or the recipient has sufficient insurance coverage.

The "Ending Drug Trafficking in Our Communities Act" reauthorizes the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program through 2031 with $400 million in annual funding. It directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy to identify and share promising practices to improve the program's effectiveness. These practices focus on linking drug trafficking to overdoses, improving information sharing on drug-related firearm crimes, and implementing evidence-based substance use prevention strategies.

The Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2025 aims to enhance wildfire management and support communities by focusing on workforce development, firefighter support, mitigating public health impacts from wildfire smoke, and improving fire mitigation and technology. This includes establishing training programs, expanding benefits for firefighters and their families, creating a national smoke monitoring system, and streamlining access to resources for wildfire risk reduction and recovery. The Act seeks to bolster the wildland fire workforce, improve interagency coordination, and provide timely assistance to those affected by wildfires.

The AI Accountability Act directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to study and report on accountability measures for AI systems, focusing on their use in communication networks, digital inclusion, risk reduction, and the definition of "trustworthy" AI. It also requires the Assistant Secretary to gather public feedback and report on what information about AI systems should be available to the public and how to best disseminate it. The act aims to promote responsible AI development and deployment by ensuring accountability and transparency.

The "Stop the Delta Tunnel Act" prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from issuing a permit for the Delta Conveyance Project, a proposed water diversion project in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This effectively halts the project as it is currently designed.

The "Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2003. This extension continues the program aimed at the eradication and control of nutria populations. The act is extended through 2030.

The "American CANS Act" amends the Tariff Act of 1930, mandating that country-of-origin labels for canned agricultural products be clearly displayed on the front label or top of the can. This aims to increase consumer awareness of the source of their canned goods. The updated labeling requirements will apply to imported agricultural products 18 months after the law is enacted.

The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2025 aims to increase access to quality child care, particularly in child care deserts, by providing grants to States and Tribal entities. These grants support the development and expansion of the child care workforce through education and training programs, as well as the construction, expansion, or renovation of child care facilities, including licensed family child care homes. The Act authorizes $100 million in appropriations from 2025 through 2031 for these initiatives.

The Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025 seeks to expedite payments to local fire departments for fire suppression cost share agreements. It mandates federal agencies to establish standard payment timelines, revise existing agreements for compliance, and ensure alignment with cooperative fire protection agreements. The bill aims to reimburse local fire departments promptly, ideally within one year of fire suppression activities.