Legislative Activity

This bill updates the definition of a federal firefighter under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to potentially include those with wildland firefighting experience or those who transitioned into supervisory roles. It allows current federal firefighters to receive credit for past service time that previously didn't count due to stricter definitions, provided they meet new criteria and repay the required retirement contributions with interest. This aims to ensure more federal firefighters receive accurate service credit toward their retirement benefits.

The Safer Response Act of 2025 aims to enhance first responder preparedness by updating the Public Health Service Act. This legislation modifies existing training programs to include broader medical countermeasures and increases funding for these critical services through fiscal year 2030. The bill focuses on ensuring first responders have access to necessary, legally marketed treatments for overdose situations.

The Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act establishes a grant program to allow law enforcement agencies to hire retired officers for specialized, non-arrest support roles, such as training and investigative assistance. This funding requires rigorous background checks for the retired personnel and mandates annual audits by the Department of Justice Inspector General to ensure accountability. Agencies with unresolved audit findings face exclusion from future funding, while the Attorney General must report on grant distribution and potential funding overlaps to Congress.

The Gas Prices Relief Act of 2025 institutes a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline tax, including the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate, for the entirety of 2025. To maintain the solvency of related trust funds, the Treasury will transfer equivalent amounts from the general fund into the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. This legislation strongly directs that the resulting savings must be immediately passed on to consumers at the pump.

The Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2025 establishes a new Demonstration Program to combat the invasive golden mussel through prevention, control, and eradication efforts across infested waters. This Act mandates the creation of comprehensive management plans and sets up a competitive grant program to fund research and develop new removal technologies. The goal is to coordinate federal, state, and local partners to effectively manage and contain the spread of this aquatic nuisance.

The Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program to fund national organizations in developing comprehensive, out-of-school workforce readiness programs for youth aged 6 to 18. This Act aims to boost employment opportunities by connecting youth education and training with employer needs through community partnerships. Furthermore, it strengthens youth voices by mandating the reestablishment and integration of Youth Councils within local workforce boards to advise on training and readiness initiatives.

The Safeguarding Our Levees Act mandates a strict 180-day deadline for the government to begin emergency repairs on flood control projects following a natural disaster, upon request from local sponsors. This legislation also modifies the cost-sharing formula for these emergency restoration efforts between federal and local entities. The goal is to significantly speed up the restoration of vital flood defenses.

The Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act establishes liability for sellers of certain decommissioned commercial vessels that sink after being transferred for recreational use. Generally, the seller is responsible for cleanup and related expenses if the vessel sinks in U.S. waters. This liability does not apply if the vessel is small/new or if the buyer secures insurance covering the initial 12 months post-sale.

The Ending Drug Trafficking in Our Communities Act extends critical funding for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program through fiscal year 2031. This legislation also mandates that the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy actively identify and implement promising, evidence-based practices to improve drug trafficking investigations and inter-agency information sharing. The goal is to ensure the HIDTA program utilizes the most effective strategies nationwide to combat drug trafficking.

The Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to bolster the nation's wildfire response capabilities. It focuses on increasing the skilled workforce through new training academies and grants, improving federal firefighter support and retirement benefits, and enhancing public health protections against wildfire smoke via a new national alert system. Finally, the Act streamlines disaster recovery aid and advances predictive technology through centralized risk mapping and data centers.

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.