Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act, updating its structure and goals for another seven years. It establishes a diverse 14-member Commission to protect and restore the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region. The Commission will focus on science-based projects, collaboration with local and Tribal governments, and advising on ecosystem health without issuing regulations.

The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act of 2026 establishes a new grant program to fund local, state, and tribal entities in their efforts to locate, investigate, and disrupt illegal opioid distribution. The Attorney General, through the COPS Director, will award grants for hiring, training, equipment, and establishing or expanding multi-jurisdictional task forces. The legislation prioritizes support for Tribal law enforcement and task forces, authorizing $70 million annually from 2027 through 2031.

This Act aims to significantly bolster the nation's preparedness against seasonal and pandemic influenza threats. It establishes ambitious goals for rapid vaccine development, strengthens domestic manufacturing and supply chains for vaccines and diagnostics, and funds key public health programs. Furthermore, the bill focuses on increasing public access to vaccines and treatments while combating misinformation to build confidence in public health measures.

The AI Training for National Security Act mandates the integration of artificial intelligence cybersecurity challenges into the annual cybersecurity training for all Department of Defense personnel. This ensures the military and civilian workforce is prepared for emerging AI-related security threats. The Secretary of Defense has one year to update the required training materials.

The VA Transit Act establishes a five-year pilot program to award grants for improving public transportation services specifically for veterans. Administered by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the VA, these grants will fund projects that expand access to VA facilities and veteran-serving organizations across various geographic areas. Recipients must report on the impact of the funded services, and the Secretary will submit a final report on the program's results to Congress.

This bill establishes the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025 to create a new federal grant program supporting transportation needs for hosting major international sporting events. The program provides funding to state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments for eligible transportation projects within 100 miles of the event site. It also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide technical and planning assistance to ensure smooth movement of people and goods during these covered events.

The Patients Over Paperwork Act of 2025 aims to streamline healthcare by repealing recent changes to Medicaid eligibility redeterminations. This action effectively restores prior regulations concerning how beneficiaries' eligibility is reviewed. The bill focuses on reducing administrative burdens to prioritize patient care.

The Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2025 expands reproductive and fertility care for service members and veterans. Title I mandates comprehensive fertility preservation and treatment for active-duty personnel and their families. Title II formally establishes fertility treatment, counseling, and adoption assistance as covered benefits for eligible veterans through the VA. This bill aims to remove barriers and reduce financial burdens for military families seeking to start or expand their families.

This Act requires major airlines to develop and maintain detailed operational resiliency plans to minimize passenger disruption from future events like severe weather or system failures. These plans must address staffing, technology, and emergency response procedures. The Secretary of Transportation will ensure these plans are created, and the Comptroller General will later audit their effectiveness.

The PROTECT Act of 2025 enhances Tribal sovereignty by formally recognizing Tribal courts as competent jurisdictions under federal laws governing electronic data requests, such as the Stored Communications Act. It also expands the scope of offenses over which Tribal courts have jurisdiction, specifically including defined controlled substance and firearms offenses on Tribal lands. Furthermore, the bill ensures that offenders convicted under this expanded Tribal jurisdiction can participate in the Bureau of Prisons Tribal Prisoner Program.