Legislative Activity

This bill settles water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe in New Mexico's Zuni River Stream System and safeguards the Zuni Salt Lake by establishing trust funds, clarifying water rights, and withdrawing federal lands from certain uses. It aims to resolve disputes, improve water infrastructure for the Tribe, and protect culturally significant areas, ensuring the Zuni Tribe has control over key lands and resources. The bill also defines land management practices and protects existing water rights of individual Native American landholders.

This bill settles water rights claims for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia in New Mexico, ratifying agreements between the Pueblos, the state, and other parties. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to execute these agreements, establishes trust funds for water infrastructure and related projects, and defines the scope and protection of Pueblo water rights. The bill also outlines funding contributions from the federal government and the State of New Mexico, while requiring the Pueblos to waive certain claims in exchange for the settlement benefits. Ultimately, the goal is to resolve long-standing water disputes and promote economic development within the Pueblo communities.

The "Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" aims to settle all water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo within the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico. This will be achieved through the ratification and implementation of a settlement agreement between the Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and other parties, with the Secretary of the Interior authorized to execute the agreement and manage a trust fund of over $745 million for water infrastructure, restoration, and economic development. In exchange for these benefits, the Pueblo will waive certain past and present water rights claims. The Act outlines specific conditions for the agreement's enforceability, waivers, and the management of water rights and project funding.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

The "Navajo Nation Rio San Jos Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" settles water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico's Rio San Jose Stream System. It ratifies an agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties, establishing a trust fund for water projects and infrastructure. The Act defines water rights, waivers, and releases of claims, and it addresses the rights of individual land allottees. It also authorizes the expansion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to include communities within the Rio San Jos Basin.

The Accelerating Broadband Permits Act aims to speed up the deployment of broadband infrastructure by improving how federal agencies track and manage communications use applications. It mandates better data collection and requires agencies to analyze and report on any delays that cause applications to miss established processing deadlines. Furthermore, the bill updates the definition of a "major project" for broadband infrastructure to include projects over $5 million that require National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review.

The Digital Integrity in Democracy Act removes Section 230 immunity for large social media platforms that intentionally or knowingly host false information regarding election administration logistics. This legislation establishes a strict timeline for platforms to review and remove such objectively false content upon receiving a complete complaint. Failure to comply with these removal requirements subjects platforms to significant financial penalties enforceable by the Attorney General, State officials, or affected candidates. The Act specifically excludes content attacking political candidates or parties from this definition.

The SHOPP Act of 2025 expands nutrition incentives under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) by allowing states to include fresh or fresh frozen fruits and vegetables as eligible items for year-round matching funds. This legislation also broadens the definition of "produce" within the program to explicitly include legumes alongside fruits and vegetables. The goal is to increase access to a wider variety of healthy food options for program participants.

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to protect equines, such as horses, by prohibiting their slaughter for human consumption. This bill seeks to prevent the inhumane treatment of horses and ensure they are not processed for human food products.

The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive practices in electronic and small-dollar lending. It requires small-dollar lenders to register with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, ensures state laws apply to online and national bank loans, and restricts the distribution of sensitive financial information. The Act also expands consumer control over bank accounts by limiting remotely created checks and overdraft fees on prepaid accounts. Finally, the Act mandates a study on the impact of small-dollar lending on economic opportunity for Native American tribes.

The "Kids Access to Primary Care Act of 2025" extends and expands a provision requiring Medicaid to pay primary care providers at least the same rate as Medicare, ensuring more healthcare professionals are adequately compensated for their services. It broadens the types of providers covered and mandates that managed care entities meet these payment standards. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study comparing the number of children enrolled in Medicaid before and after the change, the number of healthcare providers receiving Medicaid payments for primary care before and after the same change in the law, and healthcare provider payment rates for primary care services under Medicaid across states after the change.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month, acknowledging the historical injustices and significant contributions of African Americans to the United States. It recognizes Black History Month as a time for reflection, commemoration, and learning from the past. The resolution encourages the celebration of Black History Month and emphasizes the importance of moving forward as a united nation with liberty and justice for all.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

The "CATCH Fentanyl Act" mandates pilot projects to evaluate advanced technologies, including AI, for detecting contraband, illegal drugs, weapons, and human smuggling at U.S. land ports of entry. These projects aim to enhance inspection efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve existing detection equipment. The Act requires reports to Congress on the effectiveness, impacts on privacy and civil liberties, and recommendations for implementing new technologies, while forbidding new funding appropriations.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 expands the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to include damage from wildfires and other conservation measures. It allows producers and landowners to receive advance payments to cover costs for repairs, replacements, or restoration. The bill extends the deadline for completing these measures to 180 days and ensures that damage from wildfires, including those spread by natural causes or caused by the Federal Government, is eligible for payment.

The "Equal COLA Act" amends title 5 of the United States Code to equalize cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annuities under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It adjusts FERS annuities annually based on the percentage change in the price index, ensuring parity in COLA benefits for retirees under both systems. This adjustment applies retroactively and prospectively to annuities covered by section 8462.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the misuse of xylazine by classifying it as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, mandating its tracking, and directing the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. It also requires reports to Congress on the prevalence, trafficking, and misuse of illicit xylazine. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to accommodate legitimate animal uses of xylazine.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" aims to lower prescription drug costs by setting annual cost-sharing limits. Starting in 2026, individual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000, and family expenses at $4,000 under qualified health plans. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The act also ensures that group health plans adhere to cost-sharing limits set by the Affordable Care Act.