Legislative Activity

The Help Hoover Dam Act allows the Secretary of the Interior to use specific funds for activities related to the Hoover Dam, including maintenance, cleanup, and improvements. These funds are recovered on a non-reimbursable basis and can be used for the Boulder Canyon Project at Hoover Dam or associated lands. The Secretary must consult with Boulder Canyon Project contractors, as defined in the Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2011, regarding these activities.

The Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense Act (NEDD Act) expands the Secretary of Energy's authority, allowing exemptions from prohibitions on procuring or operating unmanned aircraft systems from foreign entities, including the use of federal funds. It grants authority to determine classified tracking usage and accounting exceptions. This expansion aims to bolster the protection of nuclear facilities and assets from potential threats posed by unmanned aircraft.

This bill empowers Nevada's tribes by transferring federal lands into trust, supporting tribal economic development and self-governance. It also focuses on land management in Clark County, promoting conservation, streamlining land disposal for public purposes like affordable housing, and supporting essential infrastructure projects. Additionally, the bill modifies wilderness area designations, introduces new protected areas, and facilitates land conveyances to local governments for public safety, watershed protection, and other community needs. Finally, it addresses flood control, erosion, and recreational areas, while reaffirming state authority over fish and wildlife management.

The Military and Educational Data Integration Act mandates a process for State educational agencies to access certain Armed Forces data of individuals who graduated high school in their state, including education level, test scores, and military service details. This data sharing initiative aims to integrate military data into state education systems while adhering to strict confidentiality and data security standards to protect individual privacy. The goal is to provide states with comprehensive data to better understand and support the educational and career pathways of their graduates.

The STEAM Act amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, expanding NEPA review to cover exploration and development of geothermal resources. This ensures geothermal projects are subject to the same environmental review processes as oil and gas projects.

The "Physicians for Underserved Areas Act" amends the Social Security Act to improve how Medicare-funded medical residency slots are redistributed when a hospital closes. The bill prioritizes redistribution to hospitals most likely to quickly utilize and fill these slots, particularly those demonstrating the capacity to start using the slots within two years and fill them within five years. These changes aim to ensure residency positions are effectively used to train physicians and address healthcare needs in underserved areas. The amendments apply to hospital closures occurring on or after the date of the Act's enactment.

The "Keep Our PACT Act" aims to increase funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) between 2026 and 2035. This bill would mandate specific funding levels for these programs, gradually increasing the investment in education for disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. It designates these funding increases as emergency requirements, ensuring they are prioritized within the federal budget. The goal is to fulfill the federal government's commitment to supporting states in providing quality education for all children.