Legislative Activity

The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act establishes a new, increasing schedule of authorized appropriations for key Impact Aid programs through fiscal year 2031. This legislation specifically sets funding levels for federal property acquisition, basic payments to heavily impacted school districts, payments for children with disabilities, and construction activities. The goal is to gradually increase federal support for these essential educational services.

The INSPECT Act of 2025 mandates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) place a full-time, resident inspector at every permanently shut-down commercial nuclear power plant. This inspector will oversee the decommissioning process and the transfer of spent nuclear fuel into dry storage. The resident inspector remains on site until all spent fuel has been moved into secure dry canisters.

The Fighting Fibers Act of 2025 mandates that all new washing machines sold in the U.S. starting in 2030 must include a microfiber filtration system effective at capturing particles no larger than 100 micrometers. The bill also requires clear consumer labeling regarding the filter's maintenance. Furthermore, the EPA Administrator is directed to conduct a comprehensive nationwide study on the sources, pathways, and health impacts of microfibers, reporting findings to Congress within one year of enactment.

The Uncheck the Box Act prohibits political committees from automatically enrolling donors into recurring contribution plans based on pre-checked boxes or inaction. Donors must provide explicit, affirmative consent to establish any recurring donation. Furthermore, committees accepting these funds must provide clear receipts detailing future payments and easily accessible cancellation instructions.

The NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025 establishes a new office within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dedicated to facilitating public involvement in NRC proceedings. This office will provide educational, legal, and technical assistance to the public and advocate for public interest within the agency. Furthermore, the Act authorizes the NRC to reimburse reasonable public participation costs in significant proceedings for those facing financial hardship.

The Service Member Housing Relief Act temporarily adjusts the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) calculation by lowering the temporary cap on rate increases from 20 percent to 15 percent. Additionally, the bill permanently removes an outdated provision related to the BAH calculation structure. This legislation aims to modify housing allowances for members of the uniformed services.

The Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025 expands the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children program to cover periods when schools are closed or operating remotely. This ensures children receive benefits covering breakfast, lunch, and a snack for every day during these closures, starting in 2025. The bill also updates federal cost-sharing for state administrative expenses and establishes new grants to help states upgrade their data systems for the expanded program.

The Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act permanently prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any new oil or gas leases within the Southern California Planning Area. This measure specifically bans all exploration, development, and production authorizations in the region defined by the September 2023 leasing program. The Act ensures long-term protection for the Southern California coast against new offshore drilling activities.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act of 2025 overhauls federal coastal protection by establishing a new Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program focused on protecting high-value lands and restoring damaged areas, with priority given to vulnerable low-income communities. The bill also significantly expands the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, mandating the designation of at least five new sites and bolstering research efforts focused on climate change adaptation. Furthermore, it establishes new requirements for non-governmental partners and updates funding authorizations through fiscal year 2029.

This bill aims to significantly accelerate renewable energy development on public lands by raising the national production goal to 60% by 2030 and streamlining planning and permitting processes. It establishes designated "priority areas" for solar, wind, and geothermal projects while updating environmental reviews to expedite approvals. Furthermore, the legislation modifies revenue sharing for states and counties and creates a new fund dedicated to conserving and restoring natural resources impacted by these energy developments.

The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 expands Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to National Guard members performing specific full-time duties. This expansion applies to service performed on or after September 11, 2001. The changes will take effect one year after the enactment of this Act, with the time limitation for using educational assistance applied as if enacted immediately after the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

The "Spent Fuel Prioritization Act of 2025" amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, changing how the Energy Secretary prioritizes accepting high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Priority is given to waste from decommissioned reactors, reactors in densely populated areas, areas with high earthquake risk, and areas with national security risks due to continued on-site storage. This aims to address the most urgent risks associated with storing nuclear waste.

This bill allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart after 9/11 to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members. It outlines the terms of benefit usage, including age limits for children, and what happens to the benefits in the event of the veteran's or dependent's death. The Department of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Defense, will create regulations for this program.

The Prevent Family Fire Act of 2025 introduces a tax credit for manufacturers, set at 10% of revenue (up to $400), from the sale of safe firearm storage devices, excluding those integrated into firearms or subject to recall. This credit, effective for sales until 2032, aims to encourage responsible gun storage by offsetting the cost of devices secured by combination, key, or biometric locks. The Treasury Secretary will oversee credit recapture and report annually on credit claims by state. This credit can be applied against regular income tax as well as alternative minimum tax.