Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The resolution affirms the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an essential and independent federal entity. It recognizes the USPS's critical role in the economy, its service to millions of Americans, and its importance to veterans and communities. The resolution expresses the Senate's opposition to privatizing the USPS, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and negative impacts on e-commerce and infrastructure.

The "Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for investments in hydroelectric facilities made to improve fish passage, water quality, sediment transport, dam safety, public access, and removal of obsolete river obstructions. This credit, equal to 30% of the investment, aims to incentivize the maintenance, enhancement, and restoration of hydroelectric facilities and river ecosystems. The bill also includes provisions for elective payments and the transferability of these credits, further encouraging investment in qualifying projects. It applies to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

The BAH Restoration Act seeks to restore the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover 100% of housing costs for service members. This bill amends title 37 of the United States Code, ensuring that the monthly BAH for uniformed service members matches the full cost of adequate housing in their area based on pay grade and dependency status, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

The "Mining Schools Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to strengthen domestic mining education by awarding up to 10 grants annually to mining schools. These funds can be used for student recruitment, enhancing mining programs, and reducing reliance on foreign energy and mineral resources. A newly established Mining Professional Development Advisory Board will recommend grant recipients and amounts to the Secretary of Energy. The act also repeals the Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act and authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated each year from 2026 to 2033 to fund the grant program.

This bill permits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant extensions, up to six years, for commencing construction on hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020. These extensions, in increments of up to two years, are available to licensees who demonstrate good cause. The bill also allows FERC to reinstate expired licenses under certain conditions, with the extension period calculated from the original expiration date.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.

This bill eliminates the requirement for small businesses with government contracts under the Small Business Act to award construction subcontracts within the same county or state as the primary project. This change broadens the geographic area from which these small businesses can choose subcontractors.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to help first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers, become homeowners. It allows 100% financing (no down payment) for first-time homebuyers who qualify and eliminates monthly insurance premiums. The bill defines eligibility criteria, including housing counseling, employment requirements, and good standing as a first responder. It also authorizes appropriations for the program and requires reauthorization after 5 years.

The "Space National Guard Establishment Act of 2025" establishes a Space National Guard in select states as the reserve component of the Space Force, utilizing existing National Guard space operation units and personnel. It mandates the use of existing facilities and infrastructure, and requires regular briefings to Congress on the Space National Guard's implementation and operations. The bill also amends Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code to incorporate the Space National Guard into existing National Guard definitions and provisions.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that members of the Armed Forces, essential civilian Department of Defense personnel, and supporting contractors continue to receive their pay and allowances during periods when regular budget appropriations are lacking. This act provides funding for these individuals through fiscal year 2025, or until a regular appropriation bill is passed, or January 1, 2026. The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security are responsible for overseeing these provisions for their respective departments.

The "Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act" directs the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to create a pilot program supporting evidence-based mental health peer support activities in secondary schools. States, subdivisions of States, territories, or Indian Tribes/Tribal organizations can apply for funding to implement these activities, which must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional. The program aims to improve early identification, response, and support for student mental health and substance use challenges. The Assistant Secretary will evaluate the program's effectiveness and report findings to relevant Senate and House committees.

The HELP Copays Act ensures that financial assistance from non-profits and drug manufacturers counts towards a person's deductible, coinsurance, and copay limits for health insurance plans. Beginning in 2026, this includes a "safe harbor" provision to protect high-deductible health plans. These changes apply to specialty drugs and those subject to utilization management, while still allowing the use of tools like prior authorization. The Act is effective for health plans starting on or after January 1, 2026.

This bill amends the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Director of the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and heads of other federal agencies to provide grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. It authorizes $35,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out this section for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

This resolution supports the Local Radio Freedom Act, opposing any new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between the radio and recording industries, where radio provides free publicity and essential local services. The resolution warns that new fees would harm local radio stations, small businesses, and the communities they serve. Ultimately, it asserts that Congress should not impose any new charges on local radio for broadcasting sound recordings.

The "Pay Our Coast Guard Act" ensures that Coast Guard members, including military, civilian, and contract personnel, continue to receive pay and benefits during government funding lapses, particularly when the Department of Defense is funded but the Coast Guard is not. It designates funds for salaries, death benefits, and essential services, defining a "Coast Guard-specific funding lapse" and outlining the conditions under which the appropriated funds remain available. The Commandant of the Coast Guard determines which civilian and contract employees are considered "qualified" to receive pay during a funding lapse based on their support roles or the necessity of their work. This act aims to provide equitable treatment for Coast Guard personnel compared to other members of the Armed Forces.

The Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act extends the deadline for eligible veterans to apply for land allotments. This bill amends existing legislation to provide Alaska Native Vietnam War-era veterans with an additional five years to apply for land allotments, increasing the application period from five years to ten years.

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act requires all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to establish accessible, hygienic, and private lactation spaces for women veterans and the public to express breast milk. These spaces must meet specific standards for accessibility, privacy, and hygiene, and be implemented within two years.

The EARLY Minds Act amends the Public Health Service Act to prioritize early intervention for youth mental health. States can use up to 5% of federal mental health funds for evidence-based prevention programs for children and adolescents, regardless of diagnosis. The Secretary must report to Congress on the implementation and outcomes of these programs, focusing on access to care and reduced mental illness severity.