Legislative Activity

This resolution marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty and its people's resistance. It rejects Russia's territorial claims, encourages continued support for Ukraine's defense and democratic efforts, and emphasizes Ukraine's role in determining its future. The resolution also commends efforts to support Ukraine's defense, human rights, and Euro-Atlantic integration.

This resolution designates February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" to honor her advocacy for social equality and civil rights for Alaska Native and Native American communities. It recognizes her pivotal role in the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 and encourages the public to remember her legacy by advancing equality.

The "Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude broadband grants from gross income. This exclusion applies to grants from programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and other federal and state broadband initiatives. It prevents grantees from receiving a double benefit by disallowing deductions or credits for expenditures covered by these grants and requires a reduction in the property's adjusted basis by the grant amount. This change is effective for taxable years ending after March 11, 2021.

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 "Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025" amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to establish and expand quantum information science research, development, and demonstration programs within the Department of Energy. It directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct research, provide training, engage with industry, and develop strategic plans related to quantum technology, allocating specific funding for these activities. The bill also establishes a Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program, updates the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and enhances programs related to quantum networking and user expansion, all with the goal of maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum information science and technology. It also prohibits funds from being used by institutions with Confucius Institutes or for quantum research activities with foreign countries or entities of concern.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act" amends the Social Security Act to allow for cost-of-living adjustments to the non-labor portion of Medicare payments for hospital outpatient services in Alaska and Hawaii. Beginning in 2026, the Secretary will adjust payments to mirror adjustments made under section 1886(d)(5)(H). These adjustments aim to address the unique circumstances faced by hospitals in these states and will not be budget neutral.

The Save Our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act amends the Social Security Act to increase payments to sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii for outpatient services. This ensures that these hospitals receive adequate compensation, covering at least 94% of their reasonable costs. The adjustment aims to support essential healthcare services in remote areas without increasing patient copayments and the Secretary will issue regulations to implement this change within 6 months.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025, exempts individuals from immigrant visa limits if they are eligible for visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act and have a parent who naturalized under specific sections of past immigration laws related to Filipino veterans. This act aims to facilitate the reunification of families of Filipino veterans who served during World War II.

The "Supporting Made in America Energy Act" mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a minimum number of oil and natural gas lease sales annually for both onshore and offshore lands, including specific requirements for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska regions. It extends the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico until December 31, 2035, and sets deadlines for preparing subsequent oil and gas leasing programs. The Act also restricts the President's authority to pause or impede Federal energy mineral leasing processes without congressional approval.

The STEAM Act aims to streamline the development of geothermal energy resources. It amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, expanding NEPA review exemptions to geothermal resource exploration. This inclusion aims to accelerate geothermal projects by aligning them with existing streamlined processes for gas resource development.

This resolution expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025. It also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the first responders and the support from the community and nation.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These tests, which use genomic sequencing to detect multiple cancer types, will be covered for eligible beneficiaries with age and frequency limitations. The payment amount for these tests will initially align with that of multi-target stool screening DNA tests. This new coverage aims to improve early cancer detection without affecting existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

The "Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act" directs the Under Secretary to establish a program to improve the lead time, accuracy, and dissemination of atmospheric river forecasts. This program will focus on enhancing data modeling, developing a unified forecast system, and incorporating social and economic sciences to better predict and communicate the impacts of atmospheric rivers. The Under Secretary is also required to maintain adequate aircraft and equipment for atmospheric river reconnaissance and establish at least one atmospheric river observatory in each West Coast state, including Alaska. Finally, the bill requires the Under Secretary to develop a plan detailing the activities, resources, and timelines to achieve the program's goals, ensuring it is submitted to relevant committees and made publicly available.

The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. It empowers state attorneys general to sue the Department of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State if they believe the state or its residents are harmed by violations of immigration enforcement or visa granting. The bill aims to ensure that these aliens are detained throughout their removal proceedings and to provide states with legal recourse against perceived failures in federal immigration enforcement.