Legislative Activity

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to improve collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring. It includes adding definitions for "Indian Tribe" and "Native Hawaiian organization," and it mandates engagement with affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, community acidification networks, and Indigenous knowledge groups. The act also requires the inclusion of representatives from Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in advisory boards and emphasizes collaboration with these groups in vulnerability assessments and research planning. Additionally, the bill prioritizes the use of NOAA resources for underserved populations and makes several technical corrections to the original act.

The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 aims to foster sustainable growth in the "Blue Economy" by designating and supporting Ocean Innovation Clusters. These clusters, composed of diverse stakeholders, will promote collaboration, innovation, and economic development related to oceans and Great Lakes resources. The Act directs federal agencies to support these clusters through partnership managers, technical knowledge exchange, and measurement of their economic impact. Additionally, it establishes a grant program to fund the operation and administration of Ocean Innovation Clusters, with the goal of creating self-sustaining entities that drive regional economic benefits.

This resolution recognizes the importance of the Arctic Council for international cooperation, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the Arctic region. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to the council and its work while addressing the impacts of climate change, geopolitical shifts, and increased strategic competition in the Arctic. The resolution supports enhanced collaboration within the council, increased U.S. investment in Arctic affairs, and the prioritization of peace, security, and environmental protection in the region. It also emphasizes the need for a U.S. Arctic Ambassador-at-Large to lead Arctic diplomacy.

This bill extends the authorization for modifications to the Second Division Memorial in Washington, D.C., until September 30, 2032, notwithstanding certain restrictions. This extension allows for continued improvements and adjustments to the memorial.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which recognizes Tribal sovereignty and empowers Indian Tribes to administer Federal programs and services. It acknowledges the Act's success in promoting local decision-making, community development, and improved quality of life for Tribal communities. The resolution calls for the continued implementation of the Act, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to supporting Native self-determination and ensuring responsive federal services. It celebrates the achievements of Indian Tribes over the past 50 years through self-determination and governance.

The "Save Our Seafood Act" exempts certain fish processing workers from the numerical limitations on H2B nonimmigrant visas, facilitating the employment of foreign workers in the U.S. seafood processing industry. This exemption applies specifically to positions such as fish roe processors, technicians, and supervisors. The Act defines "fish" broadly to include various types of aquatic life, while clarifying who qualifies as a "processor" under this legislation.

The "Deliver for Veterans Act of 2025" allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover the costs of shipping vehicles to eligible veterans. This is in addition to the existing benefit that provides for the purchase of a vehicle. This will reduce the financial burden on disabled veterans.

This resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. It recognizes their significant achievements across various sectors, including military service, business, medicine, and the arts. The resolution also emphasizes the need to invest in the future of these women by addressing barriers they face in justice, healthcare, education, and economic advancement.

This joint resolution affirms the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the Constitution. It asserts that the ERA has met the constitutional requirement for ratification by three-fourths of the states, superseding any previously set time constraints. With this resolution, the ERA is declared a valid constitutional amendment.

This bill reauthorizes the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, updating it to include advanced technologies and expanding infrastructure. It refines the management and coordination structure by including the Chief of the Forest Service and establishes an implementation committee. The bill also clarifies public communication responsibilities and increases the authorized funding to $75,000,000, extending the reauthorization through 2034.

The "Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025" directs the Department of Interior to transfer specific federal land within the Tongass National Forest to the Cape Fox Village Corporation, settling their land entitlement claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It waives certain land selection requirements for Cape Fox and mandates the conveyance of both surface and subsurface rights to Cape Fox and Sealaska Corporation, respectively. The Act also establishes a public access easement across the conveyed land to ensure continued access to National Forest System lands.

This bill establishes an Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the Department of State, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Ambassador will represent the U.S. in Arctic matters, coordinate Arctic-related foreign policy, and focus on national security, international cooperation, responsible resource management, environmental protection, indigenous involvement, and scientific research in the Arctic region. The Arctic region includes areas north of 66.56083 degrees latitude, U.S. territory north and west of specific Alaskan rivers, contiguous seas, and the Aleutian Chain. The Arctic countries are defined as the permanent members of the Arctic Council.

This bill aims to improve public health in Tribal communities by providing veterinary services to prevent and control zoonotic diseases, which are diseases transmissible between animals and humans. It authorizes the Indian Health Service to fund these services, assign veterinary officers, and coordinate with other agencies. Additionally, the bill directs a feasibility study on using oral rabies vaccines in Arctic regions to protect Tribal members from wildlife-transmitted rabies. It also includes the Director of the Indian Health Service in the One Health Framework.

The "Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025" updates the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004, broadening the definition of "Indian forest land or rangeland" and allowing projects to protect or restore both Indian and Federal lands. It prioritizes projects benefiting Indian forest land, rangeland, or watersheds, and it authorizes $15 million in appropriations annually from 2026 through 2031 to support the Act's implementation. The act also modernizes language and references within the original act.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States to investigate the historical and ongoing effects of these policies on Native American communities, including forming advisory committees and addressing the handling of Native American cultural items and remains. The commission will conduct a comprehensive review, gather testimony, and recommend actions for the federal government to acknowledge its role and promote public awareness. It also ensures the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to cultural items from Indian Boarding Schools. The bill allocates \$90 million to fund the activities of the Commission and Subcommittee.

The "Enhancing Native Elders' Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect Act" or the "Native ELDER Act" amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to improve services and support for older Native Americans. It establishes the Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the Assistant Secretary on Native American issues, extends funding for specific programs, and requires reports on caregiver support, in-home services, and program accessibility for Indian tribes. The act also directs the development of technical assistance and training programs for grantees under title VI.

The Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025 ensures that surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) receive increased dependency and indemnity compensation. This benefit is provided regardless of how long the veteran had ALS before passing away. The Act applies retroactively to veterans who died from ALS on or after October 1, 2022.

This bill officially designates the mountain located at 630412 N, by 1510018 W in Alaska as Denali. It mandates that all U.S. laws, maps, regulations, and records must recognize and refer to the mountain as Denali.

The "Maritime Fuel Tax Parity Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend an excise tax exemption on alternative motorboat fuels. This expansion includes vessels that operate solely between U.S. ports on either the Atlantic or Pacific coast. This amendment to Section 4041(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 takes effect for fuel sales or usage after December 31, 2025.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Indian Affairs to spend money from the Senate's contingent fund, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government departments or agencies from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It sets limits on the committee's expenses during specified periods, including allocations for consultants and staff training. The resolution also outlines how the committee will handle its expenses and agency contributions, with specific exclusions and authorizations for payments related to employee compensation.