Legislative Activity

The Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act streamlines federal oversight for existing hydropower facilities by allowing routine maintenance and minor alterations without prior FERC approval. It also establishes an expedited licensing process for small, non-impounding hydrokinetic energy projects up to 5 megawatts. This legislation aims to balance operational flexibility for current licensees with the promotion of new, small-scale renewable energy generation.

This resolution recognizes the strategic importance of the Arctic region to U.S. national security and economic interests. It supports continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Senate specifically backs efforts to strengthen Arctic security, infrastructure, and scientific research while upholding a rules-based international order. The resolution also affirms the vital role of Indigenous peoples in Arctic governance.

The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act significantly increases federal funding and administrative flexibility for Tribal child welfare programs. It reserves more federal funds for Tribes across key child welfare services and allows Tribes to receive Social Services Block Grants directly. Furthermore, the Act enables Tribes to operate prevention-only child welfare programs and allows states the option to count tribal caseworker visits toward their own federal requirements.

This Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer approximately 3.372 acres of government-owned land in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). The transfer must occur within two years via a warranty deed, free of charge and without conditions on SCF's use. Crucially, SCF will not be held liable for any environmental contamination that existed on the property prior to the conveyance.

This bill reauthorizes and strengthens existing law to accelerate access to ALS therapies by extending program deadlines to 2031. It improves grant renewal processes by requiring review of clinical trial enrollment data and clarifies the definition of a Phase 3 trial. Furthermore, the legislation mandates an updated FDA action plan for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases, alongside a required GAO report assessing progress.

The PHS ACCESS Act amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the assignment of Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers to support Urban Indian organizations. The bill also grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services flexibility in granting constructive credit for length of service during appointments, establishing transparent criteria that prioritize service in underserved and high-need areas.

This bill, the Geese House Site Conveyance Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer approximately 21,578 acres of federal land within Denali National Park and Preserve to Doyon, Limited. The transfer is subject to specific restrictions, including prohibitions on selling the land to non-U.S. entities and limits on mining and development that could harm cultural sites. The Act also requires the corresponding boundary adjustment of Denali National Park and Preserve.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 comprehensively updates federal housing laws for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. This bill aims to increase tribal flexibility in using technical assistance and procurement funds while streamlining environmental review requirements for housing projects. It also establishes new rental assistance programs for homeless veterans and creates pilot programs to address homelessness in tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. Finally, the Act reauthorizes key funding mechanisms and establishes a formal Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee within HUD.

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 strengthens the domestic seafood industry by expanding eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan and grant programs to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses. Additionally, the bill improves industry access to capital by allowing Farm Credit System institutions to provide financial services to businesses that support aquatic producers and harvesters.

The American Indian and Alaska Native Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (AIAN CAPTA) amends existing federal law to ensure Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations receive dedicated funding for child abuse prevention. This legislation formalizes the inclusion of Tribes in fund distribution and establishes a specific 5 percent allocation of reserved resources to support Tribal child welfare programs.

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

The State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to define and regulate state-based education loan programs. It ensures that students are fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and the associated benefits before opting for state-sponsored private loans. The bill also mandates that these state programs offer interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as federal alternatives.

This bill exempts public school districts from paying the $100,000 non-processing fee for H-1B visa petitions. By removing this financial barrier, the legislation ensures that public schools can continue to hire and retain essential foreign-born educators without incurring significant additional costs.

This bill extends the authority allowing modifications to the Second Division Memorial in the District of Columbia. Specifically, it continues the special power granted by the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. This extension ensures the authority to make changes remains in effect until September 30, 2032.

The ALS Better Care Act aims to improve care for individuals with ALS by establishing new Medicare coverage and a dedicated payment system for essential ALS-related services starting in 2027. This legislation mandates a supplemental annual payment to providers for coordinating complex care, including therapy and specialized support, while also requiring a report on challenges facing ALS clinical trials. The goal is to enhance the quality of life and lifespan for ALS patients by ensuring better access to coordinated, specialized care.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and significantly expands federal programs to prevent and address domestic and dating violence. It updates services to explicitly include technological and economic abuse while increasing funding and focusing on culturally relevant support for underserved populations. The bill also establishes new grant programs to fund local demonstration projects aimed at preventing teen dating violence.

This bill reauthorizes and expands federal research and development programs for water power technologies, including hydropower and marine energy. It updates research goals to focus on efficiency, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and environmental impact mitigation. The legislation also increases authorized funding levels for these critical energy sectors through fiscal year 2030.

This act reauthorizes and expands the National Landslide Preparedness Act, updating definitions to specifically address hazards from atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events. It also establishes the Next Generation Water Observing System within the USGS to provide real-time water data and enhances groundwater and streamgage monitoring programs. Overall, the bill strengthens federal efforts to mitigate risks from landslides and improve water resource management across the nation.

The Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025 authorizes a land swap between the Chugach Alaska Corporation and the U.S. government to resolve complex ownership issues stemming from the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement lands. This exchange allows the government to perfect its surface conservation efforts while granting Chugach Alaska clear subsurface rights in exchange for other federally owned lands. The goal is to resolve split estate conflicts that have hindered both conservation management and the corporation's ability to develop its assets.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 significantly updates existing law to enhance tribal authority over forest and rangeland protection. This legislation expands the definition of eligible tribal lands, including certain lands in Alaska, and broadens the scope of authorized restoration projects. Furthermore, it increases funding authorization to $15 million annually through fiscal year 2031.