Legislative Activity

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). It celebrates the success of this landmark legislation, which allows Tribal Nations to contract and manage federal programs like health and education for their communities. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

The Save Our Seafood Act exempts nonimmigrant aliens working as fish processors from the annual numerical cap on H-2B temporary work visas. This change specifically targets workers involved in handling, preparing, freezing, or packing seafood to ensure the industry has access to necessary labor. The bill provides clear definitions for "fish" and "processor" related to this exemption.

The Deliver for Veterans Act of 2025 amends current law to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs covers the full cost associated with providing vehicles to eligible veterans. Specifically, this bill mandates that the VA's payment calculation must now include the total cost of shipping the automobile or conveyance to the veteran. This change aims to fully cover the delivery expenses for veterans receiving this benefit.

This resolution formally recognizes the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across the United States. It celebrates their historic achievements in areas such as military service, science, the arts, and civil rights leadership. The bill also emphasizes the importance of continued investment to overcome barriers these women face in accessing justice, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

This joint resolution formally establishes the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), originally proposed in 1972. It declares that the ERA is now officially part of the Constitution, invalidating any previous time limits set for state ratification. The bill confirms the ERA's validity based on the required three-fourths of states having approved the amendment.

This bill reauthorizes and updates the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, ensuring it incorporates modern technology like Global Navigation Satellite Systems and advanced sensor arrays. It strengthens coordination by establishing a new implementation committee and clarifying public communication roles with state partners. Furthermore, the legislation increases the authorized funding level to $\$75$ million and extends the authorization through fiscal year 2033.

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.

The Native ELDER Act aims to significantly improve services and support for Native American elders by establishing a new Tribal Advisory Committee within the Administration for Community Living. This committee will advise on policy and government-to-government consultation regarding Native Americans under the Older Americans Act. The bill also mandates technical assistance for Title VI grantees and requires comprehensive reports on caregiver support models and in-home service needs for Native elders.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 updates existing law to strengthen protections for tribal forest and rangelands. This legislation revises the definition of protected lands to include more types of tribal holdings, including certain lands in Alaska. It also expands federal agency authority to actively restore these lands and authorizes specific funding through fiscal year 2031.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

This Act authorizes the Indian Health Service (IHS) to fund and provide public health veterinary services to Tribal communities to combat zoonotic diseases using a "One Health" approach. It specifically allows the IHS to address disease threats through services like surveillance, prevention, and control efforts in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on using oral rabies vaccines in U.S. Arctic regions and formally integrates the IHS Director into the national One Health framework.

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.

The "Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act" aims to enhance support for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) through increased research, prevention, and service programs. This act amends the Public Health Service Act to expand training, integrate a case definition for FASD, and build state and tribal capacity for identification, treatment, and support. It also establishes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Centers for Excellence to expand diagnostic capacity, develop public awareness campaigns, and serve as clearinghouses for evidence-based resources. Finally, the act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to carry out these provisions and requires a report on efforts to advance public awareness and identify best practices related to FASD.