Legislative Activity

This bill proposes establishing a new, Senate-confirmed position: the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the Department of State. This Ambassador will report directly to the Secretary of State to lead U.S. foreign policy coordination across key areas in the Arctic. Their responsibilities will focus on national security, environmental protection, scientific research, and strengthening cooperation among Arctic nations.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

This bill extends the temporary enhanced premium tax credits designed to help individuals afford health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Specifically, it pushes back the expiration date for these increased subsidies by two years, maintaining them through the 2027 tax year. This ensures continued financial assistance for both general enrollees and higher earners who qualify for the credits.

The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for individuals at high risk of hereditary cancers. This bill ensures Medicare Part B covers necessary germline genetic testing and covers certain preventive surgeries that reduce cancer risk. Furthermore, it mandates increased, evidence-based cancer screenings for beneficiaries already identified as having a hereditary cancer gene mutation.

The Alaska Native Landless Equity Act aims to correct an omission in the original Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) by granting eligibility to Native residents in five southeastern Alaska communities: Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. This legislation authorizes these residents to form Urban Corporations and receive specific settlement lands and stock shares previously denied to them. The Act also mandates the transfer of approximately 23,040 acres of federal land to each new corporation, ensuring they receive their final ANCSA entitlement while protecting existing land rights and distribution rules for other Native Corporations.

This bill appropriates funding for Fiscal Year 2026 across the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Indian Health Service (IHS). It directs significant resources toward land management, conservation, environmental cleanup, and tribal health services while setting specific policy conditions and administrative restrictions. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure grants, halting certain endangered species listings, and mandating detailed financial reporting to Congress.

The Healing Partnerships for Survivors Act establishes new federal grants to strengthen coordination between health, behavioral health, disability, and sexual assault service providers. These funds aim to create trauma-informed, culturally relevant support systems for survivors of sexual assault, including adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Grantees will use the funding to develop integrated services such as direct support, case management, and specialized healing approaches. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for these grants from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

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.

The Working Waterfronts Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to strengthen American maritime industries and coastal communities. It provides financial incentives for upgrading hydroelectric power and transitioning commercial fishing vessels to cleaner fuels. The Act also expands federal loan access for fishing and seafood businesses, invests in shoreside processing and working waterfront infrastructure, and establishes new grant programs for maritime workforce development and "Blue Economy" innovation.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month to highlight the serious and progressive nature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It recognizes the challenges faced by the tens of thousands affected, including long diagnosis times and the burden on caregivers. The Senate commits to supporting research, improving access to treatment and support services, and honoring those working to combat the disease.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund by expanding the sources of deposits. This includes allowing the Fund to receive money from certain legal settlements that do not result in a criminal conviction. Additionally, the bill temporarily allows certain recoveries from False Claims Act settlements to fund victim services through 2030, while protecting payments to whistleblowers and the government's direct recovery.

This bill modifies existing law to allow the construction of certain Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards under strict conditions. The President can grant exceptions to the general ban only if it is deemed necessary for U.S. national security. Any such exception requires Congressional notification and certification that the foreign shipyard meets specific criteria related to alliance, cost savings, and expedited timelines.

This resolution recognizes the critical role of the Arctic Council as the primary forum for cooperation among the eight Arctic nations on environmental protection and sustainable development. It reaffirms the strong commitment of the United States to actively participate in and lead efforts within the Council. Furthermore, the resolution stresses the importance of continued U.S. engagement to address growing geopolitical competition and security concerns in the rapidly changing Arctic region.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends existing federal law to strengthen research and monitoring efforts related to ocean acidification. This bill significantly enhances collaboration by mandating increased input from Indigenous communities, industry, and local stakeholders in federal planning and advisory roles. It also requires the Secretary of Commerce to prioritize working with State, local, and Tribal governments already engaged in vulnerability assessments. Finally, the Act includes technical corrections to ensure clarity and accuracy within the existing legislation.

The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2025 establishes "Ocean Innovation Clusters" across the nation to boost sustainable economic activity in the "Blue Economy." The Secretary of Commerce will designate at least seven geographically diverse clusters composed of businesses, academia, and government partners. These clusters will receive federal grants and support to foster innovation, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration in ocean-related industries. The Act also mandates the creation of physical collaboration hubs to support these regional efforts.

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.