Legislative Activity

The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive practices in electronic and small-dollar lending. It requires small-dollar lenders to register with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, ensures state laws apply to online and national bank loans, and restricts the distribution of sensitive financial information. The Act also expands consumer control over bank accounts by limiting remotely created checks and overdraft fees on prepaid accounts. Finally, the Act mandates a study on the impact of small-dollar lending on economic opportunity for Native American tribes.

This bill amends the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to clarify the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community. It ensures the 1986 Grand Ronde Hunting and Fishing Agreement remains in effect unless modified by mutual consent between the tribe and Oregon, while protecting the rights of other tribes. Future agreements will derive authority solely from the State of Oregon, and the bill allows for court review of changes to a related Consent Decree. This amendment does not impact existing treaty or sovereign rights of any Indian Tribe.

Here are the high-level summaries for each title of the I CAN Act: **Title I: Removal of Barriers to Practice on Nurse Practitioners** This title aims to improve healthcare access for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries by expanding the scope of practice and recognition of nurse practitioners, allowing them to provide a wider range of services such as prescribing rehabilitation programs, documenting diabetic shoe needs, and overseeing care in various settings. **Title II: Removal of Barriers to Practice on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists** This title focuses on reducing practice barriers for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) by allowing Medicare reimbursement for their services, updating regulations to affirm their authority, removing mandatory supervision requirements, and ensuring Medicaid coverage. **Title III: Removal of Barriers to Practice on Certified Nurse-Midwives** This title seeks to expand the role of certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in the Medicare system by including their services in coverage, enabling them to order home health services and durable medical equipment, and standardizing qualification standards. **Title IV: Improving Federal Health Programs for All Advanced Practice Registered Nurses** This title aims to increase transparency in Medicare coverage decisions, prevent coverage limitations based on provider qualifications, and expand access to locum tenens arrangements for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). **Title V: Effective Date** This title sets a 90-day timeline for the implementation of the new law's provisions and authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue temporary guidelines for a smooth transition.

The "Help Our Kelp Act of 2025" establishes a grant program within the Department of Commerce to conserve, restore, and manage kelp forest ecosystems. Grants will be awarded to various entities, including fishing industry members, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes, for projects addressing kelp forest decline and promoting long-term resilience. The federal government can fund up to 85% of project costs, with specific funding set aside for Indian Tribes. The act authorizes \$5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for this program.

The "Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025" aims to protect communities from the health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat by establishing grant programs for local initiatives focused on detection, preparation, communication, and mitigation. It authorizes grants to air pollution control agencies, the establishment of research centers, and a competitive grant program for community planning and implementation. The bill also mandates research on the health effects of these environmental hazards and the development of strategies to reduce exposure and health risks.

The Southern Mongolian Human Rights Policy Act supports the human rights of Southern Mongolians in China, addresses religious freedom concerns, and aims to protect their culture and language. It directs the U.S. government to monitor and report on human rights abuses, consider sanctions against those responsible, and establish a Voice of America service in the Mongolian language. The act also encourages support for Southern Mongolian culture through the Smithsonian Institution and the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences, and promotes sustainable livelihoods by directing U.S. representatives in international financial institutions to support relevant projects.