Legislative Activity

The "Celestial Time Standardization Act" directs NASA to develop a coordinated lunar time standard to support future space operations. This standard will ensure interoperability and accuracy for navigation and science on the Moon. NASA will coordinate with federal agencies, private sector, and international partners to implement this lunar time, with a report due to Congress within two years.

The "RESEARCHER Act" aims to improve the financial stability of graduate and postdoctoral researchers by directing federal research agencies to develop and implement policies that address issues such as low stipends, healthcare access, housing affordability, food insecurity, and family care costs. It mandates the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to create policy guidelines, requires federal agencies to align with these guidelines, and orders data collection and studies to assess and address financial instability among these researchers. Additionally, the Act requires regular reporting to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these measures.

This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using federal funds to remove employees if the removals affect at least 3% of the total HHS workforce or 3% of a sub-agency/division's workforce within a 60-day period.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 409 South Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia, as the "James Solomon Russell Post Office." Any reference to this facility in any document will now refer to it as the James Solomon Russell Post Office.

The Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act requires the Secretary of Defense to request revisions to stormwater discharge permits for Department of Defense facilities. These revisions include quarterly monitoring of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances discharges, and implementation of best management practices or control technologies to reduce these discharges. At least 1 percent of funds authorized for remediation will be used for testing these substances in stormwater runoff at Department of Defense facilities.

The "Teacher and School Leader Quality Partnership Grants Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the preparation, recruitment, and professional development of teachers, school leaders, and other educators, particularly in high-need areas. It emphasizes evidence-based practices, residency programs, and teacher leadership development, while also holding preparation programs accountable for the effectiveness of their graduates. The act also directs the Secretary of Education to establish an advisory committee to study and make recommendations on elevating the education profession. Finally, it extends the authorization of appropriations through 2026.

The "Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act" establishes an Interagency Committee to coordinate federal research, development, and deployment activities related to soil carbon sequestration. The committee will develop a strategic plan, propose agency roles, oversee working groups, and report to Congress on soil carbon sequestration research and monitoring. It encourages collaboration between federal agencies, soil scientists, and agricultural communities to advance soil carbon sequestration. An appropriation of $10,000,000 is authorized to carry out the Act.