Legislative Activity

The Celestial Time Standardization Act directs NASA to develop a standardized time system for use on the Moon and in deep space. This new "coordinated lunar time" must be traceable to Earth's UTC while remaining accurate and independent for off-world operations. NASA is required to coordinate with federal agencies and international partners and report its implementation strategy to Congress within two years.

This bill restricts the use of federal funds to carry out large-scale removals of employees within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, it prohibits using federal money for terminations if 3% or more of the total HHS workforce, or 3% or more of any individual sub-agency's staff, are removed within a 60-day period. This measure aims to prevent sudden, mass layoffs across the department and its major divisions.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 409 South Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia, as the "James Solomon Russell Post Office." The legislation ensures that all official records and documents reflect this new, permanent name for the Lawrenceville post office.

This Act mandates that the Department of Defense (DoD) immediately seek to update its stormwater discharge permits to require quarterly testing for PFAS chemicals at all facilities. Furthermore, the DoD must implement necessary cleanup measures to reduce these discharges. At least one percent of annual PFAS cleanup funding must be dedicated specifically to this required stormwater testing.

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.