Legislative Activity

This bill directs the Secretaries of Interior and Energy to develop a memorandum of understanding to assess the effects of the Glen Canyon Dam record of decision on the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund. The assessment will address the decision's impact on the Fund's obligations, hydropower production, and endangered species. It requires examination of infrastructure maintenance, replacement power costs, and grid reliability. The bill does not alter existing legal rights or obligations.

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in organ transplantation and related services. It ensures that qualified individuals with disabilities are not denied access to organ transplants or related services solely based on their disability and requires reasonable modifications to policies and auxiliary aids to ensure accessibility. The Act allows consideration of a person's disability if medically significant to the transplant's success, but not if a support network can ensure compliance with health requirements. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against can file a claim with the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services for expedited resolution.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The "University of Utah Research Park Act" confirms that the University of Utah's use of approximately 593.54 acres of land for a research park and related activities constitutes a valid public purpose under the Act of June 14, 1926. This confirmation applies to the land described in the Secretary of the Interior's 1970 letter to the University and any approved modifications, as well as any other uses consistent with a University research park. The land was originally conveyed to the University of Utah under patent numbered 43990012.

The "Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act" prohibits the Secretary of Energy from selling petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to any entity under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. It also ensures that petroleum products from the reserve are not exported to China.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 aims to increase affordable housing options by updating state housing credit formulas, refining tenant eligibility rules, and improving credit eligibility and determination. This includes adjusting income verification processes, modifying student occupancy rules, and protecting domestic abuse victims. The bill also focuses on Native American and rural assistance by addressing housing needs in Indian areas and streamlining income eligibility for rural projects. Additionally, it revises rules for exempt facility bonds and renames the "low-income housing tax credit" to the "affordable housing tax credit" while encouraging data sharing and discouraging discriminatory land use policies.

The Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act of 2025 directs the Department of Energy to transfer the Moab site to Grand County, Utah, at no cost, once the Department of Energy has completed sufficient remedial action. Grand County is prohibited from transferring the land to any private entity or nonprofit organization. The Department of Energy will retain necessary water rights to continue fulfilling its responsibilities under the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act.

The "Mining Schools Act of 2025" aims to bolster domestic mining education by establishing a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Energy, to support mining schools in recruiting and educating mining engineers and other professionals. This act awards up to 10 competitive grants each year to enhance programs related to mining, mineral extraction, critical mineral exploration, and reclamation technology. It also establishes a Mining Professional Development Advisory Board to evaluate grant applications and provide recommendations. Finally, the act repeals the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984 and states that the implementation of the act is subject to the availability of appropriations.

The "Ranching Without Red Tape Act of 2025" streamlines the process for grazing permit holders to make minor range improvements on US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Permit holders can proceed with improvements to fences, water infrastructure, and stock tanks after notifying the relevant agency 30 days in advance, provided they receive approval or no response within that timeframe. The Act mandates the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to respond to range improvement requests within 30 days and expedite approved projects.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025" seeks to ensure open competition and government neutrality in federal construction projects by preventing requirements for or bans against agreements with labor organizations. It prohibits discrimination based on labor affiliation, reduces construction costs, and expands job opportunities. The Act mandates revisions to regulations and allows exemptions only in special circumstances like public health or national security threats.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

**ESA Amendments Act of 2025 Summary:** The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 seeks to modify and update the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by prioritizing conservation efforts, incentivizing private land stewardship, and increasing transparency and accountability. The act focuses on streamlining regulations, limiting legal challenges, and ensuring that decisions are based on sound science and economic considerations. These changes aim to balance species protection with the needs of private landowners and state management, while also addressing international trade regulations.

The "Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act of 2025" ensures that U.S. Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers are paid during any government shutdown in fiscal year 2025. The bill appropriates the necessary funds to cover the salaries and expenses of these essential employees, guaranteeing they continue to receive paychecks even when the government is shut down.

The CLEAN Act aims to expedite geothermal energy development by requiring the Department of Interior to hold replacement lease sales if scheduled ones are canceled, offer all eligible nominated parcels for geothermal development, and make timely decisions on geothermal drilling permit applications.

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.

The "No American Land for Communist China Act" prohibits the President from allowing individuals or entities associated with the Chinese government from purchasing real estate near covered federal lands. Covered lands include those managed by the Departments of Interior, Defense, Agriculture (Forest Service), and Energy, as well as Indian country. This restriction applies to entities with at least 25% equity interest held by Chinese government-affiliated individuals or businesses. The Act defines "United States" broadly to include states, territories, and other U.S. possessions.

The "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, providing continued financial support to states and counties with federal lands through 2026. It extends secure payments, distribution of payments, and the authority for special projects on federal land. Additionally, it extends the Resource Advisory Committee pilot program and makes several technical corrections to the original Act.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, effective from the date of enactment. It adjusts gift tax calculations by setting the lifetime gift exemption at $10,000,000, with inflation adjustments after 2011. The Act also includes transitional rules for applying certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code during the enactment year.

This bill expresses support for designating February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week," celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.