Legislative Activity

This Act establishes the National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the Department of Commerce to serve as a direct link between the government and the U.S. manufacturing sector. The Council's primary mission is to advise the Secretary of Commerce on federal policy, address workforce and supply chain issues, and develop an annual national strategic plan for global manufacturing competitiveness. It will draw diverse input from industry, labor, and academia, with a focus on supporting workers and promoting investment in economically distressed areas. The Council is set to expire five years after its first meeting.

The Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections Act (SEEK HELP Act) establishes federal Good Samaritan protections for individuals who administer opioid overdose reversal drugs or seek medical help during an overdose. It shields these individuals from civil liability and certain criminal prosecution related to controlled substance possession when seeking aid. Furthermore, the Act mandates public awareness campaigns and a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the effectiveness of these overdose protection laws across the states.

The Ally's Act mandates that certain private health insurance plans must cover auditory implant devices, related supplies, and necessary services for qualifying individuals. This coverage must be comparable to other medical and surgical benefits regarding cost-sharing and treatment limitations. Furthermore, plans cannot deny coverage if a physician or qualified audiologist determines the required hearing items or services are medically necessary. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Innovate to Save Lives Act creates a new 10% tax credit for small businesses conducting qualified research aimed at mitigating threats from specified drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. This incentive targets research focused on preventing the use of or treating the effects of these dangerous substances. The provision is designed to encourage private sector innovation in combating the ongoing drug crisis.

The Save Affordable Housing Act of 2025 eliminates the "qualified contract option" for certain new low-income housing tax credit projects starting in 2025. For existing projects, the bill mandates that housing agencies reassess the fair market value of non-low-income units, factoring in long-term rent restrictions. These changes aim to update the rules governing how low-income housing tax credits are allocated and managed.

The Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act authorizes the Attorney General to provide incentive pay of up to 25% of salary for Department of Justice employees possessing specialized cyber skills essential to combating fentanyl trafficking. This new pay structure is designed to attract and retain talent needed for digital investigations into illicit fentanyl distribution. The incentive pay is specifically excluded from certain federal pay caps but will count toward retirement calculations.

The Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 aims to enhance patent quality by improving information sharing between the USPTO and other federal agencies, particularly the FDA. It establishes an Interagency Task Force on Patents to coordinate reviews related to human drugs and biological products. The Act mandates a comprehensive report from the USPTO detailing the effectiveness of this new interagency cooperation.

The Joint Chiefs Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates the existing Landscape Restoration Partnership program to enhance collaboration between federal agencies. This bill expands the program's focus to specifically include post-wildfire recovery and requires greater alignment with state-level forest action plans. It also clarifies restrictions on activities within sensitive Forest Service areas and extends the program's operational timeline through 2031.

The Bolts Ditch Act amends existing law to expand the list of authorized entities responsible for maintaining the Bolts Ditch and its Headgate. This update specifically adds the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority to those permitted to perform maintenance on these water structures.

The Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025 aims to address the critical lack of safe and reliable water infrastructure on Tribal lands and for the Native Hawaiian Community. This bill expands eligibility for federal water and sanitation funding, authorizes significant new appropriations across the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services (IHS), and provides crucial technical assistance to help these communities access and manage these resources. Ultimately, the Act seeks to fulfill the federal trust responsibility by ensuring all Tribal residents have access to clean, safe drinking water and adequate sanitation systems.

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act aims to improve national recycling and composting efforts by requiring the EPA to gather comprehensive data on current infrastructure capabilities and material flows. This legislation mandates detailed reports on composting facilities, materials recovery facilities (MRFs), and the development of standardized national recycling rates. Furthermore, it directs studies to measure how much recyclable material is lost from the circular market and ensures federal agencies report on their own waste diversion activities.

The Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Fund Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of Defense to carry out activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This bill amends existing law to change the commemoration from an optional activity to a required duty. These changes will officially take effect on November 11, 2025.

The Wildfire Coordination Act establishes a permanent Wildfire Science and Technology Advisory Board to bridge the gap between wildfire research and practical federal operations. This diverse board, comprising federal leaders and outside experts, will prioritize research, facilitate its implementation, and disseminate best practices. The Act authorizes $10 million to support the Board's mission of improving national wildfire response through applied science.

The STABLE GENIUS Act prohibits federal candidates and officeholders from trading or holding digital assets like cryptocurrency while running for or serving in office. This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by banning covered individuals from buying, selling, or sponsoring these investments during specific timeframes. Officials may only retain assets by placing them into an approved, strictly managed qualified blind trust. Violators face significant civil penalties, and knowing, large-scale violations can result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

This resolution formally condemns the violent antisemitic attack that occurred during a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. It expresses strong support for the survivors and their families while acknowledging the national surge in antisemitic incidents. Finally, the bill calls on federal agencies to investigate the attack as a hate crime and support targeted communities.

The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act of 2025 mandates the Department of Transportation to establish performance standards for automatic emergency braking systems in new passenger vehicles. These standards must ensure the systems can detect vulnerable road users, including cyclists, in various lighting conditions. The final rule must be issued within three years, with compliance required within two model years following the rule's issuance.

This bill modifies the Small Business Act to extend application deadlines for SBA disaster relief loans by 60 days and grants the Administrator discretion to accept late applications with good cause. Furthermore, it enhances communication requirements by mandating the SBA to directly notify the offices of affected Members of Congress following a major disaster declaration.

This bill amends the Small Business Act to provide immediate relief for disaster loan recipients. It mandates a one-year waiver of all interest accrual and principal payments for certain SBA disaster loans made after the date of enactment. This ensures borrowers have a full year of relief following the disbursement of disaster recovery funds.

The Save Our Forests Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the management and health of the National Forest System. This legislation mandates the immediate hiring of additional Forest Service personnel and the reinstatement of recently departed employees. Furthermore, it ensures the continuation of all previously authorized and funded Forest Service projects under various existing laws.

The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program to hire veterans for federal wildland firefighting positions through a joint effort led by the VA, Agriculture, and Interior Departments. This program aims to utilize veteran skills in fire management and support roles while providing clear transition guidelines for service members. The pilot will run for two years, with required reports submitted to Congress detailing its implementation and success in reducing veteran unemployment.