Legislative Activity

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates and reauthorizes key programs to reduce earthquake risks. The bill expands the focus of these programs to include tribal governments, improve building standards and retrofitting, and address multiple hazards linked to earthquakes. It also directs agencies to improve communication for early warning systems and enhance post-earthquake functional recovery. Finally, the bill authorizes specific appropriations for these programs through 2028.

The West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025 permanently prohibits new oil and gas leasing in federal waters off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This act prevents the Department of Interior from issuing any new leases for oil and gas exploration, development, or production in the Outer Continental Shelf along the West Coast. The areas affected include the Washington-Oregon, Northern California, Central California, and Southern California Planning Areas as defined by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. This prohibition is implemented through an amendment to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

The Housing for All Act of 2025 aims to combat housing shortages and homelessness through increased funding for affordable housing programs, support for vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled, and the establishment of a commission to address racial equity in housing. It expands housing assistance programs, provides resources for emergency housing and support services, and promotes innovative community-driven solutions. This act also focuses on initiatives such as safe parking programs, hotel conversions into permanent housing, eviction protection, and mobile crisis intervention teams. Additionally, the act seeks to improve coordination between healthcare and homelessness services while promoting climate mitigation and disaster resilience through transit-oriented development.

The "Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act" excludes certain disability benefits received by veterans from being considered as income when determining eligibility for the supported housing program and other housing assistance programs. This exclusion applies specifically to disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code. Additionally, the Act ensures that these disability benefits are excluded from income calculations when determining a veteran's eligibility to rent housing on Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) property built after the enactment of this law.

This bill amends the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act to increase authorized funding for restoration and improvements. It raises the authorized funding in subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) from $250,000,000 to $750,000,000 each. Additionally, it increases authorized funding for Friant Division improvements from $50,000,000 to $75,000,000.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the establishment of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, potentially within the National Mall. It requires the Smithsonian to notify Congress regarding the use of federal land for the museum and ensures that the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of the Latino community by seeking guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable sources with diverse political viewpoints and experiences. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on efforts to ensure this diversity in exhibits and programs.

The "Defending Americas Future Elections Act" repeals Executive Order 14248, which is related to preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections. It prevents the executive order's implementation and restricts the use of federal funds to access state voter registration and election-related records. This act reinforces that Congress and the States have authority over elections, not the President.

The "Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act" establishes the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park in California and Arizona to preserve and interpret resources related to Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement. It redesignates the existing Cesar E. Chavez National Monument as the historical park and allows for the inclusion of additional related sites. The Act also directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study for the potential establishment of the Farmworker Peregrinacin National Historic Trail.

The Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act modifies the boundary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It adds land as depicted on map 641/193973, dated July 2024, and labeled "Proposed Boundary Addition" to the recreation area.

The "Smoke Exposure Research Act" directs the Secretary of Agriculture to research compounds causing smoke taint in wine grapes, develop standard testing methods, and create a database of natural background levels of these compounds. It also tasks the Secretary with developing risk assessment tools and mitigation methods, studying protective compounds, and coordinating with land-grant colleges and universities. The act authorizes \$6.5 million annually from 2026-2030 for these activities.

The "Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act" amends the Food Security Act of 1985, to provide an exception to payment limitations for individuals and legal entities who derive at least 75% of their income from farming, ranching, or silviculture. This exception applies to specific agricultural disaster relief programs, ensuring that those primarily engaged in agriculture are not unfairly limited in accessing disaster assistance.

The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, repealing the overtime wage exemption for certain employees. This change ensures that truckers are eligible for overtime pay, entitling them to receive additional compensation for working beyond the standard 40-hour work week.

The Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 settles water rights claims for the Tule River Tribe in California, ratifies a 2007 agreement between the Tribe, South Tule Independent Ditch Company, and the Tule River Association, and authorizes funding and land transfers to the Tribe. This act establishes trust accounts for water development projects and outlines waivers and releases of claims by the Tribe and the United States. The act confirms the Tribe's right to divert and use up to 5,828 acre-feet per year of surface water from the South Fork Tule River.

This bill reaffirms that the Lytton Rancheria of California is subject to the Indian Reorganization Act. This allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land and hold it in trust for the tribe. Any land acquired will become part of the Lytton Rancheria's reservation and be managed according to federal laws and regulations for trust land.

The EARLY Minds Act amends the Public Health Service Act to prioritize early intervention for youth mental health. States can use up to 5% of federal mental health funds for evidence-based prevention programs for children and adolescents, regardless of diagnosis. The Secretary must report to Congress on the implementation and outcomes of these programs, focusing on access to care and reduced mental illness severity.

The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to address environmental injustices by establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, which will be responsible for developing strategies, coordinating efforts, and administering grants to support environmental justice initiatives. It also establishes a grant program to assist state, local, and tribal governments in enforcing environmental laws in communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm. The act defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

The "Equal COLA Act" amends title 5 of the United States Code to equalize cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annuities under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It adjusts FERS annuities annually based on the percentage change in the price index, ensuring parity in COLA benefits for retirees under both systems. This adjustment applies retroactively and prospectively to annuities covered by section 8462.

The "Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act" amends existing legislation to allow research and extension grants for land-grant institutions to study and promote ungulate grazing land management techniques for wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery on both public and private lands. This includes researching the economic benefits and increasing social support for these activities while ensuring compatibility with practices that protect against adverse environmental effects and improve soil health. The act also focuses on sharing this information through educational materials and outreach programs for landowners, land managers, and livestock owners.

The "Age 21 Act" aims to regulate firearm sales and possession by individuals under 21 years of age. It defines specific types of firearms, including "semiautomatic assault weapons," and prohibits licensed dealers from selling these firearms or large capacity ammunition feeding devices to individuals under 21. The act also restricts the possession of handguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, and related ammunition by those under 21, with certain exceptions for activities like employment, military service, or self-defense.

The Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025 establishes a Wildfire Intelligence Center within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior to improve the study, planning, coordination, and implementation of solutions for wildfire management. The center will facilitate collaboration and information sharing among federal and state agencies, tribal entities, academia, and the private sector, and provide real-time, science-based analytical services and decision support for all phases of fire management. A governing board with representatives from various federal agencies will administer the center, and an executive director will be appointed to manage daily operations and engage with the private sector. The center aims to enhance wildfire risk assessment, prediction, and response capabilities through improved data, technology, and coordination.