Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating April as "National Language Access Month." It recognizes that providing language access is crucial for ensuring equitable access to public services for millions of Americans with limited English proficiency. The bill encourages federal and local entities to raise awareness about language access rights and resources.

This bill makes technical amendments to the Pechanga Band of Indians Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023. It corrects statutory references and formatting errors within the original law. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of the Band's reservation lands and expands the allowable uses for the Pechanga Water Quality account. These changes confirm and support the existing water rights settlement without altering substantive water rights.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act ratifies a comprehensive agreement to finally settle all water rights claims for the Tribe in California. The bill confirms the Tribe's quantified water right, establishes a multi-million dollar settlement trust fund for water infrastructure and management projects, and addresses related tax issues on the Reservation. Furthermore, it authorizes the transfer of federal land into trust for the Tribe and the conveyance of specific federal land to the Coachella Valley Water District.

This bill, the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, explicitly repeals Executive Order 14399, which attempted to regulate mail-in voting. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Postal Service, from using funds to create national voter/citizenship databases or interfere with state administration of absentee and mail-in ballots. The Act reaffirms that states, not the federal government, control federal election procedures.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to disapprove a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding the withdrawal of guidance on invalid nursing home debts. By nullifying this withdrawal, the resolution effectively restores the original protections and standards outlined in the CFPB’s circular on debt collection and consumer reporting practices.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to disapprove and nullify the Department of Labor’s June 2024 rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for H-2A nonimmigrant workers. By passing this resolution, Congress effectively cancels the rule, preventing it from taking effect.

The Support our Firefighters Act establishes new paid rest and recuperation leave policies for federal wildland firefighters following deployments. It also permanently waives overtime pay caps for these employees and allows for necessary fund transfers between agencies to ensure continued salary payments. This legislation aims to improve support and compensation for federal wildland firefighting personnel.

The Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act authorizes the expansion of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This legislation formally incorporates the specific land identified in the July 2024 boundary map into the existing recreation area.

The Save Our Sequoias Act establishes a comprehensive, multi-agency framework to protect giant sequoias from the escalating threats of high-severity wildfires, drought, and insect infestations. The bill creates a collaborative coalition to assess grove health, streamlines emergency restoration projects, and establishes dedicated funding and strike teams to accelerate reforestation and forest management efforts. By fostering partnerships between federal, state, and tribal entities, the Act aims to ensure the long-term resilience and survival of these iconic trees.

The Pay FEMA Personnel Act of 2026 ensures that Federal Emergency Management Agency employees continue to receive pay and benefits during a potential government funding gap in fiscal year 2026. This legislation guarantees that essential disaster relief and grant administration operations remain fully staffed and operational until regular appropriations are enacted.

This bill authorizes the transfer of approximately 860 acres of federal land in Riverside County, California, into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. The land will be incorporated into the Tribe’s reservation and must be maintained as protected open space, with strict prohibitions against gaming and commercial development.

The Health Investment Zones Act of 2026 establishes a program to designate areas with significant health disparities as Health Investment Zones for a 10-year period. This designation unlocks federal incentives, including tax credits for employers and workers, dedicated grant funding for local initiatives, and student loan repayment options for healthcare providers. The goal is to reduce health disparities, improve health outcomes, and lower healthcare system costs within these targeted zones.

This bill establishes the Mental Health Career Promotion Grant Program to address workforce shortages in mental and behavioral health. The program awards grants to partnerships between schools, community colleges, and mental health providers to create or expand initiatives that promote these careers to students. Activities funded will include educational presentations, internships, and mentorship opportunities for students in grades 9 through college.

This bill facilitates an administrative land exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service in Tuolumne County, California, near Ackerson Meadow. It transfers approximately 160 acres of Stanislaus National Forest land to be managed as part of Yosemite National Park. In return, about 170 acres of National Park land will be managed as part of the Stanislaus National Forest. The transfer maintains existing liability for hazardous waste cleanup and preserves any pre-existing legal rights on the exchanged parcels.

The "Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025" amends existing law to establish an interest-bearing account within the U.S. Treasury for non-federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. This fund will hold contributions and earned interest, making the funds available to the Secretary for program expenditures without further appropriation. The bill also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Treasury Secretary and State Parties in managing and protecting these funds.

The GROW SMART Act establishes a drought planning assistance program to support innovative, voluntary water-sharing agreements and the adoption of water-thrifty crops. This program provides technical and financial assistance for projects that keep agricultural land in production while offering community water benefits. Priority is given to new approaches involving partnerships that aim to insulate users from water risk and reduce consumption without fallowing land.

The MORE WATER Act focuses on strengthening water security across communities by significantly enhancing federal support for water recycling, conveyance improvements, and environmental restoration projects. It reauthorizes and increases funding for large-scale water reuse programs and establishes a new grant program for modernizing western water infrastructure. Furthermore, the bill creates a process to deauthorize inactive Bureau of Reclamation projects to prioritize active water resource development.

The Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Act establishes a new FEMA grant program to help communities develop plans and fund projects that reduce wildfire risk. Grants will support activities like public outreach, infrastructure hardening, and creating defensible space around homes. The bill also mandates studies and reports on federal wildfire programs, insurance incentives, and radio communication interoperability for fire management.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

The "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act" prohibits the use of any federal funds to compensate individuals prosecuted for involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This includes blocking payments from the Judgment Fund or any victim compensation fund. Furthermore, the bill prevents the U.S. Treasury from refunding court-ordered restitution, fines, or special assessments paid by those convicted for their actions during the attack.