Legislative Activity

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates federal earthquake preparedness by explicitly including Tribal jurisdictions and emphasizing the evaluation and retrofitting of older, high-risk buildings. The bill broadens the program's scope to address secondary hazards like tsunamis and strengthens coordination among agencies to improve early warning systems and post-disaster functional recovery. It also authorizes specific funding levels for key agencies through Fiscal Year 2028 to carry out these enhanced activities.

The West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025 permanently prohibits all oil and gas exploration, development, and production on the Outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This measure establishes a lasting ban across the four defined planning areas to protect these vital marine environments.

The Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act aims to increase housing assistance eligibility for disabled veterans by excluding specific VA disability benefits from income calculations for certain housing programs. This ensures that compensation received for service-connected disabilities does not prevent veterans from qualifying for supportive housing assistance. However, these excluded benefits will still be considered when calculating the final adjusted rent amount.

This bill significantly increases the authorized funding levels for the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. It raises the general implementation funding cap from $\$250$ million to $\$750$ million. Additionally, the bill boosts funding specifically allocated for upgrades to the Friant Division.

The Housing for All Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to tackle the national housing crisis by dramatically increasing funding for affordable housing construction, rental assistance, and supportive services. It authorizes billions for federal housing programs, guarantees future rental assistance for the extremely low-income, and establishes new structures to address racial equity in homelessness. Furthermore, the Act invests in innovative community solutions, including eviction defense grants and programs to convert commercial properties into housing.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act clarifies the location flexibility for the museum, confirming it can be situated within the National Mall Reserve. This legislation also establishes a clear process for transferring administrative control of sites managed by other federal agencies to the Smithsonian Institution. Furthermore, it mandates that the Museum's Board of Trustees actively seek guidance from diverse sources to ensure exhibits accurately reflect the full spectrum of Latino cultures and viewpoints. The Secretary of the Smithsonian must report regularly to Congress on compliance with these diversity requirements.

The Defending America’s Future Elections Act aims to nullify Executive Order 14248, which Congress finds unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential power regarding election administration. This bill explicitly repeals the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds by the Department of Government Efficiency to access sensitive state voter registration and immigration data. Ultimately, the Act seeks to reaffirm that Congress and the states, not the President, control federal election procedures.

This Act establishes the **César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park**, renaming and expanding the existing National Monument. The park aims to preserve and interpret the history of César Chávez and the farmworker struggle in the U.S. It also directs a study for a potential **Farmworker Peregrinación National Historic Trail** in California.

The Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act officially modifies the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This legislation specifically adds land surrounding Scarper Ridge to the recreation area's official designation. The change is defined by referencing a specific map dated July 2024.

The Smoke Exposure Research Act directs the Department of Agriculture to conduct comprehensive research on mitigating wildfire smoke taint in wine grapes. This research will focus on identifying harmful chemical compounds, developing rapid testing methods, and creating preventative or remedial tools for growers. The effort mandates collaboration with land-grant universities in key wine-producing states and authorizes $6.5 million annually for this purpose from 2026 through 2030.

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act creates an exception to certain income limits for farmers, ranchers, and foresters. This exception applies if at least 75% of an individual's or business's average adjusted gross income is derived from agricultural activities. This change ensures that those heavily reliant on farming income are not disqualified from specific federal agriculture disaster programs.

The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act aims to ensure overtime pay for truck drivers by repealing a specific exemption within the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. This legislative change removes an existing loophole that previously excluded certain trucking roles from standard overtime requirements. Ultimately, the bill seeks to guarantee that truckers receive overtime compensation for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.

This Act officially approves and implements the Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025, which ratifies the 2007 Agreement concerning the Tribe's water claims. The legislation confirms the Tribe's right to 5,828 acre-feet of water annually and authorizes significant funding for water development projects. Furthermore, it mandates the transfer of specified federal and tribal lands into federal trust status for the Tribe. Acceptance of these benefits requires the Tribe to waive nearly all past claims against the United States related to California water rights.

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 "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 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 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.

The "Access to Counsel Act of 2025" ensures individuals at ports of entry and during deferred inspection can access legal counsel and assistance. It allows consultations with counsel and interested parties, enabling them to advocate for the individual by providing information to examining officers. The bill also protects lawful permanent residents by ensuring they have the opportunity to seek legal advice before signing Form I-407, unless they knowingly waive that right. This act aims to provide due process and protect the rights of individuals seeking entry into the United States.