Legislative Activity

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 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 that individuals undergoing secondary or deferred immigration inspection at ports of entry have a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel and interested parties. The bill mandates that these individuals be granted access to representation to assist in their inspection process and provides specific protections for lawful permanent residents regarding the abandonment of their status. These measures aim to uphold due process rights for travelers and immigrants arriving at U.S. borders.

The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his unparalleled athletic achievements, humanitarian efforts, and dedication to civil rights. This legislation honors his legacy as a global icon and champion for social justice.

The Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025 addresses wildfire risk through three main avenues: establishing a novel financing pilot program to accelerate large-scale forest restoration, increasing community resilience through infrastructure hardening and home weatherization updates, and building capacity via new research centers and workforce development grants. This comprehensive bill seeks to leverage private investment for ecological work while simultaneously making communities safer and developing the necessary skilled workforce for future mitigation efforts.

The Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 streamlines vegetation management for electrical utilities operating on National Forest System land by allowing them to remove hazardous trees near power lines without a separate timber sale. The bill ensures that if utilities sell any removed vegetation, the proceeds—minus transportation costs—are remitted to the U.S. Forest Service. This legislation aims to improve fire safety while maintaining environmental compliance and fiscal accountability.

The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act establishes a dedicated program to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of atmospheric river forecasting and warnings. By integrating advanced modeling, innovative data collection, and air reconnaissance, the initiative aims to reduce the loss of life and property caused by extreme weather. The Act also prioritizes the transition of research into operational tools and improves public communication strategies to better prepare communities for these high-impact events.

The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025 establishes permanent, specialized base pay rates for federal wildland firefighters to replace expiring temporary salary increases. The bill also introduces a new incident response premium pay for those deployed to fire incidents and mandates paid rest and recuperation leave to support firefighter well-being. These measures aim to provide long-term financial stability and improved working conditions for the federal wildland firefighting workforce.

The Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act establishes a federal cost-share floor of 75% for fire management assistance and mandates the creation of clear criteria for increasing federal support during emergencies. Additionally, the bill directs FEMA to update its policies to allow for the reimbursement of state, local, and tribal governments for the predeployment of domestic fire-suppression assets.