Legislative Activity

The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025 establishes special base rates of pay for federal wildland firefighters, increasing their salaries based on their General Schedule grade. It also provides incident response premium pay for firefighters deployed to qualifying incidents and allows for rest and recuperation leave following deployments. The bill enables the transfer of funds between the Forest Service and the Department of Interior to ensure the continuation of salary increases.

The "Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act" aims to enhance support for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) through increased research, prevention, and service programs. This act amends the Public Health Service Act to expand training, integrate a case definition for FASD, and build state and tribal capacity for identification, treatment, and support. It also establishes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Centers for Excellence to expand diagnostic capacity, develop public awareness campaigns, and serve as clearinghouses for evidence-based resources. Finally, the act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to carry out these provisions and requires a report on efforts to advance public awareness and identify best practices related to FASD.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and the United States Olympic Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The ACCESS Act aims to reform contractor education requirements in federal contracts. It mandates that contracting officers provide written justification when a minimum education level is required for contractor personnel, ensuring the agency's needs cannot be met otherwise. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is directed to issue guidance to executive agencies on implementing these changes and encouraging alternatives to strict education requirements. The Comptroller General will also submit a report to Congress evaluating executive agency compliance within 3 years.

The Telework Reform Act of 2025 updates federal telework policies by clarifying definitions, requiring annual reviews of telework agreements, and mandating training and monitoring protocols. It also directs agencies to conduct surveys, update telework policies, and report on telework usage and outcomes. Additionally, the Act allows for non-competitive appointments of qualified veterans and military spouses to remote work positions and establishes a pilot program for spouses of law enforcement officers.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals to qualify for financial assistance. It also adjusts the premium tax credit calculation to provide more support based on income level. These changes aim to make health coverage more affordable for a broader range of Americans, starting in 2026.

The "Washington, D.C. Admission Act" outlines the process for admitting Washington, D.C., into the Union as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a Capital to serve as the seat of the U.S. Government. It addresses the transition of laws, governance, and federal responsibilities, ensuring continuity of services and representation for the residents of the new state. The Act also defines the boundaries of the new State and the Capital, and includes provisions for elections, federal property, and the establishment of a Statehood Transition Commission.