Legislative Activity

This bill extends the authority granted under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Specifically, it moves the expiration date for these special powers from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2031. This action ensures the continued availability of the Act's provisions for the specified period.

The SAMS Act of 2025 codifies several previous Executive Orders into permanent law, specifically focusing on policies related to critical minerals. This action elevates existing presidential directives concerning these vital resources to the full force and effect of statutory law. The bill ensures the long-term legal standing of established critical mineral supply chain strategies.

This bill seeks to formally reject a recent rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning new energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By invoking congressional disapproval, the legislation immediately cancels the DOE's proposed efficiency standards. In essence, Congress is overriding the DOE's attempt to implement these specific new regulations for tankless gas water heaters.

The ALERT Act mandates that federal agencies regularly report detailed information about their upcoming and recently proposed regulations to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). OIRA must then make this information publicly available online within 30 days of receipt. Furthermore, this bill establishes a general six-month public waiting period before a new rule can take effect, ensuring greater transparency in the regulatory process.

The Retirement Freedom Act grants individuals the option to voluntarily opt out of automatic Medicare Part A coverage. This legislation ensures that choosing to opt out will not affect Social Security benefits. Furthermore, individuals can reverse this decision later without incurring any penalties.

Lulu's Law mandates that the FCC update wireless emergency alert guidelines to include shark attacks as a qualifying event for official alerts. This means alerts regarding shark attacks can be disseminated to the public via wireless devices, similar to existing severe weather or Amber Alerts. The FCC has 180 days after enactment to issue the necessary order.

The "New Health Options Act of 2025" aims to lower health insurance premiums and promote access to affordable care. It establishes a reinsurance program to help insurers cover high-cost claims, allows out-of-network costs to count towards deductibles under certain conditions, and requires providers to disclose when a patient's out-of-pocket cost is higher than the cash price. The bill also allows insurers to opt out of the single risk pool, and when they do, removes the standard limits on how much premiums can vary based on age.

The "Standard FEES Act" aims to create a uniform fee schedule for processing applications to place communications facilities on federal properties. Fees will be based on direct processing costs and must be competitively neutral, with exceptions considered for public benefit and broadband expansion. The General Services Administration will establish the fee schedule, and executive agencies will adopt aligned regulations. Fees collected can only be used for processing these applications.

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," in recognition of their courageous service and crucial contributions during World War II. The medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display, honoring the 761st as the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit and their significant role in the Allied victory in Europe. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

This bill disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that revises national drinking water regulations for lead and copper. By disapproving the rule, the changes to lead and copper regulations will not be implemented.