Legislative Activity

The ALERT Act, or All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act, aims to increase transparency in federal rule-making by requiring agencies to submit detailed monthly reports on upcoming regulations to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). OIRA will then publish this information online, including cost-benefit analyses, potential economic impacts, and scientific data, and create an annual cumulative assessment. The Act also stipulates that a rule cannot take effect until information about it has been publicly available on the internet for at least 6 months, with certain exceptions. Ultimately, the goal of the ALERT Act is to provide the public with more accessible and comprehensive information about proposed and finalized rules.

This bill nullifies the Department of Energy's rule regarding energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By disapproving the rule, the bill prevents the new energy conservation standards from taking effect.

The "Retirement Freedom Act" enables individuals eligible for Medicare Part A to opt out of coverage without penalty, and allows them to re-enroll in the future without penalty. Opting out of Medicare Part A will not impact eligibility for Social Security benefits. Individuals will not be required to repay any amount for Part A services received before opting out.

Lulu's Law mandates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include shark attacks as a potential event for wireless emergency alerts. This addition will allow for public notification and safety measures in areas where shark attacks pose a risk.

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.