Legislative Activity

The SAFE TRACKS Act requires states to update their highway-rail grade crossing safety plans to specifically address and reduce pedestrian fatalities and suicides along railroad tracks. These updated plans must detail collaboration strategies with railroads, mental health agencies, and law enforcement. States are mandated to submit these comprehensive safety reports to the Federal Railroad Administration every five years.

The PERU Act of 2025 aims to grant Peruvian nationals eligibility for E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) nonimmigrant visas. This change aligns Peru with other treaty countries by establishing reciprocal treatment for traders and investors. The provision takes effect only if the Peruvian government offers the same visa status to U.S. citizens.

The Water Crisis Prevention Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of federal disaster funding available for water infrastructure failures. This review must assess FEMA resources for states, businesses, and individuals, both during and outside of declared emergencies. Ultimately, the GAO will report back to Congress with recommendations for interagency cooperation and future funding to proactively repair high-risk water systems.

The LEO Fair Retirement Act of 2025 addresses compensation issues for federal law enforcement officers (LEOs) by allowing them to receive full retirement credit for previously capped overtime premium pay, provided they make a required lump-sum payment. The Act also expands eligibility for "availability pay" to several new categories of federal law enforcement personnel. Finally, it provides a non-refundable federal tax credit for officers receiving certain lump-sum payments related to their retirement annuity calculations.

The DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2025 establishes new annual reporting requirements for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the accreditation status of its basic training programs. This legislation mandates that DHS detail accreditation progress, deficiencies, and remediation plans for Congress until all programs are officially accredited. Furthermore, the Act directs DHS to research and develop technologies to improve access to Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) instruction for state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement, especially in remote areas.