Legislative Activity

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and forced labor in the seafood industry by establishing a blacklist of offending vessels, imposing sanctions on individuals involved, enhancing enforcement measures, and promoting international cooperation. The Act also directs the creation of strategies to improve data collection and prevent illegally harvested seafood from entering the U.S. market, while encouraging investment in sustainable fisheries management and technical assistance to combat IUU fishing and forced labor globally. Finally, the Act requires studies and reports on the impact of technology, collaboration between fishing industries, and the overall effectiveness of strategies to counter IUU fishing.

This resolution condemns North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens since the 1970s, demanding the release of all abductees, the return of remains and information on deceased abductees, reparations, and a formal apology. It urges North Korea to cease these activities and encourages the President to address this issue in future interactions with North Korean officials. The resolution affirms that these abductions violate fundamental principles of liberty and freedom.

This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to officially recognize Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as a Village Corporation and Alexander Creek village as a Native village. It directs the Secretary to negotiate an agreement with Alexander Creek, Incorporated, to settle aboriginal land claims and achieve parity with similar Village Corporations. Additionally, Alexander Creek, Incorporated, will be considered a State agency for federal property purposes and will retain future resource payments, while members will no longer receive benefits from the Region as at-large shareholders. The bill clarifies that existing land conveyance entitlements or agreements are not modified.

The PRO Veterans Act of 2025 seeks to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operations through increased oversight and accountability. It mandates quarterly budget briefings to Congress, limits critical skill incentives for VA Senior Executive Service employees, and establishes a Veterans Experience Office to enhance customer service and gather data on veteran satisfaction. The act also requires annual reports and congressional reviews to ensure effective implementation and improvement of veteran services.

This bill prohibits the export of natural gas produced or refined in the United States to foreign countries if the purpose is for further export through a foreign LNG terminal. The bill expresses concerns about exporting natural gas through countries with corrupt governments, specifically mentioning Mexico's corruption issues, fuel theft, and violations of energy commitments under the USMCA. It concludes that exporting natural gas to terminals in Mexico is not in the national interest of the United States and poses national security and trade concerns.

This bill eliminates the requirement for small businesses with government contracts under the Small Business Act to award construction subcontracts within the same county or state as the primary project. This change broadens the geographic area from which these small businesses can choose subcontractors.

The "Freedom to Haul Act of 2025" prevents the EPA from enforcing the Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. It also amends the Clean Air Act to ensure that vehicle emission regulations do not mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must revise existing regulations to comply with these changes within two years.

The "ADS for Mental Health Services Act" requires large digital advertising platforms to report annually on the number, value, and focus of public service advertisements they display, particularly those related to mental, behavioral, and physical health resources. This data will then be compiled into a public report to Congress by the Federal Trade Commission. The goal is to increase transparency and understanding of the support provided for health-related public service announcements on major online platforms. The act does not supersede any existing privacy or data security laws.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that members of the Armed Forces, essential civilian Department of Defense personnel, and supporting contractors continue to receive their pay and allowances during periods when regular budget appropriations are lacking. This act provides funding for these individuals through fiscal year 2025, or until a regular appropriation bill is passed, or January 1, 2026. The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security are responsible for overseeing these provisions for their respective departments.

The "REP VA Act" aims to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) telephone communication by requiring a single, recognizable phone number and clear caller ID for all VA-related calls to veterans by January 1, 2026. It also mandates the Veterans Health Administration to establish call centers in multiple time zones to address healthcare appointment and referral inquiries, enhancing accessibility for veterans nationwide.

The Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act extends the deadline for eligible veterans to apply for land allotments. This bill amends existing legislation to provide Alaska Native Vietnam War-era veterans with an additional five years to apply for land allotments, increasing the application period from five years to ten years.

This resolution designates February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" to honor her advocacy for social equality and civil rights for Alaska Native and Native American communities. It recognizes her pivotal role in the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 and encourages the public to remember her legacy by advancing equality.

The Save Our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act amends the Social Security Act to increase payments to sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii for outpatient services. This ensures that these hospitals receive adequate compensation, covering at least 94% of their reasonable costs. The adjustment aims to support essential healthcare services in remote areas without increasing patient copayments and the Secretary will issue regulations to implement this change within 6 months.

The "Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act" amends the Social Security Act to allow for cost-of-living adjustments to the non-labor portion of Medicare payments for hospital outpatient services in Alaska and Hawaii. Beginning in 2026, the Secretary will adjust payments to mirror adjustments made under section 1886(d)(5)(H). These adjustments aim to address the unique circumstances faced by hospitals in these states and will not be budget neutral.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The CRITICAL Act amends the Social Security Act to increase reimbursement for critical access hospitals in noncontiguous states. This bill ensures that inpatient, outpatient, ambulance, and skilled nursing facility services are covered, even after costs reach 101 percent. By increasing reimbursement rates, the CRITICAL Act aims to improve healthcare services in rural areas.

The "Stop the ICC Act" prohibits U.S. officials from cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on any matter and withholds economic support to the Palestinian Authority due to ICC investigations against Israeli officials. It also blocks funds to support the Palestinian Authority and forbids federal funds from being used for the ICC or to support any ICC activities.

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act modifies and clarifies the Marine Debris Act and the Marine Debris Foundation, including renaming and moving sections, updating definitions, and modifying the appointment process for the Foundation's directors. It directs the Foundation to develop best practices for outreach to Indian Tribes and Tribal Governments, ensuring that the Act does not affect government-to-government consultation requirements or modify any treaty rights. The Act also updates references to the "Administrator" to "Under Secretary" and includes conforming amendments to ensure consistency throughout the legislation. Finally, it extends the authorization for carrying out the Act through fiscal year 2029 and authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2025.

This bill restructures the Department of Defense by creating an Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Industrial Base Development and Engagement to strengthen the defense industrial base through international partnerships. It also renames and expands the role of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities to include homeland defense responsibilities. The bill eliminates the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, shifting Western Hemisphere affairs to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.