Legislative Activity

This bill aims to establish the U.S. as the top global producer of hardrock minerals to strengthen domestic supply chains and national security. It mandates the codification of certain Executive Orders by prioritizing and fast-tracking mining projects on federal lands. Furthermore, the legislation requires comprehensive economic impact analyses of mineral import reliance and directs a review to remove regulatory burdens slowing down domestic mineral development.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act of 2024 establishes a "safe harbor" standard for shippers to prove they were not negligent when selecting a motor carrier. This protection is granted if the shipper verifies the carrier's registration, insurance, and current FMCSA safety compliance confirmation within 45 days of shipment. The Act also mandates the Secretary of Transportation to update FMCSA safety fitness determination rules within one year.

The Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2025 ensures that small businesses receive prompt interim payments when the government mandates changes to their existing construction contracts. Upon requesting an equitable adjustment for contract modifications, the agency must issue an immediate partial payment covering at least 50% of the estimated additional costs. This legislation also mandates that prime contractors promptly pass these interim funds down to affected subcontractors.

The Reducing Permitting Uncertainty Act establishes a clear time limit on the EPA Administrator's authority to restrict or set aside specific areas for waste disposal under the Clean Water Act's Section 404 permit program. This restriction period begins only after an applicant submits a complete permit application and automatically ends once the Secretary issues the final permit. The goal is to streamline the permitting process by tying EPA restrictions directly to the active application timeline.

The Northern Border Security and Staffing Reform Act addresses critical staffing shortages within Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly along the northern border. It mandates an immediate hiring push to counteract anticipated mass retirements and current personnel deficits. Furthermore, the bill updates threat analysis requirements to specifically focus on staffing projections, retirement risks, and local recruitment strategies for northern ports of entry.

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act establishes a partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Council on Disability to significantly increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, particularly within small businesses. This collaboration focuses on supporting entrepreneurship, assisting small businesses with hiring and accessibility, and coordinating efforts through formal agreements. The SBA is required to report on the progress and future plans for expanding these opportunities two years after enactment, utilizing existing budgets for implementation.

The Parity in Engineering Act amends federal law concerning contracts for engineering and design services on federal highway projects. Specifically, this legislation removes Minnesota from a list in Section 112(b)(2)(F) of title 23 of the U.S. Code, leaving only West Virginia specifically mentioned in that subsection. This change adjusts the application of existing statutory provisions related to state contracting for these services.

The Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2025 voids federal restrictions enacted after May 15, 2015, that limit state and local police access to surplus federal equipment, unless specifically approved by Congress. This prevents federal agencies from enforcing these unapproved rules and mandates the return of equipment previously seized under those restrictions. The bill aims to ensure local law enforcement has access to necessary federal gear.

The Brake for Kids Act of 2025 establishes a national public safety messaging campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus. This initiative will be funded using existing allocations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The required campaign must utilize broad outreach methods, including national television, radio, social media, and edge service advertising.

The "Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2025" aims to increase tax benefits for individuals who use their personal vehicles for charitable purposes. Starting after 2024, the bill allows the Secretary to set a higher mileage rate for charitable contributions, matching the standard rate used for business expenses. This adjustment seeks to provide greater financial relief to volunteer drivers by increasing their eligible deductions.

The Small Business Procurement and Utilization Reform Act of 2025 (SPUR Act) amends the Small Business Act to modify scorecard requirements. It mandates tracking and comparing new small businesses winning prime contracts, including those owned by service-disabled veterans, HUBZone businesses, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and women. The Act defines "new small business entrant" and "scorecard," and states that no additional funds are authorized or appropriated to implement the changes.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act establishes a framework for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) at the state level. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if states substantially protect these rights, and if not, the Authority will establish collective bargaining procedures. The Act aims to promote cooperation between public safety employers and employees while respecting existing state laws and prohibiting strikes and lockouts. This law does not override state laws that provide similar or stronger protections for public safety officers.

This bill directs Congress to meet in a joint session on March 4, 2025, to receive a message from the President. The session will be held in the House of Representatives at 9 p.m.

The "Superior National Forest Restoration Act of 2025" aims to facilitate mineral development within Minnesota's Superior National Forest by rescinding a land withdrawal order and expediting the review and approval process for mining plans. It mandates the reissuance of canceled mineral leases and prospecting permits, establishes fixed terms for renewed leases, and limits judicial review of these reissued leases or permits. The Act also enables the issuance of permits for surface land use necessary for mining operations.

This Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to execute a land exchange between the United States and Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC (BWLT) involving parcels in Itasca County, Minnesota. The exchange requires BWLT to transfer approximately 36.7 acres of private land to the U.S. for addition to the Chippewa National Forest. In return, the U.S. will transfer approximately 17.5 acres of Federal land to BWLT, subject to a reserved road access easement. The transaction must be for equal value, potentially requiring a cash payment from BWLT if the Federal land is appraised as more valuable.