Legislative Activity

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The "Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2025" aims to enhance state and local law enforcement access to surplus federal equipment. It prevents the enforcement of certain regulations that restrict the transfer of federal property to law enforcement agencies unless approved by Congress. The Act also ensures that any property recalled or seized under these regulations is returned or replaced at no cost to the original agency, provided they meet specific requirements and intend to use the equipment for law enforcement purposes. Finally, the Act restricts the President's power to create executive orders that would limit equipment transfers to law enforcement.

The "Brake for Kids Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Transportation to launch a national public safety campaign educating the public on the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. This campaign will utilize various media platforms, including television, radio, and social media, and will be funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal is to raise awareness and prevent accidents involving children near school buses.

The "ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act" aims to boost employment and entrepreneurship for individuals with disabilities by directing the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the National Council on Disability. They will work together to assist disabled individuals in starting businesses and finding jobs with small businesses, while also supporting small businesses in hiring people with disabilities. The Act requires a report to Congress detailing the activities, achievements, and future plans to expand these employment opportunities, but does not allocate additional funds for implementation.

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.

The Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025 authorizes the exchange of approximately 17.5 acres of federal land in Itasca County, Minnesota, for approximately 36.7 acres of non-federal land owned by Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC (BWLT). The exchange is contingent upon certain conditions, including title approval, environmental assessments, and a cash equalization payment from BWLT if the federal land is more valuable. The non-federal land acquired by the United States will be added to the Chippewa National Forest. BWLT is responsible for covering all closing costs associated with the land exchange.