Legislative Activity

The Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act enhances financial management and transparency in federal agencies by updating the duties of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to include stronger oversight of financial reporting and internal controls. It replaces the government-wide 5-year financial management plan with a 4-year plan, requiring detailed strategies for improving financial management systems and workforce development. The Act also mandates annual financial management status reports to Congress and the Comptroller General, along with rigorous audits of internal controls to ensure effective financial management across the government.

The Postal Employee Appeal Rights Amendment Act of 2025 amends Title 39 of the U.S. Code, section 1005(a)(4)(A)(ii)(I), to extend the right to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board to certain non-unionized USPS employees. This includes those in supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, administrative, or managerial roles covered by the Executive and Administrative Schedule.

The "Postal Supervisors and Managers Fairness Act of 2025" amends Title 39 of the U.S. Code to modify the procedures for negotiating pay and benefits of supervisory and managerial personnel within the Postal Service. It requires the Postal Service to provide advance notice of proposed changes to pay and benefits and mandates a binding determination by a dispute resolution panel within 15 days of its recommendation. This aims to streamline the negotiation process and ensure fair resolution of disagreements.

The "BAD DOGE Act" repeals Executive Order 14158, effectively disbanding the US DOGE Service (USDS) and the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization (USDSTO). This action is in response to findings that the USDS and USDSTO, under the leadership of Elon Musk, exceeded their authorized powers, violated constitutional principles, and contravened federal statutes and ethics regulations. The Act aims to restore proper oversight and adherence to legal standards within government IT operations.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

Expresses support for strengthening public schools through community partnerships, mental health resources, and equitable funding. Aims to advance equity and excellence in public education, ensuring high-quality education for every child through evidence-based practices. Designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as Public Schools Week.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2025 modifies and expands the existing Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project by increasing authorized funding to $2,175,000,000, expanding the project's service area, and updating language regarding land acquisition and construction. The act establishes and governs the use of settlement trust funds for the Navajo Nation and Jicarilla Apache Nation, and allows the Navajo Nation to supply non-Project water to its communities in Utah under specific conditions. It also extends deadlines for fund deposits and waivers related to water rights, and clarifies taxation of project facilities.

The "Due Process Continuity of Care Act" aims to provide Medicaid coverage for individuals in custody awaiting charges in a medical institution, removing the existing inmate limitation on benefits. It authorizes the Secretary to award planning grants to states to support providing Medicaid assistance to eligible individuals and to prepare an application that meets specific requirements. The Act requires states to develop plans for assessing health treatment needs, increasing healthcare provider participation, and ensuring quality of care for patients in custody. It allocates $50,000,000 for these planning grants.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This act increases the maximum age for eligible children to receive medical care under the program to 26 years old, regardless of their marital status. This change does not affect benefits for children incapable of self-support and takes effect for medical care provided on or after the enactment of this act.

The Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Buffalo Soldier regiments, recognizing their dedicated service to the United States. Following the award ceremony, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research. The Secretary of the Treasury is permitted to create and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal. Funds from the sales will be deposited back into the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 resolves water rights claims within the Zuni River Stream System for the Zuni Tribe by ratifying an agreement, establishing a trust fund, and allocating funding for water infrastructure. It also protects the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary by withdrawing federal land from development, restricting land use, and transferring land into trust for the Zuni Tribe, preserving its cultural significance and water resources. The Act requires the Zuni Tribe and the U.S. government to waive certain water rights claims, with specific protections for individual allottees' water rights. This comprehensive settlement aims to improve water management, resolve disputes, and support economic development for the Zuni Tribe.

The "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, providing continued financial support to states and counties with federal lands through 2026. It extends secure payments, distribution of payments, and the authority for special projects on federal land. Additionally, it extends the Resource Advisory Committee pilot program and makes several technical corrections to the original Act.

The Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.

The Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 authorizes and ratifies a settlement of water rights claims for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo within the Rio Chama Stream System, establishing a trust fund to support water infrastructure, resource management, and economic development for the Pueblo. The Act defines Pueblo water rights, outlines the process for managing and distributing funds from the trust, and requires specific waivers and releases of claims from the Pueblo and the United States. It also sets forth the conditions for the Act's enforceability, including necessary funding, legal changes by the State of New Mexico, and judicial approval of the settlement.

The Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 seeks to resolve Navajo Nation water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System by ratifying a settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties. The Act establishes a trust fund for the Navajo Nation to manage and utilize for water-related projects and infrastructure, while also defining the scope and limitations of the Navajo Nation's water rights. It also addresses the water rights of individual allottees and allows for the expansion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project service area. The Act includes waivers and releases of certain claims, and requires specific actions by the Secretary of the Interior and the State of New Mexico to ensure the agreement's enforceability.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs accurately represent the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic and Latino communities, seeking guidance from diverse sources. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

The "Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director appointed by the Attorney General, to coordinate gun violence prevention efforts, evaluate related laws and programs, and recommend evidence-based policies to Congress and the President. The Director will also convene an advisory council comprising various officials and at least 12 additional individuals representing gun violence survivors, community violence intervention service providers, and other relevant groups. The Office will also assist communities affected by gun violence with crisis response activities, such as providing access to mental health services and suicide prevention resources. Finally, the act authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of the bill.

The "Ending DOGE Conflicts Act" mandates that special government employees with financial ties to companies contracting with the federal government must adhere to strict financial disclosure requirements. It requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to certify these employees' financial reports and prohibits them from performing official duties until compliance is confirmed.

The "Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act" authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women in the United States, seeking guidance from varied sources. The Act mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

This bill resolves water rights disputes in New Mexico for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia by ratifying existing agreements and establishing trust funds to manage settlement money. It clarifies and protects the water rights of each Pueblo, ensuring long-term access to water resources, and requires the Pueblos to waive certain claims in exchange for the settlement benefits. The legislation allocates specific funding for water infrastructure, watershed protection, and economic development, contingent upon meeting key conditions and timelines for implementation. By settling these disputes, the bill aims to enhance water security and support economic development for the Pueblos.