Legislative Activity

The CATCH IT Act aims to improve rural healthcare access by increasing federal funding for preventative health equipment purchases under the Community Facilities Grant Program. This legislation boosts the federal cost-share by 25 percentage points for rural health facilities acquiring specific preventative care technology, such as advanced imaging and cancer screening equipment. These changes will take effect at the start of the next federal fiscal year following the bill's enactment.

The AI–WISE Act mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop and provide free, accessible educational resources and training modules on Artificial Intelligence for small businesses. These resources must cover AI fundamentals, risk management, privacy, and practical application, ensuring the content is current and unbiased. The bill explicitly states that no new funding is authorized, requiring the SBA to implement these educational requirements using existing budgetary allocations.

The Federal-State Partnership for Clean Water Act of 2025 significantly increases federal funding authorizations to support state and local efforts in water quality management. This bill boosts dedicated funding for wetlands protection and restoration programs through 2030, guaranteeing a minimum of \$100 million annually for state and local initiatives. Additionally, it authorizes \$500 million annually through 2030 to assist states in managing their core water pollution control programs.

The SBIR/STTR Innovation Workforce Act authorizes federal agencies to establish new paid fellowships and internships for students and researchers connected to small businesses that have already won Phase II SBIR or STTR awards. This initiative aims to bolster the innovation workforce in critical technical fields. Furthermore, the Act mandates enhanced outreach efforts to ensure participation from women and economically or socially disadvantaged individuals in these new opportunities.

The Fair Price Device Act updates FDA regulations for approving generic versions of drugs that require a specific medical device for delivery. This legislation mandates that manufacturers of these generic drug-device combinations must provide extensive proof demonstrating that their product offers the same safety and clinical effect as the original brand-name version. The goal is to ensure that generic alternatives maintain the established performance standards of complex drug delivery systems.

The Public Utility Remediation and Enhancement for Water Act establishes a new federal grant program administered by the EPA to help public wastewater treatment plants upgrade facilities. These grants specifically target the planning, design, and construction needed to treat or eliminate emerging contaminants like PFAS chemicals. The federal government will cover at least 75% of eligible project costs to improve water quality.

The Toll of Tariffs Act of 2025 mandates that the U.S. International Trade Commission conduct an urgent study on the inflationary effects of tariffs implemented via executive order since January 20, 2025. The Commission must report its findings to Congress within 60 days. This report will specifically detail the impact of these tariffs on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and related measures.

The Facts First Act aims to safeguard the independence of the Commissioner of Labor Statistics by significantly strengthening job protections. This legislation mandates that the Commissioner can only be removed for specific, proven causes such as inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct. The bill effectively establishes a higher standard for termination, ensuring the role remains insulated from political pressure.

The Paving the Way for American Industry Act amends the Build America, Buy America Act to impose stricter domestic sourcing requirements for yellow organic pigments used in road and highway marking paints. This legislation mandates that all manufacturing steps for these specific pigments must occur entirely within the United States. The Office of Management and Budget is required to issue updated guidance on these new standards within 90 days of enactment.

The Rural Upgrades for Road Access and Local Growth Act of 2025 aims to boost infrastructure in mid-sized rural communities. It mandates setting aside 30% of Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program funds specifically for towns with populations between 10,000 and 75,000. Additionally, the bill drastically shortens procedural review timelines within the grant program from 60 days to just 3 days to expedite project approval.

The Kids on the Go Act of 2025 mandates that every state must designate a Safe Routes to School Coordinator. States that comply with this requirement will receive an increased federal funding share of 95% for eligible Safe Routes to School projects. This aims to boost state efforts in improving safety for students traveling to and from school.

The Integrity in Government Act of 2025 aims to strengthen government oversight by establishing an Inspector General for the Executive Office of the President. This bill significantly reforms the system by implementing new protections to ensure Inspectors General can perform their duties without undue political interference. Specifically, it restricts the removal of most presidential appointees to instances of inefficiency, misconduct, or neglect of duty.

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 officially recognizes the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, confirming their status as a federally recognized tribe. This Act makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to recognized tribes. Furthermore, it mandates the Secretary of the Interior to take specified lands in western Michigan into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. The legislation ensures that this recognition does not diminish any existing rights the Tribe may hold.

This bill reauthorizes the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994, updating the definition of "State" to include Guam and increasing the authorized appropriations for the program through 2031. The funding increases aim to bolster conservation education and design initiatives related to waterfowl and their habitats.

The "Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025" ensures that Coast Guard members receive equitable pay and benefits compared to other branches of the Armed Forces. During a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse, the bill guarantees continued pay for Coast Guard military members, qualified civilian and contract employees, death gratuities, funeral travel, and basic housing allowance for dependents of Coast Guard members who die on active duty. This funding continues as long as Department of Defense funding is available, up to two weeks after a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse begins. The bill affirms the Coast Guard as a military service and aims to provide financial security to its members during funding uncertainties.

The CLEAR Act amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include entities established under Section 3161, ensuring their records are accessible to the public. This change applies to all FOIA requests made after the Act's enactment, regardless of when the records were created.

The "Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act of 2025" extends the energy credit for qualified biogas property through December 31, 2025, for construction beginning after December 31, 2024.