Legislative Activity

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 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 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 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.

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.