Legislative Activity

The Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act establishes a program recognizing and incentivizing employers who voluntarily commit to comprehensive safety and health management systems. Participating employers are exempt from programmed inspections, must conduct annual self-evaluations, and will be subject to periodic re-evaluations. The Secretary of Labor will modernize the program's technology and support a tiered challenge program. The Secretary of Labor must use at least 5 percent of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's annual funds to carry out this Act.

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996, allowing military aircraft to be used for dropping water, in addition to fire retardant, for wildfire suppression. It ensures that aircraft sold by the Department of Defense are exclusively used for wildfire suppression services. This act extends the Department of Defense's authority to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression until October 1, 2035.

The "Police Officers Protecting Children Act" amends title 18 of the United States Code, allowing qualified and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and discharge them within school zones, provided they are authorized under existing sections of the law and the firearm remains concealed.

The "Protecting Americans Right To Silence Act" or "PARTS Act of 2025" amends title 18 of the United States Code to redefine firearm silencers and mufflers. The new definition includes any device designed to diminish the sound of a portable firearm and any single part that serves as the primary housing for sound-reduction components.

The "Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act" amends title 49 of the United States Code to broaden criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities. It expands the scope of prohibited actions to include vandalizing, tampering, disrupting the operation or construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of pipelines.

The Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act of 2025 aims to improve wildfire response times by setting a standard of no more than 30 minutes for initial evaluation and 3 hours for resource deployment on federal lands. It requires the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, and FEMA Administrator to establish these standards and provide a comprehensive report to Congress. This report will include a unified budget request, performance indicators, an assessment of firefighting resources, and recommendations for improving the federal response system, contracting, and asset availability. The Act seeks to enhance coordination and efficiency in federal wildfire management.

The MERIT Act of 2025 aims to reform federal employment practices by modifying performance-based actions, adverse action procedures, and employee appeal processes. It extends probationary periods for new employees, changes furlough procedures, and allows for the recoupment of bonuses for misconduct. Additionally, the act reduces annuity benefits for employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties and prohibits grieving certain adverse actions and reductions in force. These changes intend to streamline the disciplinary process and enhance accountability within the federal workforce.

The "Fit for Purpose Wildfire Readiness Act of 2025" aims to improve the federal government's response to wildfires. It mandates the creation of a plan to consolidate wildland fire preparedness, suppression, and recovery efforts under a new National Wildland Firefighting Service within the Department of the Interior. This plan will outline the new service's budget, leadership qualifications, and necessary resources for consolidating federal wildfire response. A report detailing this plan must be submitted to Congress within 180 days.

The "Homeowner Energy Freedom Act" repeals sections 50122, 50123, and 50131 of Public Law 117-169. It also rescinds any remaining funds allocated to these sections. Additionally, the bill removes a reference to a specific rebate program from another section of the same law.

The "No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act" aims to prevent financial and material support from foreign countries and NGOs to the Taliban, especially from those receiving U.S. aid. It mandates the Secretary of State to identify entities supporting the Taliban, develop a strategy to discourage such support, and report regularly to Congress on the strategy's implementation and impact. The Act also requires reports on U.S.-funded cash assistance programs in Afghanistan and the status of the Afghan Fund, including measures to prevent Taliban access to these funds.

The VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025 requires that the Uniform Residential Loan Application include a disclaimer informing applicants that they may qualify for a VA Home Loan if they have served in the military. It also requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on whether lenders are including the disclaimer.