Legislative Activity

This resolution strongly supports the recognition of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on April 4, 2025. It reaffirms the United States' long-standing leadership and commitment to funding global efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance. The bill emphasizes the urgent need to address contamination caused by recent conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, while continuing support for long-affected regions. Ultimately, it calls for sustained U.S. action to eliminate these deadly hazards worldwide.

The Fair Allocation and Improvement of Regional Fleets Act (FAIR Fleets Act) mandates that the U.S. Postal Service modernize its vehicle fleet with environmentally friendly options and ensure a fair distribution of vehicles nationwide. This law requires the USPS to prioritize underserved and rural areas when allocating its fleet resources. Furthermore, the Postal Service must submit annual reports to Congress detailing fleet locations and actions taken to improve service equity.

The American Music Tourism Act of 2025 directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to actively promote domestic and international travel focused on U.S. music heritage and events. This includes identifying key music tourism locations and streamlining international visitor access to these sites. The Act also establishes new biennial reporting requirements to Congress detailing progress on these tourism goals.

The DISASTER Act of 2025 mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) annually report comprehensive data on all federal disaster-related spending to Congress. This report must detail spending by agency, disaster event, and type of aid provided. The goal is to increase transparency, improve future budget decisions, and identify cost-saving mitigation opportunities. The new public reporting requirement takes effect with the Fiscal Year 2027 budget submission.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital and dangerous work performed by power linemen who maintain our electrical infrastructure and ensure public safety. It highlights their crucial role as first responders, often working in hazardous conditions after disasters. Furthermore, the resolution supports the designation of April 18, 2025, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day" to formally honor their service.

The Youth Lead Act establishes dedicated federal funding for youth organizations by setting aside \$5 million annually for grants between fiscal years 2026 and 2030. This legislation amends existing law to ensure consistent financial support for these organizations.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated, cross-border criminal organizations driving massive increases in retail and supply chain theft. This bill updates federal laws regarding stolen goods and money laundering to strengthen enforcement tools against these groups. Furthermore, it establishes a new federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to share intelligence and coordinate efforts between federal, state, and private sector partners. The legislation recognizes that these theft rings often fund other serious criminal activities, threatening national security and the economy.

The DRIVE Act prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from mandating speed limiting devices on heavy commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. This legislation removes any federal requirement for trucks over 26,000 pounds to have their top speed electronically capped. In essence, the bill deregulates restrictions concerning speed control technology for large, cross-state eighteen-wheelers.

The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 mandates the FDA to update federal regulations within one year, replacing references to "animal testing" with the broader term "nonclinical testing" in drug development rules. This change aligns FDA regulations with recent legislative updates, allowing for the use of modern, non-animal testing methods in drug approval processes. The interim final rule implementing these changes will take effect immediately upon publication.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for audiology services, beginning in 2027. This legislation allows qualified audiologists to provide diagnostic and treatment services without physician referral or supervision, as permitted by state law. The bill also specifies payment rates and includes audiologists in coverage for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act ensures that specialized local government entities, known as special districts, are explicitly recognized as eligible recipients for federal financial assistance. This legislation mandates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue clear guidance on recognizing these districts for grants and loans. The goal is to standardize how federal agencies distribute financial aid to these essential local service providers.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 updates federal housing tax credit allocations to reflect current economic realities and boosts minimum state allotments. It reforms tenant eligibility rules to stabilize tenancy and enhance protections for vulnerable residents, including victims of abuse. The bill also provides disaster relief for property owners, increases incentives for housing the extremely low-income, and directs greater resources toward Native American and rural housing needs. Finally, it streamlines administrative processes and signals a future focus on data transparency and discouraging restrictive local zoning.

The Save Our Sequoias Act establishes a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy to protect giant sequoias from threats like catastrophic wildfire, drought, and pests. It mandates a scientific assessment of grove health, creates emergency response authorities to expedite hazardous fuel reduction, and sets up dedicated funding and grant programs. The legislation emphasizes collaboration with California and Native American Tribes to ensure long-term reforestation and resilience for these iconic trees.

The Election Results Accountability Act establishes strict, new deadlines for states to count and officially certify the results of federal elections. States must release initial results within 72 hours and finalize certification within two weeks of poll closure. Penalties for missing these deadlines include the loss of federal election assistance funds, unless the delay is due to specific, agreed-upon emergencies or technical issues.

This resolution officially supports the goals of Financial Literacy Month by recognizing the widespread financial challenges facing American households. It highlights the urgent need for improved personal finance education due to low budgeting rates and high levels of household debt. The bill calls upon federal, state, and local entities to promote programs that enhance financial understanding and responsible money management.

This Act establishes the Nitrate and Arsenic Reduction Grant Program under the Safe Drinking Water Act to fund projects that reduce these contaminants in public drinking water systems. Priority for these grants will be given to disadvantaged communities and systems that have previously failed to meet safety standards. The program aims to ensure cleaner drinking water, with special consideration for projects benefiting schools and low-income residents.

The EASE Act of 2025 mandates that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) test a new model to improve access to specialty health services. This "Specialty Health Care Services Access Model" will utilize digital tools, like telehealth, to connect eligible Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas with necessary specialty care. The model must be tested through a network of qualified, experienced, and primarily rural-based nonprofit providers.

The Armenian Genocide Education Act establishes a program managed by the Librarian of Congress to develop and share educational resources combating denial of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide. This initiative will create online materials, train educators, and encourage the integration of accurate history into school curricula. The Act authorizes $2 million annually for five years to support these educational efforts aimed at promoting awareness and preventing future atrocities.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 imposes sweeping economic penalties on the Russian Federation in response to its aggression against Ukraine. This legislation mandates severe, immediate sanctions against key Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities, including asset freezes and trade prohibitions. Furthermore, the Act dramatically increases import duties on Russian goods and requires the President to review and reimpose these measures until Russia negotiates a lasting peace with Ukraine.