Legislative Activity

This bill officially designates significant portions of the Gila River System in New Mexico as protected Wild and Scenic Rivers, classifying segments as wild, scenic, or recreational. The designation withdraws federal lands from entry, mining, and mineral leasing within the protected boundaries while explicitly preserving existing water rights and private property uses. Additionally, the Act adjusts the boundaries of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Gila National Forest by transferring approximately 440 acres from the Forest Service to the National Park Service.

The Boost the Middle Class Act aims to increase financial support for working families by significantly raising the income thresholds for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This legislation increases both the amounts needed to qualify for the credit and the income levels at which the credit begins to phase out. These changes, which also update future inflation adjustments, will take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Honor and Hire Veterans Act of 2025 significantly boosts the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for employers hiring qualified veterans. This legislation increases the credit percentage for veterans to 50% of qualified first-year wages and raises the maximum wage cap used in the calculation. These changes aim to incentivize businesses to prioritize the employment of veterans.

The Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act establishes a new, refundable tax credit for individual taxpayers for the 2025 tax year. This credit equals 10% of the taxpayer's federal income tax liability, but only applies to those with a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $100,000 or less. If the credit exceeds the amount owed, the taxpayer will receive the difference as a refund.

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act mandates that the Department of Agriculture immediately honor all existing written agreements and pay any outstanding debts owed under those contracts. This legislation strictly prohibits the cancellation of signed farmer contracts unless the farmer has breached the terms. Furthermore, the Act requires a 60-day advance written notice to Congress before closing any local Farm Service Agency, NRCS, or Rural Development offices.

The Ranching Without Red Tape Act of 2025 aims to streamline the process for federal grazing permittees to make minor range improvements on US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This allows permittees to proceed with necessary repairs, such as fixing fences or water sources, if federal officials do not respond to a 30-day advance notice. The Act also sets deadlines for agencies if they choose to complete the improvements themselves.

The Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act of 2025 updates federal conservation programs to prioritize wildlife movement and migration corridors, especially for big game species. It expands partnership programs and allows for cost-sharing on existing CRP lands to improve connectivity. The bill also boosts research into non-physical livestock management tools like virtual fencing to reduce barriers to animal movement.

The Farm Workforce Support Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive report by the Comptroller General on the H2A temporary visa program for agricultural workers. This study will analyze the program's impact on domestic hiring, guest worker conditions, housing adequacy, and employer compliance. The resulting analysis will be delivered to key Congressional committees within two years of the Act's passage.

The Healthy Foods for Native Seniors Act establishes a demonstration project allowing select Tribal organizations to manage their own food purchasing for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). This pilot program requires Tribes to purchase U.S.-grown food that meets or exceeds standard nutritional guidelines. The bill authorizes funding for the project and for the administrative costs necessary to oversee these new self-determination contracts.

The New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to redraw regional boundaries, specifically moving Otero and Eddy Counties in New Mexico into Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 17. This adjustment aims to improve health care access for veterans in these rural areas. The boundary change must be completed within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The "Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic Act" designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic. Any reference to this clinic in any document will now refer to it as the Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic.

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act increases the annual stipend for books, supplies, and equipment for veterans under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program from $1,000 to $1,400. Beginning in 2026, this stipend will be subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index.

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 "Combating Rural Inflation Act" directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to create a monthly Consumer Price Index for Rural Consumers, starting in January 2026. This index will track changes in typical spending for people living in rural communities in the United States.