Legislative Activity

The Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act designates specific segments of the Gallatin, Madison, Hyalite, and Cabin Creeks in Montana as components of the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation aims to protect the ecological, recreational, and cultural values of these important rivers within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The bill ensures that existing water rights, private property rights, and the operations of the Hebgen and Madison Dams remain unaffected by the new protections. Overall, the Act secures these treasured waterways for future enjoyment while respecting current land uses.

The Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act seeks to protect vital sections of the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers, along with several tributaries in Montana, by designating them as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation aims to preserve the clean water, recreational opportunities, and ecological value of these cherished rivers for future generations. The bill explicitly ensures that private property rights, existing water rights, and the operation of current infrastructure like the Hebgen and Madison Dams will not be negatively affected by these new protections.

The COVID-19 Military Backpay Act of 2025 establishes a legal remedy for service members discharged due to non-compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Covered members can sue in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims if their discharge is deemed involuntary or unlawful. If successful, the court must award remedies including back pay for missed training, continuous service credit, and adjustments to retirement eligibility. This legislation ensures that service records and benefits are corrected as if the wrongful discharge never occurred.

The LEAD Act of 2025 reclassifies the export control of specific advanced, reusable unmanned aircraft systems. This legislation mandates that these covered drones be treated the same as manned aircraft systems for the purpose of implementing Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines. The goal is to separate these advanced drone technologies from stricter export controls typically applied to missile technology and launch vehicles. The President is required to update relevant export regulations within 180 days to reflect this new policy.

The Streamlining Foreign Military Sales Act of 2025 amends the Arms Export Control Act by significantly raising the dollar thresholds for various financial reporting and approval requirements related to U.S. foreign military sales. This legislation aims to streamline the process by adjusting these key spending limits. The changes affect numerous sections governing the sale of defense articles and services to foreign nations.

The Forest Service Accountability Act mandates that the President, with Senate approval, appoint the Chief of the Forest Service, choosing someone with expertise in forest and natural resources management. The Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Energy and Natural Resources will jointly review the nomination. Within 30 days of the Act's enactment, the President must submit a nomination for the Chief of the Forest Service to the Senate.

The Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025 resolves water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community by ratifying a water rights agreement with the State of Montana, authorizing funding for its implementation, and allowing land exchanges. Additionally, it allocates funding for water and wastewater facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe.

The "Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act of 2025" aims to improve wildlife connectivity by providing financial and technical assistance to enhance habitat in key movement areas. This will be achieved through grants to state and tribal agencies, research programs, and continued mapping efforts by the USGS. The Act prioritizes collaboration among federal, state, and tribal entities, and ensures that private property rights and existing land uses are protected. It reauthorizes funding for existing wildlife programs and establishes new initiatives to support wildlife migration and habitat conservation.

The "Public Lands in Public Hands Act" restricts the federal government from transferring ownership of publicly accessible federal land to non-federal entities. Exceptions exist for transfers under 300 acres (or 5 acres if accessible by waterway) and those authorized by specific existing laws or land exchanges. This act aims to maintain public access to federal lands and prevent the government from subdividing land to circumvent these restrictions.

The FIR Act, or Forest Information Reform Act, aims to streamline environmental regulations by waiving the need for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to reinitiate consultations under the Endangered Species Act in certain situations, specifically when new species are listed, critical habitats are designated, or new information emerges regarding land management impacts. This waiver applies when land management or land use plans are already in place.