This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey to launch a program using advanced quantum technology to map critical minerals on Federal lands. The initiative requires the agency to conduct mobile surveys in specific western regions, comparing new quantum data with existing records to improve how well they detect mineral deposits. Survey results will be shared publicly and with mining companies to encourage private investment, while state geological surveys will be consulted throughout the process. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior submit a detailed report to Congress within two years, outlining the survey findings, cost comparisons, and recommendations for future scaling.
The USA Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to advance international standards for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies by promoting private sector-led processes and strengthening public-private partnerships. To improve U.S. involvement, the bill requires the institute to provide Congress with a briefing on current standards activities and to create a web portal that helps industry and government agencies find and join these efforts. Additionally, the legislation establishes a five-year pilot program that awards grants to eligible organizations to host standards meetings within the United States, aiming to increase domestic participation in global technical standardization.
The SCALE Biology Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a new biometrology laboratory program focused on engineering biology and biomanufacturing. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of biological data while developing technical standards, safety guidelines, and measurement tools to support industry innovation and national security. The bill authorizes funding over several years to establish research facilities, train experts, and collaborate with universities and private companies to advance the field. Additionally, the legislation updates existing definitions related to biotechnology and biosafety to ensure clarity across federal programs.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026 strengthens federal efforts to manage and prevent the spread of non-native aquatic organisms by updating existing laws and creating new funding opportunities. The bill establishes a competitive grant program to research and develop environmentally sound technologies for controlling these species, while also requiring a comprehensive study of federal regulations that might slow down rapid response actions when an invasion is detected. It mandates the creation of a national plan for inspecting and decontaminating watercraft at boat launches to stop the transfer of invasive species, and it authorizes funding to support regional panels and monitoring programs across various waterways. Additionally, the legislation updates the National Invasive Species Council's role to better coordinate federal actions and encourages the adoption of advanced ballast water management systems on ships.
The Geo POWER Act creates a new milestone-based financing program to support geothermal energy projects in areas with limited or no existing geothermal power generation, including regions near Indian lands. This program awards funding based on the achievement of specific technical and financial milestones rather than upfront capital, aiming to reduce risks for future projects. The initiative prioritizes projects that generate public data to characterize new geothermal resources and require a minimum electricity generation capacity of 30 megawatts. The Department of Energy must award financing to at least three different proposals across three different states, ensuring geographic diversity in project selection.
This bill, known as the HERO Act, creates a federal grant program to help schools purchase opioid overdose reversal drugs and develop emergency response plans and educational resources for students and staff. Schools receiving federal funding would be required to report any distribution of these reversal drugs to federal tracking systems. The grants would be awarded competitively, with priority given to schools in areas with high rates of opioid overdoses, and recipients would need to submit annual reports on how they used the funds and implemented safety measures.
This bill, known as the STOP Nitazenes Act, directs the federal government to permanently classify nitazenes and related synthetic opioids as Schedule I controlled substances, placing them in the same legal category as heroin and fentanyl. The legislation specifically targets a broad range of chemical compounds, including etonitazene and other variants, by defining them as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids and requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of qualifying substances. Under the bill, any nitazene substance temporarily scheduled under emergency provisions would be made permanently scheduled upon enactment, ensuring long-term federal control. The law also mandates that the Attorney General issue implementing rules within one year, allowing for immediate interim enforcement while providing opportunities for public comment before final regulations are established.
S 3456, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, creates a free annual pass for eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters to use at national parks and federal recreational lands. The bill directly affects active officers and firefighters employed by federal, state, local, or tribal governments who perform duties related to crime prevention/detection or fire suppression. It amends existing law to require the Secretary to provide these passes at no cost, after verifying eligibility through proof of employment. The key mechanism is expanding the current pass program to specifically include these public safety professionals under defined roles.
S 3131, the USS Frank E. Evans Act, requires the Secretary of Defense to add the names of 74 crew members lost when the USS Frank E. Evans sank on June 3, 1969, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., within one year of the bill's enactment. The bill mandates consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and other authorities to address space limitations for adding these names. It explicitly states that the Commemorative Works Act does not apply to this memorial addition. The bill directly affects the families of the 74 crew members by ensuring their names are commemorated on the memorial.
The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 establishes a program to protect migratory whales and other large cetaceans through improved mapping, monitoring, and mitigation measures. It requires the creation of detailed, high-resolution maps of whale habitats, including calving grounds and migration routes, which will be integrated into vessel navigation systems to prevent collisions. The bill authorizes $8 million annually through 2030 for mapping, surveys, and a $10 million grant program to fund new detection technologies that reduce harmful interactions between whales and ocean users. It also mandates regular reporting to Congress on the program's effectiveness and progress in filling knowledge gaps about whale habitats.
HR 6529, the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act, mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to hold a technical conference within 90 days of enactment. The conference will include AI data centers, utilities, and ratepayer advocates to develop strategies protecting residential and small commercial customers from rising energy costs caused by large energy users. FERC must then submit a report with recommendations to Congress within 180 days. This procedural bill directly affects households and small businesses facing potential rate increases due to AI data center energy demands.
North Rim Restoration Act This bill allows the National Park Service (NPS) to expedite the approval of contracts to restore forests, structures, and assets within areas of the Grand Canyon National Park impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona. Specifically, the bill authorizes the NPS to use emergency acquisition flexibilities without a presidential emergency or disaster declaration to contract for the following services in such impacted areas: managing or restoring forests, rebuilding structures affected by the fire, improving grounds and structures, conducting recovery efforts, or other specified activities. This authority expires on the date that is the earlier of the following: (1) seven years after the date of this bill's enactment, or (2) the date on which projects and recovery efforts within such area are completed. The NPS may request Congress extend such authority for 12 months if a new wildfire ignites within such area and impacts recovery efforts related to the Dragon Bravo Fire. The bill also authorizes the NPS to enter into noncompetitive procurement contracts for rebuilding, rehabilitating, replacing, or operating assets, such as lodging or utilities, to support the recovery and reopening of the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim. This authority is conditioned upon the NPS making certain determinations regarding the North Rim concessioner and it terminates seven years after this bill's enactment.
