John Barrasso

CLOSE THE GAP Act

The bill would make it faster and easier for broadband companies to get permission to build internet infrastructure like cables and towers on federal land by simplifying the approval process. This would help expand high-speed internet access to rural and underserved areas while reducing the time and costs companies face when dealing with federal agencies. The changes would affect broadband providers, rural communities seeking better internet service, and federal land management agencies.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026.

This resolution recognizes and celebrates National Hospital Week, scheduled for May 10-16, 2026, to honor the contributions of hospitals and their staff to American healthcare. The resolution highlights the importance of the healthcare workers, facilities, and services that hospitals provide to patients and communities across the country. The Senate has already approved this resolution without any changes.

988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026

This bill would improve the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by making sure that when someone calls or texts 988, the system can more accurately identify their location so emergency responders can reach them faster if needed. The changes would help the lifeline's call centers better pinpoint where callers are located, which is especially important for people in crisis who may not be able to clearly communicate their address. This affects anyone who might use the crisis service, as well as the call centers and emergency services that respond to these calls.

Time for Completion Act

Colleges and universities would be required to collect and publicly report detailed information about student outcomes, such as graduation rates, employment after graduation, and earnings data, so prospective students and families can better compare schools and make informed decisions about where to attend. The requirement would apply to all institutions receiving federal student aid funding. This transparency measure aims to help students understand what they're paying for and whether different colleges actually help graduates succeed in their careers.

A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to provide for the payment of bonus payments of certain coal leases issued under that Act.

The government would require companies that received coal leases under federal law to make additional bonus payments (upfront fees) for those leases. This affects coal mining companies operating on federal lands and would increase the money the government collects from these mining operations.

No Licenses for Illegal Drivers or Truckers Act of 2026

States would lose federal highway funding if they issue driver's licenses or ID cards to people without first verifying they are in the country legally. The bill aims to pressure states to check immigration status before handing out these documents, affecting both state governments that administer licensing programs and immigrants who may have difficulty obtaining identification. This would be enforced through the federal government's control over highway construction and maintenance money that states depend on.

Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2026

This bill would allow people with terminal illnesses to receive their Social Security disability benefits more quickly instead of waiting through the normal approval process. The change would help seriously ill individuals and their families access financial support when they need it most, without having to go through lengthy delays or appeals.

Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026

This bill would expand access to mental health services by increasing funding for mental health providers and making it easier for people to get treatment through insurance coverage. It aims to address shortages of mental health professionals and reduce barriers that prevent patients from receiving care, while also providing support to doctors and therapists who treat mental health conditions. The changes would affect patients seeking mental health treatment, insurance companies, and healthcare providers across the country.

Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act

This bill would require that any new federal spending or tax cuts be offset by equal amounts of spending cuts or tax increases elsewhere in the budget, so that the government doesn't add to the national deficit. The requirement would apply to most new legislation, though it may include exceptions for emergencies or certain programs. The goal is to prevent lawmakers from passing bills that increase the total amount of money the government borrows.

Grasslands Grazing Act of 2025

This bill would make it easier for ranchers to graze livestock on federal grasslands and prairies by streamlining the permitting process and potentially extending grazing rights. The changes would affect both ranching operations that depend on public lands for pasture and federal land management agencies that oversee these areas. Environmental groups and conservation advocates may have concerns about impacts to wildlife habitat and grassland ecosystems, while ranchers would likely benefit from reduced regulatory barriers.

EDA Short Form Application Act

This bill would simplify the application process for businesses and communities seeking grants and loans from the Economic Development Administration, a federal agency that helps create jobs and support economic growth in struggling regions. By reducing paperwork and making applications shorter and easier to complete, the bill aims to help small businesses, local governments, and nonprofits more easily access federal funding for economic development projects. The change would make it faster for communities to get the money they need to build infrastructure, start businesses, or create jobs.

A resolution designating February 28, 2026, as "Rare Disease Day".

This resolution designates February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day.

Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026

This bill would likely reduce federal taxes or fees on gasoline and diesel fuel to lower prices at the pump for drivers and businesses that rely on fuel. The exact mechanism isn't clear from the title alone, but it could involve cutting the federal gas tax, providing tax credits to consumers, or adjusting how fuel is taxed. The changes would affect everyday drivers, trucking companies, and other industries dependent on fuel costs.

Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act

Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act This bill allows National Forest System (NFS) units to keep the majority of ski area permit rental fees that were generated within their boundaries and outlines how revenues from those fees may be used. Such fees are collected by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from ski area operators on NFS land. Within the NFS unit where the fees were generated, USDA must expend (1) 60%-48% of the collected fees for activities such as administration of the ski area permit program, visitor information, or reducing the likelihood of wildfire in or adjacent to a recreation site; and (2) 20% of the collected fees for activities such as repair of a Forest Service-owned facility, habitat restoration, or search and rescue activities. The remainder of the collected fees must be expended by USDA at any NFS unit for any of the activities specified in this bill.

Making National Parks Safer Act

Making National Parks Safer Act This bill directs the National Park Service (NPS) to develop a plan to install Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems, which are certain interoperable, digital, and secure Internet Protocol-based systems for receiving 9-1-1 calls. Specifically, the NPS must assess the implementation status and estimated costs of such NG911 systems at existing emergency communications centers in NPS units. The NPS must also develop a plan, based on the assessment, to install NG911 systems at centers.

No Climate Treaties Act of 2026

This bill would prevent the United States from entering into international agreements focused on climate change without approval from Congress, rather than allowing the President to negotiate such treaties independently. The measure would give lawmakers a direct say in whether America commits to global climate deals, affecting how the country participates in international environmental negotiations and potentially limiting the executive branch's flexibility in climate diplomacy.

Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026

The proposal would expand insurance coverage for genetic counseling services, making it easier and more affordable for patients to meet with specialists who help people understand their genetic risks for diseases. Genetic counselors work with patients to explain test results, discuss family health history, and plan medical care—services that are currently often not covered by insurance or require high out-of-pocket costs. This change would primarily benefit patients seeking to understand inherited health conditions and their families.

American Voices in Federal Lands Act

American Voices in Federal Lands Act This bill directs the Bureau of Land Management to modify its public comment system by (1) only considering public comments from U.S. citizens; and (2) deterring attempts at public involvement via artificial intelligence (AI), such as AI bots, by establishing and implementing a Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA test).

Less Than Lethal Act

This bill would create tax incentives or credits related to less-lethal weapons and self-defense technologies, likely to encourage their development, manufacture, or use as alternatives to traditional firearms. The measure would affect companies in the defense and security industries, as well as potentially law enforcement agencies and individuals who purchase these products. The specific tax benefits would be determined by the Finance Committee as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Wildfire Prevention Act of 2025

This bill establishes forest management requirements for federal lands, particularly with respect to reducing wildfires. For example, the bill establishes annual goals to increase (1) the number of acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that are mechanically thinned (i.e., a management process related to the removal of trees and vegetation); and (2) the number of acres of Forest Service and BLM land treated by prescribed fire. By FY2029, the goals must be to increase the number of acres of each by at least 40% compared to the average number of acres of each in FY2019-FY2023. The bill also directs the Forest Service and the BLM to (1) implement standardized procedures for tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities they carry out, and (2) develop a strategy to identify opportunities to use livestock grazing as a wildfire risk reduction tool on federal land. Additionally, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior must establish a deployment and test bed pilot program for wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and mitigation technologies. The bill mandates use of existing authorities for expedited environmental review for certain forest land at high risk from wildfire, insects, or disease. Finally, the bill provides local governments and Indian tribes the right to intervene in lawsuits concerning certain projects on federal land that (1) reduce risks posed by wildfire, insects, or disease; or (2) generate revenue from harvesting timber.

A bill to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to withdraw a final determination relating to energy efficiency standards for housing, and for other purposes.

This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to withdraw the final determination titled Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing and published on April 26, 2024. The determination adopted updated minimum energy efficiency standards for newly built homes (except manufactured housing) financed through certain HUD and USDA programs. Specifically, it adopted the (1) 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which applies to single family homes and multifamily low-rise buildings up to three stories; and (2) 2019 American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers/Illuminating Electrical Society (ANSI/ASHRAE/IES) Standard 90.1, which applies to multifamily residential buildings with four or more stories. HUD and USDA must also revert to using the energy efficiency standards required before the determination. In addition, the bill prohibits HUD, USDA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs from taking actions or using federal funds to implement or enforce the determination or any substantially similar determination. It also prohibits the Federal Housing Finance Agency from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a determination or rule relating to energy efficiency standards for single and multifamily housing. Finally, the bill prohibits HUD and USDA from adopting updates to the IECC or ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 in certain circumstances unless at least 26 states have adopted codes or standards that meet or exceed the update's requirements.

MAPWaters Act of 2025

Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act or the MAPWaters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025 This bill directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data relating to public's access to federal waterways for recreational use. Specifically, the Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for data collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of federal waterways and federal fishing restrictions. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to collection and dissemination of such data. Within five years, the Forest Service and Interior must also digitize and make publicly available online certain geographic information system data about (1) federal waterway restrictions, (2) federal waterway access and navigation information, and (3) federal fishing restrictions. They must also update the data about waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information at least twice per year. Data about fishing restrictions must be updated in real time as changes go into effect. Finally, the Forest Service and Interior must develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data regarding waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information.

ADAPT Act

I don't have enough information to write an accurate summary. The title "ADAPT Act" is too vague, and the subjects listed only indicate "Health" without specifying what policy area or problem the bill addresses. To provide a meaningful plain-English explanation of what this bill would actually do and who it affects, I would need more details about its specific provisions or policy focus.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 11 through May 17, 2025.

This resolution recognizes and celebrates National Hospital Week, a week dedicated to honoring the contributions of hospitals and their workers to American healthcare. The resolution acknowledges the essential role that hospital staff—including doctors, nurses, and support personnel—play in caring for patients and serving their communities. The observance runs from May 11-17, 2025, and highlights the importance of the hospital industry to public health.

Mining Schools Act of 2025

The bill would establish or support educational programs and training schools focused on mining operations and related skills. It aims to prepare workers for careers in the mining industry by providing them with technical knowledge and hands-on training. The legislation affects mining companies, students interested in mining careers, and communities where mining is a significant part of the economy.

Safeguarding Medicaid Act

Safeguarding Medicaid Act This bill requires states and territories to implement asset verification programs to determine an individual's Medicaid eligibility. Currently, states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are required to have asset verification programs to determine an individual's eligibility for Medicaid if the individual is age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The bill applies this requirement to all states and territories and to all individuals seeking Medicaid eligibility. The bill also requires state Medicaid programs to implement resource tests to determine an individual's Medicaid eligibility (currently, such tests are prohibited except for those age 65 or older or who are blind or disabled). The resource test must conform with the resource test for determining an individual's eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, unless the state specifies a different threshold. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must create a system to track any federal savings due to implementation of the required asset verification programs. States that do not comply with federal requirements regarding Medicaid eligibility determinations must submit corrective action plans to the CMS.

Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act of 2025

This bill would help federal land management agencies like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management attract and keep workers by improving housing options and workforce benefits in remote areas where these agencies operate. The legislation aims to address staffing shortages by making it easier for the government to provide or support employee housing and offer better compensation packages to workers managing public lands and natural resources. This would primarily affect federal employees in rural regions and the agencies responsible for maintaining national forests, parks, and public lands.

A resolution designating February 27, 2025, as "Rare Disease Day".

This resolution designates February 27, 2025, as Rare Disease Day.

Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act

Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act This bill repeals the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) and makes related modifications to the general business tax credit. Under current law, a 15% CAMT is imposed on a corporation with adjusted financial statement income (also known as book income) exceeding an average of $1 billion for a consecutive three-year period (or an average of $100 million for a U.S. corporation that is part of a foreign parent multinational group if the adjusted financial statement income of such group exceeds an average of $1 billion for a consecutive three-year period). Adjusted financial statement income generally is the net income or loss reported on the corporation’s applicable financial statement for a tax year, with adjustments for specific items. The bill repeals the CAMT and modifies a related limit on the amount of general business tax credits allowed for a corporation.

Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025

The legislation would authorize the federal government to impose tariffs and other trade restrictions on Chinese imports to counter what supporters view as unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and government subsidies to Chinese companies. The measures would affect American consumers and businesses that rely on Chinese goods, as well as U.S. companies competing against Chinese firms in global markets. The bill aims to level the playing field for American workers and manufacturers by making Chinese products more expensive or harder to import into the United States.

Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2025

This bill would transfer certain federal lands in Wyoming to state or local control and designate specific areas for conservation, recreation, or development purposes. The changes would affect how these public lands are managed, potentially opening some areas to activities like mining or logging while protecting others from development. Wyoming residents, outdoor enthusiasts, energy companies, and conservation groups would all be impacted by how the land-use rules change.

WEST Act of 2025

Without access to the bill's specific text, this legislation appears to address management or use of public lands and natural resources in western states. The bill likely aims to balance conservation, resource development, or land access for ranchers, miners, outdoor enthusiasts, or Native American tribes who depend on these federal lands. Once the full details are available, the summary can explain exactly which lands are affected and what changes would be made to how they're managed.

Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act

This bill would help ranchers and landowners manage their property more sustainably while protecting natural resources on public and private lands. It likely aims to provide funding, technical assistance, or regulatory flexibility for conservation practices like managing grazing, restoring habitats, and improving water resources in ways that benefit both ranching operations and the environment. The bill would affect ranchers, conservation organizations, and communities that depend on healthy rangelands and natural areas.

Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act

Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters in recognition of their strength, resiliency, sacrifice, and service to protect the forests, grasslands, and communities of the United States.

Heart Mountain Relocation Center Study Act of 2009

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Heart Mountain Relocation Center Study Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Park County, Wyoming, and report to Congress on the study's results and any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, in conducting such study, to: (1) evaluate the national significance of the Relocation Center and surrounding area; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Relocation Center as a unit of the National Park System; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the site; (4) identify cost estimates for any federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with such alternatives; (5) identify potential impacts on landowners of designation of the site as a System unit; and (6) consult with interested public and private entities and private property owners, or other interested individuals, that may be affected by any such designation.

Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010

Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities at fair market value. Requires eligible entities to: (1) obtain a combined operating license for a reactor approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and (2) possess a license from the NRC in order to obtain uranium under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to offer to barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, 20 million pounds of uranium for initial cores for projects to build new reactors. Authorizes the Secretary to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities on a first-come, first-served basis, at fair market value following a prescribed schedule for 2010-2013 and subsequent years. Requires a recipient to sell such uranium at fair market value. Prohibits the use of funds or other value obtained from the barter, transfer, or sale of uranium, without a specific appropriation by Congress, to implement other programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain a sufficient inventory of uranium to meet current and foreseeable needs of the missions and programs of DOE and designated agencies; and (2) maintain a reserve inventory of uranium that contains at least 20 million pounds of uranium. Permits the Secretary to release uranium from the reserve inventory only if a national energy emergency is declared by the President.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to clarify policies regarding ownership of pore space.

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to define "pore space" as a subsurface space of any size that can be used as storage space for carbon dioxide or other substances injected into the space for storage. Vests ownership in the federal government of any subsurface pore space located below a federal surface estate. Requires inclusion within a conveyance of the surface ownership of federal land the conveyance of the federal pore space in all strata below the surface of such land (other than previously reserved mineral rights) unless the ownership interest in the pore space has previously been severed from the surface ownership. Prohibits: (1) any agreement conveying federal interests underlying the surface of the land from also conveying ownership of federal pore space in the stratum unless the agreement explicitly conveys the interest in pore space; and (2) the holder of any pore space right from using the surface estate (except for the uses described in a properly recorded instrument). States that the mineral estate is dominant for purposes of determining the priority of subsurface uses between a mineral estate and pore space.

Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Act of 2009

Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy to establish and award competitive technology financial awards for the development and implementation of technology to capture carbon dioxide from dilute sources; and (2) establish the Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Advisory Board to advise the Secretary in carrying out duties under this Act. Terminates the Board and all authorities under this Act on December 31, 2020.

Good Neighbor Forestry Act

Good Neighbor Forestry Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with state foresters to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration and protection services as specified below on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands. Requires that such authorized services include: (1) activities to treat insect infected trees; (2) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; and (3) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. Permits state foresters to enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration and protection services authorized under this Act.