Frank Mrvan

The Utility Affordability and Transparency Act modifies the Federal Power Act to give the Secretary of Energy greater authority over emergency orders affecting power generation while adding significant transparency and accountability requirements. The bill shifts decision-making power from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to the Secretary of Energy during emergencies and requires the Secretary to publicly justify any emergency orders, explain their necessity, and study alternative solutions before issuing orders lasting longer than 96 hours. Affected electric utilities must notify their customers within 60 days of any costs resulting from these orders, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must publish detailed public reports within 30 days describing the emergency's causes, expected costs to utilities and customers, and other impacts. The legislation generally prohibits emergency orders from preventing or delaying the retirement of power plants, though exceptions exist if a regional transmission organization requests a delay when no other emergency solution is available. The bill aims to ensure ratepayers understand the true costs of emergency power generation orders and prevents the indefinite use of emergency authority to keep aging power plants operational.

The PRO-WORK Act would prohibit employers from accessing federal funds and tax credits while engaged in lockouts of their employees. Starting January 1, 2026, companies conducting lockouts would be ineligible for federal funding during the lockout period and for an additional period afterward equal in length to the lockout itself, or for one year if the company has previously conducted lockouts. Additionally, corporations would lose eligibility for federal tax credits during lockout periods, with the denial covering all credits for repeat lockout situations and only credits allocable to the lockout period for first-time lockouts. The bill would also require employers to reimburse the federal government for any funds they received in violation of these restrictions going back to January 1, 2026. This legislation targets large employers who use lockouts as a labor strategy by creating financial consequences through loss of federal support and tax benefits.

The Revitalize Our Neighborhoods Act of 2025 authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award competitive grants to states, cities, counties, and multi-jurisdictional entities for eliminating blight and revitalizing low-income communities. Grant funds can be used for activities like demolishing blighted structures, renovating abandoned buildings, removing waste from vacant properties, and constructing or preserving affordable housing, with up to 10 percent of grant money allowed for administrative costs. Recipients must contribute matching funds equal to at least 15 percent of the grant amount and submit detailed five-year plans for how they will use the money, with all funds required to be spent within five years. The bill mandates that grantees submit annual progress reports to HUD and requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate program outcomes after three and six years. The legislation authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 but does not specify a dollar amount, leaving the actual appropriation to Congress.

Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually report to Congress on compensation paid to VA police officers.