Legislation

The Chesapeake WATERS Act reauthorizes and strengthens the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to serve as the lead representative for the agency within the watershed. This legislation enhances scientific research, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration efforts while expanding educational programs for students and teachers. By fostering collaboration across federal, state, and local partners, the Act aims to improve the management and long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

The USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility requirements for farm real estate, operating, and emergency loans to better accommodate modern business structures. The bill clarifies ownership percentage thresholds and establishes new criteria for qualified operators and complex business entities to access essential agricultural financing.

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act provides a framework for Puerto Rico to transition from its current block grant system to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This legislation ensures equitable access to nutrition assistance by adjusting food plan costs to reflect local economic conditions and establishing a structured, multi-year transition process.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

The NSF Plant Biology Act establishes a dedicated grant program within the National Science Foundation to support fundamental research in plant and microbial biology. With an authorized funding level of $150 million annually from 2026 through 2031, the act aims to advance agricultural, food, and biotechnology innovation. The program provides competitive grants to a wide range of institutions, including universities, nonprofits, and private sector entities.

This resolution commemorates the five-year remembrance of the March 16, 2021, Atlanta spa shootings and honors the memory of the eight victims. It denounces the ongoing rise of anti-Asian hate, xenophobia, and misogyny while reaffirming the federal government's commitment to combating hate crimes through improved reporting, education, and community support.

The Agricultural Management Assistance Act of 2026 expands federal support for agricultural risk management by increasing annual funding and broadening technical and educational assistance for producers and insurers. The bill updates eligible conservation and diversification activities—including soil health, organic certification, and climate-resilient practices—while restructuring payment limits to provide greater long-term financial flexibility.

The Jury Duty Exemption for Breastfeeding Act of 2026 allows individuals to be excused from jury service in federal and District of Columbia courts if they are breastfeeding. This legislation ensures that nursing parents can request an exemption to better accommodate their personal and family health needs.

The Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies create and maintain a public, searchable online database of major government settlement agreements. This initiative aims to increase transparency by providing detailed information on significant civil and criminal settlements, including payment amounts, involved parties, and the specific laws addressed. Agencies are required to publish these records annually while adhering to existing confidentiality and Freedom of Information Act protections.

This resolution commemorates the 114th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, honoring its enduring legacy of fostering leadership, confidence, and character in girls. It celebrates the organization's commitment to community service, STEM education, and civic engagement while recognizing the achievements of Gold Award recipients. The bill further encourages the continued support of future women leaders as the organization prepares for its upcoming national events.

This resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, honoring its long-standing commitment to building healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all. It recognizes the organization’s historical contributions to American society and commends the staff and volunteers who continue to foster community connection and well-being across the nation.

The Contract Our Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens federal support for veteran-owned small businesses by streamlining sole-source and restricted-competition contracting processes. The bill establishes a government-wide goal of awarding at least 5% of federal contract dollars to these businesses and mandates rigorous annual reporting to ensure transparency. Additionally, it integrates veteran-owned firms into key procurement programs, scorecards, and mentorship initiatives to increase their participation in the federal marketplace.

The Private Detention Accountability Act increases oversight of immigration detention facilities by requiring the Director of ICE to submit detailed audit reports to Congress regarding facility conditions and corrective actions. Furthermore, the bill restricts the placement of new detainees in facilities until they have successfully passed an audit and addressed all identified deficiencies.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their pay and benefits during a potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation provides a temporary funding mechanism that remains in effect until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.

The Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act establishes a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for digital assets by placing oversight of cash and spot markets under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The bill mandates that digital commodity exchanges and brokers register with the CFTC, adhere to strict customer protection and asset-segregation standards, and comply with new conflict-of-interest rules. By clarifying legal definitions and providing an expedited registration process, the legislation aims to increase market stability while protecting individual investors and exempting software developers from intermediary regulations.

This resolution censures Representative Andrew Ogles for spreading Islamophobic, racist, and anti-immigrant rhetoric, as well as for providing false information regarding his educational and professional background. Consequently, the measure mandates a formal public censure and removes Representative Ogles from his position on the House Committee on Homeland Security.

The End Warehouse Detention Act prohibits the use of specific federal funds for the purchase, operation, or maintenance of warehouses as immigration detention facilities. This legislation ensures that government resources cannot be utilized to repurpose warehouse spaces for the detention of noncitizens by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The Specialty CROP Act of 2026 mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Agriculture to Congress regarding the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop exports. This legislation requires an analysis of foreign trade barriers, their economic impact, and the executive branch’s ongoing efforts to eliminate these obstacles. By incorporating public input and ensuring transparency, the Act aims to strengthen the global market position of American specialty crop producers.

The ICE Funding Accountability Act restricts the use of specific federal funds by prohibiting their application toward the hiring, recruitment, or salary payments of new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel. The bill aims to limit the expansion of these agencies by barring the use of designated appropriations for new staff onboarding or retention incentives.

The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026 expands Medicare coverage to include medical nutrition therapy for a broader range of chronic conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and cancer. The bill also increases access to these services by allowing a wider variety of healthcare professionals to order them. Additionally, it establishes a five-year pilot program to evaluate the impact of these services on patient health outcomes and overall Medicare spending.