Legislation

The FLEX Act amends federal charter school funding laws to increase required funding reservations and expand allowable uses for grants, including supporting program additions at high-quality schools. It also updates grant requirements, streamlines administrative burdens, and mandates the Secretary of Education to seek input from charter school operators before issuing new rules. These changes aim to enhance support for the development, expansion, and operation of charter schools nationwide.

The Make DTE Pay Act amends the Clean Air Act to significantly increase penalties for non-compliant stationary sources owned by investor-owned electric or gas utilities. This enhancement requires the penalty amount to be doubled for each rate increase the utility received or seeks within specific two-year periods surrounding the original penalty assessment. The goal is to impose greater financial consequences on these utilities for environmental violations.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 authorizes essential funding for the Department of Defense. This legislation covers appropriations for military procurement, research, development, testing, and evaluation activities. It also allocates necessary funds for the operation and maintenance expenses of the Armed Forces and related defense agencies for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Federal Halo Act establishes a new federal crime for obstructing federal law enforcement officers. This offense specifically targets individuals who knowingly violate a verbal warning not to approach an officer performing their duties, including remaining too close, threatening harm, or harassing the officer. Violators face significant penalties, including fines and up to five years in prison.

The Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 establishes universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students, eliminating meal debt and the stigma associated with subsidized meals. It sets new federal reimbursement rates adjusted for inflation and provides incentives for schools to purchase locally-sourced food. The bill also mandates a federal report to Congress assessing the impact of these universal meal programs on student outcomes and nutrition.

The Survivor Tax Filing Simplification Act aims to ease the tax burden for surviving spouses and certain beneficiaries by extending favorable filing statuses and clarifying the treatment of unused deductions. It also mandates the creation of a dedicated online Survivor Tax Portal to guide survivors and executors through the filing process. Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program to help states improve death recordkeeping and reporting to enhance the portal's efficiency.

This bill establishes a national resource center to provide training and technical assistance for implementing lethality assessment programs across states and tribal communities. These programs aim to help first responders identify high-risk domestic violence situations and connect victims with essential services. The legislation authorizes $5 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026 to support this effort in reducing domestic violence homicides.

The UBER Act sets new minimum standards for drivers working under federal contracts with ride-share and mobility companies. These requirements mandate that drivers must be at least 21, possess specific driving qualifications, and demonstrate English proficiency, with an exception for deaf or hearing-impaired drivers using American Sign Language. Companies failing to certify driver compliance face a five-year ban from federal contracts.

The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands funding for critical programs aimed at preventing and investigating elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This legislation establishes new grant programs to boost nursing home worker training, enhance Adult Protective Services, and support medical-legal partnerships. Furthermore, it creates initiatives to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults and adults with disabilities.

The CHARGE Act addresses national security risks associated with electric vehicles connected to the U.S. power grid, particularly those manufactured or equipped by foreign entities of concern like China. The bill amends federal law to prohibit the sale or import of electric vehicles or their charging components made wholly or in part by these designated entities. This measure aims to safeguard the electrical grid from potential cyber vulnerabilities and manipulation stemming from foreign-controlled vehicle technology.

This bill amends existing law to withdraw and reserve approximately 21,782 acres of federal land near Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, for indefinite military use. The land remains subject to certain non-military uses, like wildlife conservation, as long as they do not interfere with military readiness. The Secretaries of the Interior and the Army will jointly manage the land to balance military security with other public interests.

The Recycled Materials Attribution Act of 2026 establishes national standards for making recycled content claims in commerce. This bill recognizes mass balance accounting as an acceptable method for substantiating these claims, provided it adheres to a third-party certification system. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with updating its Green Guides to reflect these standards and will enforce prohibitions against misleading recycled content claims. Furthermore, the Act preempts state and local regulations concerning the enforcement of these federal standards.

The Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 focuses on advancing transportation innovation and data integrity. It extends funding authorizations for key research programs, including highway technology and university centers, through 2031. The bill also strengthens the structure and authority of transportation statistics programs to ensure data objectivity and coordination across the Department of Transportation. Finally, it mandates studies on emerging headlamp safety and strategies for increasing the use of recycled asphalt pavement.

This act establishes the Community Multi-Share Coverage Program to award grants for creating local partnerships that offer affordable health coverage to employees of small businesses with limited income. These programs must integrate comprehensive health services with workforce and economic support to help individuals transition away from government-sponsored health programs. The funding structure requires shared contributions from public, private, and enrollee sources to ensure long-term sustainability.

The No TAP Act of 2026 makes technical amendments to existing federal surface transportation laws, primarily concerning the surface transportation block grant program. This legislation adjusts cross-references and renumbers subsections within the relevant sections of Title 23 of the U.S. Code. The bill focuses on conforming changes related to fund transferability and metropolitan transportation planning.

The Mammography Access for Veterans Act of 2025 permanently expands and enhances the Department of Veterans Affairs' telescreening mammography program. This legislation mandates that within two years, every state and Puerto Rico must have access to VA-provided breast imaging services, including telescreening, full-service, or mobile options. Furthermore, it ensures these vital services are fully accessible to veterans with disabilities.

The COPS Reauthorization Act of 2026 updates and extends the funding for the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program through fiscal year 2031. It also formally establishes the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) as a distinct entity within the Department of Justice, headed by a Presidentially-appointed Director. This legislation ensures continued support for community policing initiatives.

This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the payment structure for bonus payments on certain coal leases issued under a deferred payment system. It mandates that the bonus payment be made in 10 equal annual installments, with the first installment due at the time of the lease bid.

This resolution expresses strong support and appreciation for America's law enforcement professionals, recognizing their daily service and sacrifice. It honors officers who have been injured or killed in the line of duty and highlights recent crime reduction successes attributed to their efforts. The bill calls for increased support, including better equipment, training, mental health resources, and tougher penalties for assaulting officers, to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2026 aims to improve postpartum care by requiring the HHS Secretary to issue guidance on Medicaid/CHIP coverage for pelvic health services. The bill also mandates a study on existing coverage gaps for postpartum women under Medicaid. Furthermore, it establishes a federally funded education and training program to inform both health professionals and new mothers about the importance and availability of pelvic floor examinations and physical therapy.