Legislation

The Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act directs a comprehensive study on the feasibility and best practices for building high-voltage electric transmission lines within existing highway and railroad rights-of-way. This initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of new transmission infrastructure to enhance grid reliability and lower consumer energy costs. The resulting report will provide Congress and stakeholders with an action plan for utilizing these corridors effectively.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

This act amends immigration law to make non-citizens inadmissible to the U.S. or subject to removal if they have been convicted of or admit to committing acts involving animal cruelty or fighting. It specifically targets convictions under federal laws related to animal crushing and fighting, as well as equivalent state, tribal, or local offenses.

The REAL Health Providers Act establishes stricter requirements for Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to maintain accurate and publicly accessible online provider directories. It mandates regular verification of provider information and protects enrollees from unexpected out-of-network costs if they rely on incorrect directory listings. Furthermore, the bill requires annual accuracy reporting and public posting of accuracy scores for MA plans.

The Affordable Housing and Homeownership Protection Act of 2026 establishes a tiered tax on large investors who purchase single-family homes. Revenues generated from this tax will be allocated to bolster the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. Additionally, the bill modifies the minimum funding formula for small states within the Housing Trust Fund.

The Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act of 2026 requires the Attorney General to evaluate whether local governments with over 100,000 residents are credibly reporting hate crime data to the FBI. Jurisdictions found to be failing to report hate crimes may lose eligibility for certain federal funding. An exception to this penalty exists if the jurisdiction demonstrates significant community education and awareness initiatives regarding hate crimes.

This bill mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study on how compensation and payment structures tied to prescription drug prices operate across the entire supply chain. The resulting report will analyze the prevalence, business models, and potential conflicts of interest associated with these price-based fees. Ultimately, the findings will inform Congress on necessary legislative or administrative actions to promote transparency and fairness.

The "Putting an N to Learing about Fraud Act" aims to combat fraud across federal programs by strengthening oversight and recovery mechanisms. It mandates attendance-based billing for child care services and establishes new federal audit requirements for providers. Furthermore, the bill requires prompt notification and auditing of significant payment spikes in Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA exchange plans. Finally, it directs federal agencies to improve guidance and reporting on the recovery of all improper payments.

The Prior Authorization Relief Act aims to streamline and standardize prior authorization requirements within Medicare Advantage plans. It mandates an audit to identify high-cost items, services, and drugs with excessive authorization steps. Based on the findings, the bill requires the standardization of these prior authorization processes across all Medicare Advantage plans, with certain exemptions for providers in two-sided financial risk models.

This bill establishes new administrative requirements that individuals must follow before filing a private lawsuit over alleged ADA violations on a business's public-facing website or mobile app. It mandates that complainants first notify the business owner and allow 180 days for compliance before escalating the issue to the Department of Justice. Lawsuits can only proceed after the Attorney General investigates or after a set period of administrative review has concluded.

The United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2026 comprehensively repeals major U.S. sanctions laws against Cuba, effectively normalizing trade relations. This legislation removes restrictions on travel, exports, and financial remittances between the two nations. It also establishes a framework for the President to negotiate property claims and human rights protections with the Cuban government. The Act aims to promote democratic change in Cuba through the extension of nondiscriminatory trade treatment.

The Reentry Resource Guide Act of 2026 establishes a pilot program to support individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. This program provides grants to states to develop comprehensive, sortable, and downloadable digital resource guides. These guides must list essential services such as housing, employment, and health resources, and the Attorney General will report on the program's impact on successful reentry.

The Towing Safety Act aims to improve the efficiency of heavy-duty towing and recovery operations. It expands the conditions under which heavy-duty tow vehicles can operate on the Interstate Highway System without a special permit. Furthermore, the Act prohibits states from imposing certain length or combination restrictions on these tow trucks when transporting already disabled vehicles.

The Turn It Down Act extends the volume requirements of the CALM Act to commercial advertisements delivered with video programming over the internet. This legislation mandates the FCC to create regulations ensuring internet-delivered ads meet volume standards substantially similar to those for traditional television. The goal is to prevent sudden, loud advertisements for viewers watching content online.

The Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026 mandates minimum health, safety, and legal standards for all ICE detention facilities, prohibiting funding for non-compliant sites. It establishes rigorous, real-time health reporting systems and requires unannounced inspections with penalties, including contract termination, for facilities that fail to meet these standards. Furthermore, the bill creates anonymous complaint channels and mandates annual audits focusing on gender-related health protections.

The VA Bonus and Relocation Recovery Act grants the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to recoup performance awards, bonuses, and relocation expenses from former employees under specific conditions. This amendment allows the VA to recover these payments if repayment orders are upheld by the Merit Systems Protection Board Director. If the former employee fails to repay within 180 days of the final decision, the amount may be recovered as a debt owed to the United States.

The Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act establishes federal preemption over state regulations for dietary supplements, ensuring consistency with federal standards. This prevents states from enacting different or additional requirements than those set by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. States may apply for exemptions if their requirements are more stringent or address a compelling local condition.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The facility will now be known as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building." This designation will be used in all future federal references to the building.

The After Hours Child Care Act establishes a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to care for parents working nontraditional hours. This fund supports a competitive pilot grant program managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Grants will help eligible entities expand capacity, contract services, or establish new programs specifically serving families with irregular work schedules. The goal is to help these parents maintain employment and advance their careers.

The Save the Kurds Act mandates the designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and imposes sweeping sanctions on the Syrian government, its officials, and international supporters. It also establishes a Congressional review process for any presidential attempt to remove Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation. The legislation includes humanitarian exceptions but sets strict prohibitions on U.S. financial and commercial engagement with Syria for five years.