Legislation

The MAP for Broadband Funding Act aims to improve the accuracy and transparency of the federal Broadband Funding Map, which tracks infrastructure investments. It mandates coordination between the FCC and NTIA to ensure timely and complete data collection from all relevant federal agencies. Furthermore, the bill requires the FCC to conduct an inquiry into map functionality and directs the GAO to study agency compliance and data quality.

The Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026 addresses the growing energy and environmental challenges posed by rapidly expanding AI infrastructure. The bill mandates a comprehensive study by the EPA and other agencies on the full lifecycle impacts of AI, from hardware manufacturing to data center operation. It also establishes a stakeholder consortium to develop measurement standards and requires annual public reporting from AI data center operators on their resource consumption and pollution. Ultimately, this legislation aims to mitigate the negative environmental effects of AI while promoting its beneficial applications.

The Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026 strengthens measures against illegal fishing by expanding criteria for identifying nations that fail to regulate foreign vessels operating under their flag. This bill mandates updating the regulatory definition of "illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing" to align with existing federal law. Ultimately, it aims to ensure better accountability for flag states regarding illegal fishing activities.

The Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 gradually phases out Social Security taxes on earnings above the contribution base starting in 2028. It also adjusts benefit calculations by increasing the first bend point rate and incorporating a portion of previously untaxed surplus earnings into the primary insurance amount formula starting in 2033. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a new Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E) to be used for calculating future cost-of-living adjustments. Finally, it improves survivor benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households and protects current SSI recipients from benefit reductions.

The Juice for Healthy Families Act of 2026 amends the WIC program to establish a uniform maximum monthly allowance of 128 fluid ounces of single-strength juice for specific WIC food packages. This legislation standardizes the amount of juice provided under certain WIC food packages (IV, V, VI, and VII).

This bill establishes a distinct regulatory framework for homeopathic drug products under federal law, recognizing their unique preparation methods and history of use. It exempts these products from standard new drug approval while mandating specific safety, manufacturing, and labeling rules tailored to their nature. The legislation also creates an advisory committee to guide the Secretary of Health and Human Services on regulating these products.

The Restoring Renewable Energy Parity Act aims to remove federal barriers to renewable energy development. It immediately halts the investigation into wind turbine imports and repeals several executive orders and agency directives that restricted wind, solar, and geothermal projects. The bill also streamlines permitting processes and sets strict timelines for federal agencies to act on financial assistance continuation applications.

The No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026 aims to enhance food safety by automatically classifying several hazardous chemicals, including PFAS and certain phthalates, as unsafe for use in food contact materials. This legislation requires the FDA to consider vulnerable populations when reviewing alternatives to these banned substances. The new federal standard allows states and localities to maintain or enact stricter regulations protecting public health.

The Multigenerational Care and Support Act updates existing law to expand demonstration, support, and research projects focused on multigenerational activities. This legislation broadens the scope of eligible mentoring opportunities and facilities where these programs can take place, ensuring support for activities that benefit both younger and older individuals. It also modifies reporting requirements for evaluations of these federally supported projects.

This bill establishes the Asal Sayas National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers to address the rising incidence and unique challenges of cancer in individuals aged 18 to 49. The strategy requires the NIH to develop a comprehensive plan focusing on research priorities, public and professional education campaigns, and improving early detection methods. It also mandates the creation of a federal online clearinghouse and a coordinating committee to oversee implementation and progress reporting.

The Equal Remedies Act of 2026 significantly expands the types of damages available to victims in certain civil rights cases, including broader compensatory damages for non-economic harm. This legislation also guarantees the right to a jury trial in these cases. Furthermore, the Act allows victims of age discrimination to recover compensatory and punitive damages, aligning their remedies with those available under Title VII.

The SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 requires commercial entities that primarily distribute sexual material harmful to minors to implement age verification systems to block access by minors. These entities must use digital identification or a commercial age verification system, and cannot retain any collected data. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice are tasked with civil and criminal enforcement, respectively, and individuals are granted the right to file private lawsuits.

The Juice Access Improvement Act mandates that juice be the default beverage option in specific food packages under the WIC program for women and young children. This legislation requires state agencies to offer a $3 cash-value voucher as an alternative to juice upon a participant's request. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to update regulations to implement these changes.

The Tax Relief for Innocent Spouses Act grants courts, including the Tax Court, the authority to conduct a *de novo* review when considering requests for innocent spouse relief. This means judges can fully reexamine the facts and law, rather than being restricted to the initial administrative record. This change applies to all relevant petitions filed or pending after the Act's enactment.

The AI DATA Act mandates new, comprehensive data collection efforts by the Department of Labor and the Census Bureau to track the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on the U.S. workforce. This includes monthly labor market flow data, recurring household time-use surveys, and longitudinal studies following individuals over time. The bill also requires quarterly reporting from the Census Bureau on business AI adoption and an annual joint report assessing AI's effects on hiring, job demand, and worker mobility.

The BLANKET Act establishes a new competitive grant program to help communities expand emergency shelter capacity during severe weather events. This funding, administered by HUD, is designed to protect people experiencing homelessness from extreme temperatures and other weather-related dangers. Eligible entities can use the funds for temporary warming/cooling centers, non-congregate shelter vouchers, and necessary supplies and staffing.

The Saving the OOI Act of 2026 prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from scaling back or decommissioning critical Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments. This measure ensures the continued operation of these vital coastal and deep-sea monitoring assets until the NSF completes a comprehensive review with community input. The bill mandates the full maintenance of the initiative throughout the review period.

This bill aims to significantly increase transparency regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), particularly Section 702. It mandates the public release of key court opinions and requires detailed annual reports on sensitive surveillance queries. Furthermore, the legislation demands greater public disclosure of intelligence community searches involving U.S. persons conducted outside of FISA authority and includes a brief extension of Section 702.

This bill, the Renewing the African American Civil Rights Network Act, extends the authorization for the African American Civil Rights Network. It amends existing law to replace the original seven-year authorization period with a new ten-year period, beginning upon the Act's enactment.

This bill establishes the National Advisory Commission on Extreme Heat and Global Security to study the national and global security risks posed by extreme heat. The Commission will develop and report to Congress and the President on both short-term and long-term action plans to reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths. This body aims to create coordinated strategies for mitigation and adaptation over the next decade.