Legislation

The CFTC Protection of Information and Data Act of 2026 updates the Commodity Exchange Act regarding information disclosure by the CFTC. It establishes new rules for sharing data with Congress, federal, state, local, and foreign government entities. Crucially, the bill introduces specific provisions to ensure that sharing this information does not waive existing legal privileges, such as attorney-client privilege.

This Act prohibits a sitting President from filing civil lawsuits against the United States. It also voids the settlement agreement in the specific case of *Trump v. Internal Revenue Service*. Furthermore, the bill bans the use of federal funds to establish any compensation fund to settle civil actions brought by a President or former President against the U.S.

The Sectoral AI Governance Act of 2026 grants federal agencies the authority to issue rules regulating algorithmic decision-making systems that are likely to materially contribute to violations of the federal laws they oversee. This framework mandates public input, interagency coordination, and periodic review to ensure rules are consistent, technically sound, and mitigate harm. Agencies must also report biennially to Congress on their rulemaking activities and enforcement actions related to these systems.

This bill aims to recognize and support veterans exposed to toxic environments during service at specific Department of Energy facilities and the Nevada Test and Training Range/National Security Site. It establishes presumptions of toxic exposure and service connection for related diseases to streamline disability benefits claims. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of a veteran registry and a scientific study to better understand the health impacts of these exposures.

The Banning Lobbying And Safeguarding Trust Act (BLAST Act) prohibits former Members and elected officers of Congress from lobbying Congress after leaving office. It expands the definition of "lobbyist" to cover former Members engaged in behind-the-scenes strategic work for compensation. This legislation aims to prevent former officials from immediately leveraging their connections for influence.

The GUARD Act of 2026 mandates that national security agencies evaluate humanoid and quadruped robotics communications equipment from foreign entities of concern for national security risks. If a risk is found, the FCC will place the equipment on a covered list, restricting its use. This legislation aims to safeguard U.S. national security against potentially adversarial robotic technology.

This bill, the "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization," extends the existing rural community hospital demonstration program for an additional five years, making it a 20-year program. It also updates the criteria for an additional extension period to cover certain hospitals that join the program between late 2024 and early 2027.

The OPT Fair Tax Act proposes to eliminate the current payroll tax exemption for F-1 visa holders working under Optional Practical Training (OPT). This change will require OPT participants to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on their earnings, treating their employment income the same as other forms of employment.

The Gambling Disorder Health Study Act mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a comprehensive research program to better understand gambling disorder. This research will investigate the disorder's origins, long-term impacts, and the influence of modern gambling technologies like mobile sports betting. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing findings and offering recommendations for public health actions and policy changes.

The Congressional Prediction Market Ban Act of 2026 prohibits Members of Congress and their immediate household members from trading in or benefiting from prediction markets. Members must annually certify their compliance with this ban to their respective chamber's ethics committee. Violations can result in significant financial penalties based on profits made.

The Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act reforms how government entities obtain phone and electronic communication records by strengthening protections for call and texting data. It bans the bulk collection of subscriber information and prohibits using subpoenas to target constitutionally protected activities like free speech. Furthermore, the bill ensures service providers can notify customers and requires federal agencies to issue annual public reports on their use of administrative subpoenas.

The Nuclear Forensics Authority Realignment Act establishes a new National Nuclear Forensics Center within the National Nuclear Security Administration to coordinate federal nuclear forensics efforts. This legislation centralizes coordination and strengthens the nation's technical capability to respond to nuclear terrorism. It also modifies existing programs to build expertise in this critical field and updates related legal references.

The Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2026 establishes a program for noncitizen veterans removed or facing removal to return to the U.S. and adjust their status to lawful permanent residents. This Act prohibits the removal of noncitizen veterans and service members unless they have committed a qualifying crime of violence. Furthermore, it streamlines the path to naturalization and ensures eligible veterans receive all corresponding military and veterans benefits.

This bill expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designations aim to honor the nearly 47,000 people killed by gunfire each year and raise public awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence. The resolution encourages the public to wear orange on that day and focus on community efforts to promote gun safety.

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 comprehensively reforms college athletics by establishing clear Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and robust health and academic protections for student athletes. It also restructures media rights sales, allowing conferences to collectively bargain for broadcasting deals under specific conditions that safeguard non-revenue sports and ensure local game access. Overall, the bill aims to promote fair competition, increase athlete financial stability, and provide greater governance influence for players.

The All Students Count Act of 2026 aims to address educational disparities among diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to mandate the disaggregation of student performance data into specific ethnic subgroups for AANHPI students. By requiring more detailed reporting, the Act seeks to accurately identify and support the unique educational needs of these varied populations.

The Veterans Electronic Trust and Records Authentication Act (VETRA Act) establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program to modernize digital identity verification. This pilot will replace outdated security methods with modern, multi-layered authentication on high-volume VA platforms to reduce fraud and improve secure access. The program must use commercially available, certified solutions and will be subject to rigorous reporting and evaluation by both the VA and the GAO before any potential expansion.

The CONSENT Act establishes a federal civil remedy for individuals who receive unsolicited intimate visual depictions transmitted without their consent. This allows recipients to sue senders who knowingly or recklessly transmit such images or videos across state commerce. Successful plaintiffs can recover damages and injunctive relief, while the bill includes safeguards for minors and First Amendment rights.

The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 aims to significantly increase the number of U.S. students participating in study abroad programs, focusing on greater diversity and access for underrepresented groups. It renames and expands the existing IDEAS Program, directing the Secretary of State to award competitive grants to colleges and universities. The ultimate goal is to have one million students studying abroad annually within ten years, with increased participation in developing nations.

The American System for Sustainable Immigration and Mass Immigration Limitations Achieved Through Imposing Oversight Nationally Act fundamentally restructures U.S. immigration by replacing family-based and diversity visa systems with a strict merit-based approach focused on national interest. This bill tightens standards for citizenship, drastically limits family reunification, raises the bar for asylum, and mandates universal E-Verify for employment. Overall, the legislation aims to prioritize economic self-sufficiency, cultural cohesion, and national security while significantly reducing overall immigration levels and executive discretion.