Legislation

The Protect the Presidency Act amends federal law to allow the death penalty as a potential punishment for the assassination of certain high-level government officials. This legislation revises existing statutes to include execution as an option alongside imprisonment for those convicted of such crimes.

The No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Education to implement an identity fraud detection system for all federal student aid applications starting October 1, 2026. If fraud is suspected, applicants will be notified and institutions must verify identity in person or via live video before disbursing any federal aid. This legislation aims to prevent the fraudulent receipt of student financial assistance.

This Act establishes the Office of Export Controls and Border Security within the State Department to enhance U.S. national security. The Office will work with partner countries to prevent the diversion and misuse of sensitive technologies and dual-use items that could aid weapons proliferation. Furthermore, the bill directs the development of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen global export controls and border security enforcement.

The No Oil Profits for Enemies Act of 2026 (NOPE Act) significantly expands Congressional oversight of sanctions against the Russian Federation, particularly concerning energy-related actions. It mandates a review period for sanctions on Russian oil and gas that only ends once Russia ends its war in Ukraine and commits to reparations. The bill allows for temporary exceptions to this review for urgent safety or environmental needs related to energy transport.

The CHARLIE Act amends federal law to restrict the use of American History and Civics program funds, explicitly prohibiting their use for "discriminatory equity ideology" or "gender ideology." Furthermore, the bill bars the Secretary of Education from prioritizing grant applicants based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status. This legislation aims to ensure federal education funding is not used for specific ideological purposes and to prevent identity-based preferences in grant awards.

The Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 establishes a formal process for Congress to override a Presidential denial of a Governor's request for a major disaster declaration. If the President refuses a declaration, they must provide a written explanation to Congressional leadership within 24 hours. Congressional leaders can then introduce a joint resolution, subject to fast-track procedures in both chambers, to compel the President to issue the declaration.

This bill, introduced by Representative Green, proposes to expand the Supreme Court by increasing the number of Associate Justices from eight to twelve. The legislation also adjusts the quorum requirement for the Court from six to eight justices.

The ENDS Chinese Vapes Act of 2026 aims to stop the illegal entry of unauthorized electronic nicotine delivery systems into the United States. This bill establishes significant new civil penalties for individuals or entities that fraudulently, negligently, or grossly negligently introduce these smuggled vaping products. Penalties are tiered based on intent and can be substantially increased for repeat offenses or if the shipment attempts to evade customs laws. This legislation works alongside existing enforcement powers to deter the distribution of unapproved foreign vapes.

This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving Department of Defense research and development awards. Specifically, an institution is banned for five years if it receives funding from a foreign source for research related to national security or military applications. This prohibition targets funding from specified foreign governments, including China and Russia, for work in areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

The Built To Last Act of 2026 directs federal agencies to develop and disseminate a consistent set of forward-looking, long-term weather and environmental trend data. This information will be used by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to advise organizations developing building codes and standards. The goal is to ensure future infrastructure planning incorporates the best available scientific projections of extreme weather.

This bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create and maintain a comprehensive, long-term strategic human capital plan to optimize its workforce. It also establishes strict 60-day advance notice requirements and detailed justifications for any workforce reductions or office reorganizations. The goal is to ensure the VA's staffing aligns with projected demand and improves the quality and timeliness of services for veterans.

The Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act directs the Department of Defense to create a comprehensive program that helps transitioning servicemembers understand and access their federal benefits through personalized information and multiple delivery methods. The bill also mandates the designation of a senior Department of Defense official to oversee and improve all military-to-civilian and reserve transition policies and programs. This aims to ensure service members are fully prepared for life after service.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 5951 Riverdale Avenue in Bronx, New York. The facility will now be known as the "Eliot L. Engel Post Office." This designation will apply to all official records and documents referencing the location.

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the feasibility of using satellite technology in broadband projects managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission. This study will specifically examine the effectiveness, economic impact, and cost-efficiency of satellite broadband for business use in the region. The goal is to determine if satellite solutions can effectively promote economic development across Appalachia.

This act establishes a new categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to streamline certain forest health and wildfire risk reduction projects. This exclusion applies to tree density modification activities on areas under 5,000 acres, such as thinning and slash removal, exempting them from standard environmental reviews. The legislation specifically excludes large-scale regeneration harvests and vegetation conversions from this streamlined process.

The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2026 aims to increase patient access to physical therapy services in underserved areas. This bill expands the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program to include physical therapists, helping to address shortages. It also allocates dedicated funding for this expansion and ensures Medicare coverage for physical therapy services provided by Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

The Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prohibits the Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing OSHA's proposed 2024 heat safety standard. Congress finds the proposed rule too rigid, burdensome, and confusing for both businesses and workers across diverse industries. This legislation prevents the adoption of that specific, prescriptive standard or any substantially similar regulation.

The PATH to the Foreign Service Act creates a streamlined career pathway for eligible former USAID employees to transition directly into the State Department's Foreign Service. This legislation waives the Foreign Service Entrance Exam for qualified applicants and mandates the recognition of prior USAID service for seniority and benefits. The goal is to leverage the experience of former USAID personnel within the State Department's Foreign Service ranks.

The **Protecting America’s Workers Act** significantly expands workplace safety protections by extending OSHA coverage to all public employees and strengthening whistleblower rights against retaliation. The bill increases penalties for safety violations, grants victims' families more rights during investigations, and improves federal oversight of state-run safety programs. Overall, it aims to create a more comprehensive, transparent, and punitive system to prevent workplace injuries and hold employers accountable.

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act aims to increase diversity and participation in clinical trials by funding outreach and education efforts targeting underrepresented populations. It amends federal laws to allow trial sponsors to cover participant expenses, provide necessary digital health technologies, and assist with cost-sharing obligations without violating anti-kickback statutes. Furthermore, the bill allows participants to exclude up to \$2,000 in annual payments received from trial sponsors from their gross income.