Legislation

The Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance Act of 2026 establishes a voluntary insurance program managed by OPM to replace lost pay for federal employees experiencing short-term, non-work-related disabilities or taking leave for family care, birth, or adoption. Employees will pay 100% of the premiums for coverage that can last up to 12 months, with benefit amounts capped based on GS-15 pay levels. The program allows employees to choose a waiting period, ranging from 8 to 181 days, which will affect their premium cost.

This act expands coverage of the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund to include all uniformed services, specifically adding the commissioned corps of NOAA and the Public Health Service. It mandates the calculation and scheduling for paying off the unfunded liability associated with these newly included members. Furthermore, the bill updates contribution rules and extends family protection and survivor benefit plans to these services.

The ZELDIN Act establishes strict congressional approval procedures for the EPA to dismiss lawsuits or withdraw referrals related to carcinogen releases. It also mandates consultation with the Office of General Counsel before the EPA can terminate grants and preserves grant funding during related litigation. Finally, the bill imposes new procedural requirements on EPA rulemaking and allows individuals to sue the Administrator for violations.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, hardware, or software originating from or controlled by designated "covered countries" (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). This measure aims to safeguard U.S. economic and national security against risks like espionage and cyber intrusion posed by foreign adversaries exploiting vehicle connectivity technology. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with issuing regulations to enforce these bans, which begin phasing in starting in 2027, though waivers may be granted under specific national security conditions.

The Kids Off Social Media Act aims to protect children and teens online by banning social media access for users under 13 and restricting algorithmic content recommendations for users aged 13 through 16. Additionally, the bill requires schools receiving federal funding to block social media platforms on their networks and devices. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these new platform restrictions.

The AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026 mandates that developers of large AI-focused data centers must publicly disclose comprehensive project details, including environmental impact analyses, at least 180 days before taking significant action. This bill requires extensive public notification across multiple media channels and limits the use of non-disclosure agreements concerning public resources. Violations of these transparency requirements will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission as unfair or deceptive practices.

The Compensation Fund Recrediting Act establishes a definitive end date for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. This bill mandates that the fund will cease operations on January 1, 2027. Any remaining funds after this date will be transferred to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.

This resolution establishes a "renewed mandate for human rights," recognizing the interconnected nature of global oppression and affirming the dignity of the global majority. It outlines a comprehensive vision, grounded in principles like intersectionality, that rejects systems such as racism, colonialism, and patriarchy. The bill details specific rights—including movement, housing, safety, and peace—and calls for sweeping policy changes in U.S. immigration, foreign policy, and domestic justice systems to align with these human rights principles.

The Deal Death, Face Death Act establishes the death penalty as a potential punishment for individuals whose distribution of fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances results in death. This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to mandate this severe penalty, alongside substantial fines, for such offenses.

The Protecting American Railroad Workers’ Jobs Act of 2026 mandates new safety and employment requirements for freight trains crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. This bill requires all cross-border freight trains to stop at the border for crew interchange and safety testing. Furthermore, it stipulates that only U.S. nationals or lawfully authorized resident aliens whose primary reporting point is in the U.S. may operate the train after the interchange.

This bill establishes the DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act to create a joint research and development program between the Department of Defense and the Department of Agriculture. The collaboration will focus on projects advancing national security and agricultural priorities, such as supply chain resilience, bioindustrial manufacturing, and natural resource management. The Secretaries must sign an agreement outlining a merit-based review process and focusing on high-payoff technologies. The program also mandates annual reporting to Congress on achievements, expenditures, and research security practices.

The Expeditionary Diplomacy Act mandates the State Department to formally define "expeditionary diplomacy" and assess its current practice in high-risk environments. It requires reports from the GAO and establishes a dedicated Tiger Team to develop recommendations for improving the department's ability to engage in this type of diplomacy. Ultimately, the bill seeks to encourage diplomats to regularly interact with local populations, even in challenging security settings, through new directives and risk management practices.

The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026 aims to make it easier for local farmers to sell directly to consumers through federal nutrition programs. This bill mandates the creation of a streamlined, single application process for farmers seeking authorization under SNAP, WIC, and other key nutrition initiatives. Furthermore, it requires the USDA to support the use of modern, mobile payment technology at farmers' markets.

This resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific religious and political detainees, including Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai, during future engagements with the President of China. It condemns the ongoing detention of these and other individuals by the People's Republic of China. The bill calls for the President to seek proof of life, legal counsel, and medical access for those unjustly held.

This resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for two events hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police in May 2026: the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service honoring fallen officers and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. The bill sets specific dates and terms for these public, non-interfering events, including sponsor responsibility for all expenses and adherence to established Capitol Grounds restrictions.

The SMART Act of 2025 aims to reduce regulatory burdens for well-managed and well-capitalized financial institutions with $\$6$ billion or less in assets. It introduces alternating limited-scope examinations and allows for the combination of certain required examinations upon request. Furthermore, the bill establishes new requirements for federal agencies to make on-site examinations of these smaller institutions more efficient and less disruptive.

The ABLE Tomorrow Act aims to expand financial security for people with disabilities by enhancing access to and use of ABLE savings accounts. Key provisions include prohibiting Medicaid recovery from ABLE accounts upon the beneficiary's death and creating exceptions to annual contribution limits for specific lump-sum payments. Furthermore, the bill mandates widespread federal and state agency outreach to inform eligible individuals about ABLE programs and allows employees to redirect certain employer retirement contributions directly into their ABLE accounts.

This resolution expresses strong support for law enforcement officers, recognizing their vital role in protecting communities and upholding the rule of law. It acknowledges the daily sacrifices officers make and affirms their essential contributions to public safety. The resolution also opposes policies that undermine law enforcement, such as defunding efforts and sanctuary policies.

The Safe Bus Routes to School Act establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of Transportation to help states and local governments enhance the safety of school bus routes and stops. This legislation allows federal highway safety funds to be used for infrastructure improvements like sidewalks and traffic calming, as well as non-infrastructure activities such as safety education. The primary goal is to reduce the risk of injury or death for children using school transportation.

This resolution officially designates May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week. It honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, specifically recognizing 363 officers lost in 2025. The bill expresses unwavering support for law enforcement and acknowledges the need for proper resources to ensure officer safety.