Legislation

The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program, administered by the Attorney General, to fund essential library services for incarcerated individuals. These grants aim to reduce recidivism and boost reintegration efforts by supporting education, job training, and access to modern library materials. States and territories can apply for these renewable, multi-year grants, which must be used strictly for library-related activities and cannot charge inmates for access to resources.

The Smart Space Act of 2026 directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to explore and recommend alternative financing methods, such as public-private partnerships, for federal building projects. This process begins with public consultations to identify cost-saving solutions for constructing, renovating, or disposing of federal properties. The resulting report will list specific projects suitable for these new financing models, aiming to improve space utilization and consolidate agency operations.

The ACE Agriculture Act permanently reauthorizes and expands the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) within the USDA. This legislation refocuses AGARDA's mission on high-risk research addressing long-term challenges like export competitiveness, sustainability, and climate resilience. It also authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these advanced agricultural research goals.

The Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act of 2026 establishes consistent federal eligibility requirements for foreign graduate medical schools seeking to participate in U.S. student aid programs. This aims to increase accountability and protect U.S. students from high debt burdens and poor outcomes often seen at currently exempt for-profit institutions. The bill repeals existing grandfather provisions and sets new standards based on student citizenship and exam success rates. Current students at affected schools are protected and may continue receiving aid under certain conditions.

This resolution expresses support for designating the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as the annual "National Day of Play." The goal is to encourage individuals to step away from electronic devices and engage in community events that promote play and social connection. This day recognizes the vital role of play in mental, physical, and social development.

The Protect Postal Performance Act establishes new restrictions and public hearing requirements before the U.S. Postal Service can close or consolidate a post office. It also places limitations on closing processing and distribution centers, particularly in non-contiguous regions, and requires Postal Regulatory Commission review for facility changes. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the Postal Service from reducing mail pickup or drop-off frequency nationwide as part of transportation optimization efforts.

The Safety is Not For Sale Act prohibits manufacturers from bundling optional vehicle safety features with non-safety features during the initial sale or lease. This legislation requires that optional safety features be offered separately or as standard trim, with their cost clearly disclosed to the first purchaser. Enforcement will be handled by the Federal Trade Commission, and state attorneys general are also authorized to bring civil actions for violations.

The Affordable Housing Guarantee Act modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan guaranty program. This legislation establishes new maximum guaranty amounts based on a veteran's service-connected disability status. Specifically, veterans with service-connected disabilities will receive a higher maximum guaranty percentage than other veterans.

The Restarting Education After Disasters (READ) Act establishes a program to provide immediate federal aid to State educational agencies to help local public and eligible non-public schools restart operations following a major disaster or emergency. Funds are prioritized for schools severely impacted and can be used for essential recovery activities like data recovery, temporary learning spaces, and replacing initial instructional materials. The bill authorizes $200 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to support these critical, short-term recovery efforts.

This act, the Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act, requires certain Small Business Administration (SBA) employees involved in loan processing to annually certify they have no conflicts of interest. Employees must immediately disclose any newly discovered conflicts and recuse themselves from the relevant loan. The SBA Administrator is tasked with issuing implementing regulations.

The Affordable CHOICE Act establishes a new, federally-run public health insurance option available through the Health Insurance Marketplace starting in 2027. This plan aims to provide affordable coverage by having the Secretary of Health and Human Services negotiate provider payment rates, using Medicare rates as a fallback. The public option will offer bronze, silver, and gold coverage levels and must adhere to the same rules as existing Marketplace plans.

The CLEAR Act aims to provide relief to retailers and end users facing patent infringement lawsuits by requiring courts to grant a stay of action against them if the product's manufacturer is also involved in the litigation. This stay is conditional upon the retailer or end user agreeing to be bound by the outcome of the case against the manufacturer. The legislation seeks to streamline patent litigation by focusing initial proceedings on the entity primarily responsible for the accused product.

The CLEANUP Act establishes a framework for the coordinated removal and remediation of contaminated sediment in water resources projects. It provides liability protection to the Secretary of the Army for these cleanup activities when conducted under an EPA-approved joint plan developed with non-Federal interests. This legislation ensures cleanups prioritize human health and the environment while maintaining the government's authority to recover costs from responsible parties.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It encourages the nation to observe this week with activities that celebrate and demonstrate support for the vital contributions of Tribal Colleges and Universities.

The Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act mandates the creation of new federal safety standards to ensure bus drivers have a minimally obstructed forward-facing view. This requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish these standards within one year of enactment. Motorcoaches may meet this requirement through direct visibility or approved camera technology that enhances the driver's field of vision.

The Vote by Mail Tracking Act mandates that all mail-in ballot envelopes for federal elections starting in 2026 must include a U.S. Postal Service barcode for tracking. This ensures enhanced transparency and traceability for every mailed ballot. The bill also requires the Postal Service to provide necessary compliance information to election officials annually.

The Evan Anzoo Memorial Act mandates a comprehensive report by the Comptroller General investigating deaths resulting from the cessation of USAID activities. This report must estimate fatalities in 2025 and the subsequent five years, and specifically determine if ten named individuals died due to these actions. An interim update is required within 180 days, with the final report due one year after enactment.

The Local Water Protection Act amends federal law to extend the authorization of appropriations for state nonpoint source water pollution management programs. This legislation ensures continued federal funding support for state efforts to control runoff pollution through fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 establishes a commission to investigate the history and ongoing impacts of U.S. Indian boarding school policies. This legislation mandates the gathering of survivor testimony and the search for student burial sites across the country. It also creates advisory committees to ensure Native communities guide the process and clarifies existing laws to facilitate the repatriation and respectful reburial of cultural items. Ultimately, the Act aims to provide a formal record, promote healing, and recommend necessary policy changes to Congress.

The Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act establishes produce prescriptions as a covered medical service within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. This allows eligible, food-insecure veterans with diet-related chronic conditions to receive vouchers or debit cards specifically for purchasing fruits and vegetables. The goal is to improve veterans' health through improved nutrition.