Legislation

The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency and security in U.S. elections. It closes loopholes to ban foreign national spending in elections, mandates disclosure for "dark money" political spending, and requires clear funding disclosures on political ads. The bill also centralizes legal challenges to campaign finance laws in Washington, D.C., for faster resolution.

This Act prohibits direct U.S. assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia and encourages restrictions on remittances until safeguards against diversion to terrorism or corruption are confirmed. It mandates increased congressional oversight, suspends most U.S. foreign aid to the Somali government, and imposes visa restrictions and sanctions on corrupt officials. The bill also establishes a rewards program to help recover assets stolen from U.S. programs in Somalia.

The CERTAIN Act aims to accelerate infrastructure development by establishing strict timelines and processes for federal project authorizations and environmental reviews. It limits when agencies can revoke existing permits and mandates coordination across multiple agencies to ensure timely decisions. The bill also addresses staffing shortages within federal agencies responsible for these reviews to improve permitting capacity.

The RURAL Healthcare Act aims to support healthcare access in underserved and rural areas by clarifying the employment status of certain temporary healthcare providers. This bill specifically classifies qualified locum tenens professionals and advanced care practitioners who provide temporary services as independent contractors under federal labor laws. This classification applies if they meet specific criteria, including a time limit at a single site and a written agreement.

The Under Pressure Act mandates that the Federal Railroad Administration investigate and report to Congress on the failure rates and causes of pressure relief devices on rail tank cars during derailments. This report must detail specific failure circumstances, assess device compatibility and survivability in high heat, and include recommendations for prevention. The FRA is also required to address outstanding safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.

This bill establishes the "Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act," granting current and former highly-trained special operations personnel the authority to carry concealed firearms nationwide. This authority mirrors that currently afforded to qualified retired law enforcement officers under federal law. The legislation mandates the creation of a new identification card program by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility. This concealed carry privilege is permanent for qualified individuals who maintain honorable status and are otherwise eligible to possess a firearm.

The Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2026 aims to improve credit histories for former student loan borrowers. This bill mandates that upon full repayment of a defaulted federal student loan, the relevant loan holder must instruct credit reporting agencies to remove the record of default. This action helps borrowers re-establish strong credit after resolving their past loan issues.

This act establishes the Territorial Small Business Development Act of 2026 to create a new Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance program specifically for businesses owned and controlled by residents of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The program will mirror the support provided under the existing 8(a) program, but without imposing net worth requirements for applicants. To qualify, owners must demonstrate a 10-year residency in one of these territories, and the business must be principally located there.

The Poll Worker Tax Cut Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude compensation received by poll workers from federal income tax. This provision aims to incentivize participation in elections by making poll worker pay tax-free at the federal level. However, this income exclusion does not apply to employment taxes like Social Security and Medicare.

This bill amends federal highway law to establish a guaranteed minimum set-aside amount for state highway apportionments. Specifically, it requires that at least 0.5 percent of the total apportionment be reserved for these guaranteed amounts. This ensures a baseline level of funding for states under the existing highway apportionment formula.

The National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to support states in implementing Food as Medicine initiatives that address nutrition-related health conditions. This legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services to fund state efforts to provide medically supportive, locally-sourced food interventions to eligible individuals. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture will provide technical assistance to help farmers supply these nutritious products to local healthcare networks. The Act aims to improve health outcomes by connecting healthcare, nutrition security, and sustainable agriculture.

This bill seeks to disapprove and nullify a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program. Specifically, it targets the standards set for 2026 and 2027, along with a partial waiver of the 2025 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement. If enacted, the disapproved rule would be voided and unenforceable.

The Rural Area Population Act establishes a single, uniform definition for "rural area" across key USDA development programs. It grants the Secretary of Agriculture new authority to designate certain areas with persistent poverty or infrastructure gaps as rural, even if they are near urban centers. This legislation also creates a specific pathway for designating high-need farmworker settlements and pockets as rural. All changes will take effect 180 days after enactment, protecting existing rural designations until after the 2030 census.

This bill amends the Social Security Act to mandate that both Medicare and Medicaid programs cover specific food and nutrition services. It adds these services as a covered benefit under Medicare Part B and as a mandatory benefit for state Medicaid programs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will determine the precise requirements for these covered services.

The Freedom from Ideological Requirements in Employment Act (FIRE Act) prohibits the use of federal funds to mandate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training or require job applicants or employees to endorse specific DEI-related statements as a condition of federal employment. This legislation specifically bans spending on training related to concepts like critical race theory or any principle asserting inherent superiority or inferiority based on race, sex, or origin. The Act does not affect standard workplace practices designed to prevent sexual harassment.

This bill designates April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month to renew the national commitment to reducing the burden of cancer. It aims to address gaps in screening access and promote preventive actions across all populations. The legislation encourages federal investment in early detection programs and supports advancements in lifesaving cancer innovation.

This bill commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Columbine Day of Service, designated for April 20, 2026, to honor the victims, survivors, and families of the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy. It recognizes community service as a vital tool for rebuilding from tragedy and encourages citizens nationwide to participate in acts of service. The legislation reaffirms the legacy of Columbine by celebrating selfless community contributions.

This resolution expresses strong support for open water lifeguards, recognizing their critical role as first responders and emergency response providers. It urges federal agencies to formally acknowledge the essential, lifesaving work these individuals perform, often at great personal risk. The bill calls for lifeguards to be treated as emergency responders, including eligibility for priority access to resources during public health emergencies.

This resolution supports the designation of March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to recognize the impact of this common, debilitating disease. It affirms a commitment to improving early detection, provider education, and funding for research into better treatments and a cure. The bill encourages nationwide observance with appropriate awareness and educational activities.

This bill officially designates April 18, 2026, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day." It recognizes the vital contributions of linemen in maintaining critical energy infrastructure and serving as essential first responders during emergencies. The resolution expresses strong support for these brave men and women who work under dangerous conditions to keep communities safe and powered.