Legislation

The Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act requires employers to prominently display a state-specific notice detailing veterans' benefits. This notice, developed by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, must include critical resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. The law aims to ensure that employees who are veterans are easily informed about the resources available to them in the workplace.

The Jumpstart Savings Act establishes a new tax-advantaged savings program, the Jumpstart Program, designed to cover expenses for vocational training and professional development. Funds can be used tax-free for apprenticeships, community college programs, professional certifications, and necessary business startup costs. This new program mirrors existing rules for 529 college savings plans and allows rollovers from those accounts.

This bill, the Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act, prohibits the use of any federal funds to finance, support, or subsidize the development or maintenance of Venezuela's oil and petroleum infrastructure. It ensures taxpayer money is not used to back risky investments in the Venezuelan oil sector. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must submit an annual report to Congress detailing compliance with this prohibition.

The No War with Venezuela Act of 2026 strictly prohibits the use of federal funds to deploy U.S. military or intelligence personnel in Venezuela for offensive operations or governance activities without explicit Congressional authorization. This measure aims to prevent unauthorized military engagement or occupation. Limited exceptions exist for activities such as defending U.S. personnel, intelligence gathering, and securing the return of detained nationals.

The Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026 establishes a strict, codified definition for determining when an immigrant is likely to become a "public charge," based on the receipt of specific public benefits. This bill mandates that a wide range of federal, state, and local assistance programs be considered in this assessment, aiming to ensure immigrant self-sufficiency. It also introduces requirements for sponsor affidavits and authorizes the use of public charge bonds as a condition for entry or adjustment of status.

The **REAADI for Disasters Act** aims to significantly improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It establishes dedicated funding, creates new grant programs, and mandates accessible standards across all phases of emergency management. The bill seeks to ensure these vulnerable populations are included in planning, protected from discrimination, and receive necessary human services during and after a disaster.

This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant license holders an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction on certain hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020. It also authorizes FERC to reinstate licenses that expired after December 31, 2023, under specific conditions. The goal is to provide more time for approved hydropower projects to commence construction.

This Act mandates a joint study by federal banking agencies to find ways to improve the growth, capital adequacy, and profitability of depository institutions serving rural areas. The study must also identify federal laws or regulations that may be limiting these institutions or the creation of new rural banks. The agencies are required to submit a report of their findings to Congress within one year of enactment.

This bill exempts specific, carefully defined less-than-lethal projectile devices and their ammunition from the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. It also removes these qualifying devices from regulation under the National Firearms Act. The legislation establishes clear criteria, including velocity limits and design restrictions, to ensure the exemption applies only to tools intended for de-escalation rather than lethal force. Manufacturers can request official classification for their products to confirm eligibility for these tax and regulatory benefits.

This bill designates Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an initial period of 18 months, beginning November 25, 2025. It establishes eligibility requirements for Burmese nationals already present in the U.S. and outlines conditions for emergency travel authorization.

The Least Cost Exception Act amends FDIC rules to allow the agency to choose a bank resolution method that is *not* the least costly option. This exception permits the FDIC, in consultation with the Federal Reserve and Treasury, to prioritize limiting concentration among global systemically important banks. Any alternative method chosen must still be less costly than outright liquidation and subject to specific cost limitations and special assessments on acquiring entities.

The Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act establishes federal law over state restrictions on real estate purchases based on a buyer's citizenship. This legislation voids any state or territorial law that prohibits or restricts property ownership due to citizenship. The Attorney General is authorized to enforce this preemption, and individuals harmed by such laws can sue in federal court.

The Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act tightens the rules for bank mergers that would create excessive market concentration. Exceptions to these limits are allowed only when necessary to prevent serious economic harm or financial instability. Furthermore, regulators must prove no other qualified, non-concentrated bidder was available before granting an exception. Any such waiver must also be reported to Congress and made public.

The Rural Investment for Producers and the Environment (RIPE) Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program within the USDA to pay agricultural producers for implementing environmentally beneficial practices in selected watersheds. This program will offer direct, performance-based contracts ranging from three to five years to improve water quality, soil health, and climate resiliency. Payments will be calculated based on costs, foregone income, and environmental benefits, with increased rates for limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers.

The American Dream Act establishes a temporary federal income tax exclusion for capital gains realized by individuals aged 65 or older when they sell their real property to a first-time homebuyer. This incentive is designed to encourage seniors to sell their homes to new buyers, provided the sale price does not exceed $500,000 and certain residency requirements are met. This exclusion is effective for sales occurring between 2027 and 2031.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating January 2026 as "National Human Trafficking Prevention Month." The bill aims to raise public awareness, enhance reporting, and strengthen community responses to combat all forms of human trafficking. It reaffirms the national commitment to freedom and encourages broad cooperation across governments and civil society to protect victims and prosecute traffickers.

This resolution strongly condemns all acts of violence, oppression, and abuse targeting ethnic minorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It highlights findings of escalating hate speech, atrocities committed by armed groups and state forces, and the potential for ethnic cleansing. The bill urges the DRC government to protect its citizens, calls on social media companies to curb hate speech, and directs the U.S. government to investigate atrocities and impose targeted sanctions.

The Governing for the People Act is a comprehensive bill addressing multiple areas, including extending tax incentives for film production, establishing a new federal crime to combat fraud against veterans, and ensuring full federal funding for wildfire repairs caused by Forest Service activities. It also creates grants to promote AI literacy, mandates reports on China-Iran financial ties, improves lung cancer screening coverage, and updates operational procedures for the House of Representatives.

The Kids Before Cuts Act prohibits the federal government from freezing or withholding funds intended for critical social services, including the TANF, SSBG, and Child Care Development Block Grant programs. This measure ensures that funds appropriated by Congress for child care and social services reach the states as intended. The Act specifically targets recent actions that froze billions in funding designated for supporting families and children.

The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2026 strengthens federal requirements for colleges and universities to implement evidence-based programs addressing student alcohol and substance misuse. It expands grant opportunities to support recovery services, mental health integration, and overdose prevention on campus. Institutions participating in federal aid programs must certify they have an active prevention program compliant with these new standards.