Legislation

The National Guard Protective Zone Act establishes a federal crime for intentionally interfering with National Guard members by entering a designated 15-foot "protective zone" while they are on duty. The bill mandates penalties for those who impede or intimidate Guard members, with increased sentencing for physical contact or assault. Importantly, the legislation includes provisions to ensure that First Amendment activities remain protected outside of these established zones.

The NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Research Act establishes a dedicated program within NOAA to advance global ocean data collection and research. This initiative aims to improve weather forecasting, climate modeling, and ocean health by integrating new technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Through competitive research grants and interagency collaboration, the program seeks to strengthen our understanding of critical marine environments and extreme weather patterns.

The "Stop Pills That Kill Act" aims to combat the distribution of counterfeit fentanyl and methamphetamine by restricting the interstate shipment of related drug paraphernalia. The legislation mandates the creation of a comprehensive DEA response plan, including targeted youth prevention strategies and public awareness audits. Additionally, it requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress detailing federal enforcement efforts, seizures, and prosecution data regarding these dangerous substances.

The Leave No Americans Behind Act of 2026 eliminates the Department of State’s authority to issue repatriation loans to U.S. citizens evacuated from foreign countries. This legislation removes the requirement that evacuation assistance be provided on a reimbursable basis, effectively ending the government's loan program for emergency evacuations.

The Privacy Protection Updates Act strengthens protections for journalists and individuals by establishing an exclusionary rule for evidence obtained in violation of the Privacy Protection Act of 1980. The bill mandates stricter warrant requirements for searching or seizing protected materials, including those stored in the cloud, and requires government officials to disclose all relevant information when seeking such warrants. Additionally, it establishes clear judicial oversight and remediation procedures for emergency searches and seizures.

The Protecting Access to American Products Act allows for temporary waivers of U.S.-flagged shipping requirements when no suitable domestic vessel is available to transport specific goods. This legislation establishes a streamlined approval process for these waivers, ensuring that supply chain needs are met while maintaining transparency through mandatory Congressional reporting.

The Protecting Americans from Unsafe Drugs Act of 2026 expands the FDA’s authority to issue notification, nondistribution, and recall orders for all drugs, rather than just controlled substances. This legislation ensures that unsafe medications can be effectively removed from the market and prevents the import or export of drugs subject to such safety orders.

The First Responders’ Equipment Access Act directs the EPA to revise regulations to allow for national security exemptions for emergency response equipment. This legislation enables manufacturers to request exemptions for engines used by federal, state, and local agencies for law enforcement, fire, and disaster relief services without requiring a specified quantity of equipment.

The Feeding Families Not Fear Act of 2026 establishes a nutrition assistance program for lawfully present noncitizens who are currently ineligible for SNAP benefits due to their immigration status. This initiative provides eligible individuals with monthly food assistance via EBT cards, mirroring the benefits and standards of the regular SNAP program. The bill authorizes $3 billion in annual funding through 2029 to ensure food security for these households.

The Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act prohibits public schools from providing gender-identity counseling or social transition support to students under 18 without parental involvement. It further bans school staff from encouraging students to withhold information about their gender identity from their parents. Schools that violate these requirements risk losing federal funding, and parents are granted the right to file civil lawsuits to enforce these protections.

The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act of 2026 establishes a task force to evaluate the use of AI-driven speech-to-text and transcription technologies within the U.S. judicial system. This body will assess the impact of these tools on court record accuracy, cybersecurity, and constitutional rights. Ultimately, the task force will provide Congress with comprehensive recommendations to ensure that the integration of these technologies maintains the integrity of legal proceedings.

The Public Lands Access Restoration Act establishes a federal grant program to support the maintenance and restoration of motorized roads and trails on Bureau of Land Management and National Forest System lands. The bill mandates a policy of open access for these routes, requiring clear evidence and public review before any restrictions can be implemented. Additionally, it creates a formal process for the public to nominate new motorized trails and prioritizes the expansion of access for recreation and land management.

The Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 strengthens local water resource management by expanding grant eligibility to include Indian tribes and communities impacted by natural disasters. The bill increases funding caps for planning grants, broadens the scope of allowable project expenses, and authorizes $40 million annually through 2031. Additionally, it streamlines program administration to ensure more frequent funding opportunities and greater public transparency.

The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act of 2026 mandates that providers of powerful AI foundation models disclose detailed information regarding their training data, safety benchmarks, and risk management procedures. The Federal Trade Commission will oversee these transparency requirements, ensuring that information is accessible to the public in both consumer-friendly and machine-readable formats. This legislation aims to increase accountability for high-impact AI systems while providing specific compliance support for small businesses and startups.

The HBCU Research Capacity Act establishes a federal clearinghouse within the Department of Education to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities identify and secure federal research grant opportunities. By providing centralized resources, best practices, and increased transparency, the bill aims to dismantle systemic funding barriers and strengthen the research capacity of HBCUs. Additionally, the legislation mandates that major federal agencies review their grant programs and report annually to Congress to ensure equitable access to research funding.

The "Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act" prohibits the listing or trading of event contracts involving sports or casino-style games on regulated financial exchanges. This legislation ensures that such activities cannot be conducted through registered entities while preserving the authority of state laws to regulate or ban these transactions.

The Livestock Consolidation Research Act of 2026 mandates that the Economic Research Service publish regular reports analyzing industry consolidation across the beef, dairy, pork, and poultry sectors. These reports will evaluate how changes in the size and location of farms and processing facilities impact producers, market accessibility, and consumers. By utilizing comprehensive agricultural data, this legislation aims to provide greater transparency into the financial and structural trends shaping the modern livestock industry.

The SECURE Grid Act strengthens national energy infrastructure by requiring states to incorporate local distribution systems into their energy security plans. The bill mandates that these plans address physical and cybersecurity threats, improves federal oversight, and expands the eligible uses of federal assistance for grid upgrades. Additionally, it tasks the GAO with evaluating the effectiveness of these state plans to ensure long-term grid resilience.

The VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026 prohibits federal agencies from downgrading the classification, grade, or pay of Department of Veterans Affairs law enforcement positions. The bill also mandates the retroactive reversal of any such downgrades initiated after October 1, 2025, ensuring affected employees are fully restored to their previous status and compensation.

The Regulation A+ Improvement Act of 2026 seeks to expand capital access by increasing the maximum aggregate offering limit for certain securities exemptions from $50 million to $150 million. Additionally, the bill mandates that the SEC adjust these offering limits for inflation every two years to ensure they remain effective over time.