Legislation

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and underscores the critical need for consistent, full funding. It highlights how government funding lapses jeopardize national security, disrupt essential operations, and negatively impact the personnel tasked with protecting the American people. Ultimately, the resolution calls for immediate action to ensure DHS maintains the resources necessary to defend against a heightened domestic threat environment.

The Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Statue Act directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to commission and install a statue of the renowned civil rights leader within the United States Capitol. This legislation honors Mitchell’s historic advocacy, including his instrumental role in securing the passage of landmark civil rights and voting rights acts.

The AI-Ready Bio-Data Standards Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish standardized frameworks and definitions for biological research data. These measures aim to ensure that federally funded biological datasets are structured and accessible for effective use in artificial intelligence training and biotechnology research. The bill also mandates the creation of public repositories and advisory groups to support federal agencies and researchers in implementing these standards.

The Stop Unemployment Fraud Act aims to enhance the integrity of the unemployment insurance system by mandating stricter identity verification and data-matching procedures for state agencies. The bill prohibits the use of self-attestation for eligibility, establishes rigorous work-search requirements, and provides states with new tools and funding incentives to detect and prevent improper payments. Additionally, it grants the Secretary of Labor oversight authority to monitor compliance and enforce corrective actions to ensure program accountability.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 authorizes the President to deny U.S. port entry to vessels that utilize foreign ports in Western Hemisphere free-trade partner countries that have unlawfully expropriated property from U.S. citizens. This legislation aims to protect American assets abroad by restricting access to U.S. markets for vessels operating through seized facilities. The bill includes provisions for lifting these restrictions once the property is returned, compensated for, or the dispute is otherwise resolved.

The Agricultural Conservation Mentorship Act amends the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to provide funding for paid work-based learning opportunities. This initiative supports cooperative programs at higher education institutions and land-grant universities to enhance agricultural teaching and career development.

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act provides comprehensive fiscal year 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security, prioritizing operational oversight, transparency, and accountability. The legislation mandates strict reporting requirements for agency spending and establishes clear policy directives for border security, emergency management, and immigration services. Additionally, the bill includes technical provisions to ensure the continuity of government operations and the timely payment of federal personnel during funding lapses.

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure essential wage and overtime protections for caregivers. By updating definitions and removing outdated exemptions, the bill guarantees that home care workers receive the fair compensation and labor standards they deserve.

The Kids in Classes Act requires school districts receiving federal Title I funds to provide direct payments to parents if their child’s school fails to offer in-person instruction for more than three days due to a public health emergency or labor action. These funds are intended to cover qualified educational expenses, such as tutoring, private school tuition, or instructional materials, to mitigate learning loss. The legislation aims to protect students in low-income communities from the disproportionate academic and economic impacts of extended school closures.

The Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act establishes a $250 million annual grant program to support the mental health and well-being of caregivers for seniors and individuals with disabilities. By funding nonprofit organizations, the act aims to reduce caregiver burnout, improve retention, and provide essential services such as mental health support, transportation, and meals.

The National Weather Safety Board Act establishes an independent board to investigate the preparedness and response efforts of federal agencies following major weather disasters. The Board is authorized to issue recommendations, subpoena information, and publicly track agency progress to improve future disaster management. This temporary, bipartisan body aims to enhance accountability and safety in the face of severe weather events.

The No Free Rides Act of 2026 prohibits public transportation agencies receiving federal funding from implementing universal fare-free policies. While it mandates fare collection for general riders, the bill allows for targeted discounts for specific groups like seniors, students, and low-income individuals. Additionally, agencies may seek a waiver from the Secretary of Transportation if they can secure dedicated non-federal funding to cover the costs of a fare-free program.

The 20-Year Promise Act expands educational benefits for veterans who have served 20 or more years in the Armed Forces. It increases their total entitlement to 72 months of GI Bill assistance and allows them to transfer these additional months to their dependents. This legislation removes existing aggregate benefit caps for these long-serving veterans to ensure they and their families receive full support for their education.

The Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act authorizes $60 million annually from 2026 through 2035 to support agricultural and rural development education. The bill establishes a new grant priority for teaching enhancement projects, specifically those that incorporate paid work-based learning opportunities to train professionals in food, agricultural sciences, and rural economic development.

This resolution designates March 2026 as "National Middle-Level Education Month" to recognize the critical role that middle-level schools play in the development of young adolescents. It highlights the importance of supporting students in grades 5 through 8 during this pivotal stage of brain development and academic growth. The bill encourages the public to celebrate and engage with the educators and institutions dedicated to preparing these students for future success.

This resolution expresses deep concern over unauthorized workforce reductions at FEMA, CISA, and TSA, which have compromised national security and disaster response capabilities. It asserts that these cuts violate federal law and congressional appropriations, calling on the administration to halt further personnel reductions and provide a full accounting of the staffing losses. Ultimately, the bill reaffirms the necessity of a stable, professional career workforce to ensure the safety and security of the United States.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 26, 2026, as "National Science Appreciation Day." The initiative aims to celebrate American scientific achievements and recognize the vital role that STEM fields play in driving economic growth, innovation, and the overall quality of life for all Americans.

The Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2026 removes barriers to mental health support by exempting children in qualified residential treatment programs from the Medicaid Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) exclusion. This change ensures that foster youth can receive essential Medicaid-covered services regardless of their specific placement or maintenance payment status. The policy is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

The Duplication Scoring Act of 2026 requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess new congressional bills for potential overlap with existing federal programs. These assessments will be published online and may be included in Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimates to improve government efficiency and reduce redundancy.

This resolution formally recognizes the persistent gender wage gap in the United States and its significant negative impact on women, families, and the national economy. It highlights the systemic factors contributing to pay disparities across various demographics and occupations. Ultimately, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving equal pay for equal work.