Legislation

The DPA Advanced Procurement Act of 2026 mandates a GAO study to evaluate how federal agencies manage the procurement and stockpiling of critical, long-lead time items under the Defense Production Act. This study aims to identify interagency improvements and provide legislative recommendations to enhance national supply chain readiness. Additionally, the bill includes a technical correction to the citation of the original Defense Production Act of 1950.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to incentivize the domestic production of and investment in biobased renewable materials. It establishes a production tax credit of 10 cents per pound for qualified materials and a 30 percent investment tax credit for facilities dedicated to their manufacture. These measures aim to support sustainable supply chains by providing financial support for non-fuel, non-food biomass conversion projects.

The Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive feasibility study on expanding the multinational Operation Olympic Defender to include key allies in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically Japan and the Republic of Korea. This report will assess the national security benefits, necessary policy adjustments, and resource requirements needed to integrate these nations into the existing space security framework.

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 aims to improve the availability of mental health care by increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for specific services. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill raises the payment rate from 75% to 85% of the physician fee schedule. This adjustment is designed to better support providers and expand access to essential mental health treatment for Medicare beneficiaries.

The National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act establishes a national Transit Workforce Center to support the recruitment, training, and retention of skilled frontline public transportation employees. Through a grant-funded nonprofit, the center will provide technical assistance, develop industry-standard training programs, and analyze workforce trends to improve the safety and efficiency of transit systems nationwide.

The DPA Workforce and Skilled Labor Needs Act of 2026 amends the Defense Production Act to allow federal agencies to direct financial assistance toward recruiting, training, and retaining workers in defense-critical fields. The bill mandates that agencies identify domestic workforce gaps and provide annual recommendations for programs, such as apprenticeships, to strengthen the industrial base. Additionally, it includes a technical correction to the original Act.

The No Mercy for Terrorists Act of 2026 strengthens national security by significantly increasing penalties for those who provide material support to terrorists or designated foreign terrorist organizations. Under this legislation, offenders face a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, with the potential for life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026 mandates the creation of a centralized online toolkit to help businesses navigate government solicitations and funding opportunities under the Defense Production Act. The bill requires federal agencies to develop and annually update outreach plans to better engage the private sector. Additionally, it establishes new reporting requirements to ensure transparency regarding agency outreach activities and contract awards.

The Career Criminal Accountability Act of 2026 establishes a "three-strikes" sentencing framework for repeat federal offenders. Under this act, defendants convicted of strike-eligible offenses accrue strikes based on the severity of their past and current criminal history. Those who reach the three-strike threshold face mandatory consecutive prison sentences, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment depending on the nature of their current conviction.

The Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act modernizes internet standards by increasing the minimum speed requirements for projects funded under the Community Connect Grant Program. The bill raises the mandatory download speed to 25 Mbps and the upload speed to 3 Mbps to ensure better connectivity for rural areas. These updated standards will take effect six months after the legislation is enacted.

The Kira Johnson Act aims to eliminate maternal health disparities by funding community-based organizations that provide essential support to high-risk populations. The legislation also mandates comprehensive bias and anti-racism training for maternity care providers and establishes compliance programs to address discrimination in clinical settings. Through these initiatives, the bill seeks to ensure respectful, equitable, and high-quality care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Special Events Program Alignment Act of 2026 mandates the transfer of the Department of Homeland Security’s Special Events Program to the Office of Situational Awareness. This transition, required within 180 days of enactment, includes the relocation of all associated personnel, assets, records, and funding to streamline departmental oversight.

The Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act of 2026 protects taxpayer privacy and independence during the appeals process by restricting IRS staff participation. Under this act, non-appeals IRS employees are prohibited from attending Independent Office of Appeals conferences unless the taxpayer explicitly consents to their presence.

The Inspector General Accessibility Reporting Act mandates that the Department of State’s Inspector General conduct independent assessments of the accessibility of all Department-owned or leased facilities. This bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing compliance with federal accessibility standards, identifying existing barriers, and estimating the costs necessary to achieve full accessibility. By integrating these requirements into official inspection protocols, the Act ensures greater oversight and accountability for the Department’s progress in supporting individuals with disabilities.

The Housing for Heroes Act of 2026 expands the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program to include members of the Armed Forces, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. The bill removes geographic restrictions, allowing these professionals to purchase eligible single-unit properties regardless of their location in a designated revitalization area.

The Interagency Coordination in Export Controls Act of 2026 strengthens national security by mandating closer collaboration between the Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense to align export control lists and streamline the rulemaking process. The bill also requires a comprehensive evaluation of China’s military-civil fusion strategy to identify and mitigate risks associated with the transfer of sensitive U.S. technology. Through these measures, the Act ensures a more unified and responsive approach to managing export controls and protecting critical American interests.

The Supporting VA Families Act establishes a supplemental parental leave program for Department of Veterans Affairs employees. This legislation provides eligible staff with four additional administrative weeks of unpaid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. This benefit is designed to supplement, rather than replace, existing family and medical leave entitlements.

The SPARK Act establishes the Inclusive Innovation Initiative and the Spark Program to provide grants and resources to business incubators and accelerators serving underrepresented entrepreneurs. By supporting organizations that assist women, veterans, rural residents, and socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, the bill aims to spur economic growth and increase access to capital in underserved communities. Additionally, the Act creates a financing program to provide targeted grants and low-interest loans to small businesses in areas of economic distress.

The Data to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities by enhancing data collection, research, and public awareness. The bill authorizes grants to support the maternal health workforce, strengthen state and tribal maternal mortality review committees, and fund research at minority-serving institutions. Additionally, it mandates a comprehensive review of existing maternal health data and quality measures to develop actionable strategies for saving lives.

The Money Where Our Mouths Are Act mandates that Members of Congress forfeit their pay for every day a government shutdown is in effect. This legislation ensures that lawmakers are financially impacted by lapses in federal funding, holding them accountable for failing to pass necessary appropriations bills.