Legislation

The Food Rescue Act establishes a national food rescue system within the USDA to coordinate the recovery and distribution of surplus food to those in need. This system will support food rescue organizations through a competitive grant program focused on improving logistics, infrastructure, and technology for food recovery. The goal is to efficiently connect surplus food from various sources with food banks and communities requiring assistance.

The Helping Our People Act of 2026 allows the Puyallup Tribe of Indians to withdraw funds from its permanent trust fund under an approved management plan. This legislation clarifies the Tribe's ability to manage its assets in accordance with existing federal trust fund management reform acts. It also ensures that prior settlement acts do not impede future federal cooperation with the Tribe.

The Follow the Science Act aims to insulate the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from political influence by prohibiting most political appointees from working on or managing NIH programs. This legislation specifically bars political employees from participating in the review, selection, or awarding of NIH grants and contracts. Furthermore, it restricts the NIH Director from canceling or delaying existing funding agreements unless specific findings of mismanagement or fraud are documented and reported to Congress.

The Capping Costs for Consumers Act of 2026 aims to lower healthcare costs for consumers purchasing insurance through the Exchange. It achieves this by changing the benchmark used to calculate both cost-sharing reductions and premium assistance tax credits from a silver-level plan to a gold-level plan, effective starting in 2028. The bill also permanently funds these expanded cost-sharing reductions.

The Full Cost of War Act mandates that all future authorizations for the use of military force or declarations of war must include dedicated funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This provision ensures that resources are specifically allocated to cover medical care, disability compensation, and other earned benefits for veterans affected by the authorized military action.

The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act mandates an annual preventative health evaluation for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. This comprehensive assessment will cover risks, pain management, nutrition, and the need for advanced assistive technologies, including neuromodulation devices. The VA is required to consult with specialists and manufacturers when developing implementation guidelines. Furthermore, the Secretary must report biennially to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of these evaluations and assistive technologies.

The Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act designates nearly one million acres of federal land in Malheur County as new wilderness areas and two Special Management Areas. The bill also establishes a Malheur County Grazing Management Program to provide operational flexibility for ranchers while maintaining resource objectives. Furthermore, it facilitates land transfers to the Burns Paiute Tribe and protects existing uses like grazing and fire suppression across the region's federal lands.

The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program, administered by the Attorney General, to fund essential library services for incarcerated individuals. These grants aim to reduce recidivism and boost reintegration efforts by supporting education, job training, and access to modern library materials. States and territories can apply for these renewable, multi-year grants, which must be used strictly for library-related activities and cannot charge inmates for access to resources.

The ACE Agriculture Act permanently reauthorizes and expands the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) within the USDA. This legislation refocuses AGARDA's mission on high-risk research addressing long-term challenges like export competitiveness, sustainability, and climate resilience. It also authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these advanced agricultural research goals.

The Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act of 2026 establishes consistent federal eligibility requirements for foreign graduate medical schools seeking to participate in U.S. student aid programs. This aims to increase accountability and protect U.S. students from high debt burdens and poor outcomes often seen at currently exempt for-profit institutions. The bill repeals existing grandfather provisions and sets new standards based on student citizenship and exam success rates. Current students at affected schools are protected and may continue receiving aid under certain conditions.

This resolution expresses support for designating the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as the annual "National Day of Play." The goal is to encourage individuals to step away from electronic devices and engage in community events that promote play and social connection. This day recognizes the vital role of play in mental, physical, and social development.

The Protect Postal Performance Act establishes new restrictions and public hearing requirements before the U.S. Postal Service can close or consolidate a post office. It also places limitations on closing processing and distribution centers, particularly in non-contiguous regions, and requires Postal Regulatory Commission review for facility changes. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the Postal Service from reducing mail pickup or drop-off frequency nationwide as part of transportation optimization efforts.

The Safety is Not For Sale Act prohibits manufacturers from bundling optional vehicle safety features with non-safety features during the initial sale or lease. This legislation requires that optional safety features be offered separately or as standard trim, with their cost clearly disclosed to the first purchaser. Enforcement will be handled by the Federal Trade Commission, and state attorneys general are also authorized to bring civil actions for violations.

The Affordable Housing Guarantee Act modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan guaranty program. This legislation establishes new maximum guaranty amounts based on a veteran's service-connected disability status. Specifically, veterans with service-connected disabilities will receive a higher maximum guaranty percentage than other veterans.

The Restarting Education After Disasters (READ) Act establishes a program to provide immediate federal aid to State educational agencies to help local public and eligible non-public schools restart operations following a major disaster or emergency. Funds are prioritized for schools severely impacted and can be used for essential recovery activities like data recovery, temporary learning spaces, and replacing initial instructional materials. The bill authorizes $200 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to support these critical, short-term recovery efforts.

The Affordable CHOICE Act establishes a new, federally-run public health insurance option available through the Health Insurance Marketplace starting in 2027. This plan aims to provide affordable coverage by having the Secretary of Health and Human Services negotiate provider payment rates, using Medicare rates as a fallback. The public option will offer bronze, silver, and gold coverage levels and must adhere to the same rules as existing Marketplace plans.

The CLEAR Act aims to provide relief to retailers and end users facing patent infringement lawsuits by requiring courts to grant a stay of action against them if the product's manufacturer is also involved in the litigation. This stay is conditional upon the retailer or end user agreeing to be bound by the outcome of the case against the manufacturer. The legislation seeks to streamline patent litigation by focusing initial proceedings on the entity primarily responsible for the accused product.

The CLEANUP Act establishes a framework for the coordinated removal and remediation of contaminated sediment in water resources projects. It provides liability protection to the Secretary of the Army for these cleanup activities when conducted under an EPA-approved joint plan developed with non-Federal interests. This legislation ensures cleanups prioritize human health and the environment while maintaining the government's authority to recover costs from responsible parties.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It encourages the nation to observe this week with activities that celebrate and demonstrate support for the vital contributions of Tribal Colleges and Universities.

The Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act mandates the creation of new federal safety standards to ensure bus drivers have a minimally obstructed forward-facing view. This requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish these standards within one year of enactment. Motorcoaches may meet this requirement through direct visibility or approved camera technology that enhances the driver's field of vision.