Legislation

The Hope Heals Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess and improve federal coordination on mental health crisis prevention and awareness. This process requires an evaluation of how federal agencies can better share suicide prevention information and referral mechanisms with individuals in crisis. Following the assessment, the Secretary must report findings and recommendations to Congress, which federal departments are then required to implement where practicable.

The Veterans Burial Allowance and Reimbursement Act of 2026 standardizes and updates burial benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation increases the burial and funeral expense allowance for veterans who died from a service-connected disability to a flat rate of \$2,000. It also raises the plot allowance for veterans interred in private cemeteries to \$1,000.

The Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2026 mandates significant research into Alaska salmon life history, ecosystem impacts, and fishing gear effectiveness. It establishes new partnerships and funding mechanisms to develop and test technology aimed at reducing bycatch and minimizing damage to marine habitats. Furthermore, the bill streamlines requirements for electronic monitoring and enhances transparency regarding observer coverage in federal fisheries.

This bill proposes awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Nick Shirley in recognition of his investigative journalism exposing significant fraud against U.S. taxpayers. Congress finds that his work demonstrated bravery and dedication, leading to the halting of federal funding to fraudulent entities. The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with designing and producing the medal, with bronze duplicates available for sale.

This bill mandates new federal safety standards for electric and hybrid vehicles to address battery fire risks, requiring technology for timely extinguishment and safe passenger escape. It also requires standardized first responder access to batteries and the installation of mechanical door releases for electrical system failures. Additionally, the legislation directs a study on the health impacts of these battery fires on first responders.

This concurrent resolution affirms the strong partnership between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland, emphasizing shared democratic values and collective security. It explicitly states Congress's position that the U.S. respects Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland and that any change in status or use of military force there requires Congressional authorization. The resolution advocates for strengthening cooperation through partnership rather than coercion in the Arctic.

This resolution recognizes the significant achievements and contributions of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter to U.S. national defense over the last 50 years. It honors the dedicated service and sacrifice of the Army aviators, maintainers, and support personnel who operate and sustain this vital aircraft. The resolution celebrates the Apache's enduring role in providing unmatched close air support and precision strike capabilities for the United States and its allies.

The AIRSHIP Act aims to revitalize airship transportation by promoting research and development in sustainable cargo, disaster response, and humanitarian aid. It amends existing aeronautical research programs to specifically include airships and authorizes new competitive grant programs focused on vehicle technology and environmental impact. This legislation supports the development of practical and environmentally friendly airship capabilities.

The Holiday Bonus Tax Relief Act of 2025 excludes qualified holiday bonuses, up to \$2,500 per person annually, from federal income tax. This exclusion applies to bonuses paid in January, November, or December. The \$2,500 limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2027.

The Federal Facilities Protection and Oversight Act of 2025 establishes new Congressional approval requirements for the demolition or substantial alteration of federal public buildings in Washington, D.C. The bill also expands the oversight role of the National Capital Planning Commission, requiring it to review substantial alterations and consider architectural integrity. This ensures federal building changes in the District adhere to specific standards and Congressional authorization.

The Geothermal Tax Parity Act aims to support geothermal energy development by aligning its tax treatment with that of oil and gas. This legislation allows for the 24-month amortization of geothermal exploration costs and exempts working interests in geothermal properties from passive loss limitations. These changes encourage investment by providing the same federal tax incentives enjoyed by the oil and gas industry.

The VA Transit Act establishes a five-year pilot program to award grants for improving public transportation services specifically for veterans. Administered by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the VA, these grants will fund projects that expand access to VA facilities and veteran-serving organizations across various geographic areas. Recipients must report on the impact of the funded services, and the Secretary will submit a final report on the program's results to Congress.

The PROTECT Immigration Act of 2025 aims to centralize immigration enforcement exclusively with federal officials. This legislation amends existing law to restrict state and local entities from inquiring about, apprehending, or detaining individuals based on immigration status, with only three specific statutory exceptions. Essentially, it removes the authority granted under Section 287(g) from non-federal personnel.

This bill, the Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025, expands access to Medicare-covered cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to order, prescribe, and supervise these essential services. The legislation also updates where these programs can be furnished to include general "office settings."

This Act mandates enhanced southbound inspections at the Southern Border to interdict weapons, currency, and drugs being smuggled out of the U.S. It requires the deployment of new inspection technology and the hiring of 200 new Homeland Security Investigations agents focused on outbound smuggling. Furthermore, the bill establishes a minimum mandatory inspection rate of 10% for all southbound traffic by 2027 and requires regular reporting on inspection resources and seizure statistics.

The COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act of 2025 establishes dedicated federal funding to help state and local law enforcement combat organized crime and cartels. This legislation authorizes $50 million annually to provide grants for creating specialized units, purchasing necessary equipment like drones and tactical gear, and training officers. Grant applications will be prioritized for areas with documented high levels of cartel or transnational criminal activity.

The Snowmobiles Arent Weapons (SAW) Act establishes a federal prohibition against using a motor vehicle to intentionally harm or capture mammalian predators on most federal lands. This act sets significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations. An exception is made for actions taken in self-defense against immediate harm.

This bill, the CFTC Advisory Committee Improvement Act of 2025, updates the rules governing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) advisory committees. It mandates the establishment of new committees to advise the CFTC on its regulatory activities and subjects them to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Existing advisory committees may continue operating under their current structure until September 30, 2026, or until their charter is renewed.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for military force in or against Venezuela through the end of 2026. This restriction remains in place unless Congress formally declares war or passes a new, specific authorization for military action that complies with the War Powers Resolution. An exception is made for necessary defensive actions, such as repelling a sudden attack.

The Trusted Importer and Competitive Manufacturing Act of 2025 establishes a program allowing certified importers to receive reduced or waived tariffs on approved articles. This certification requires meeting strict criteria related to compliance, supply chain security, and promoting U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. The President will use this authority to strengthen the U.S. economy, though certain existing tariffs remain unaffected.