Legislation

The Keeping China Off the Rails Act of 2026 establishes new security requirements for railroad freight cars used to transport Department of Defense cargo. The bill implements a phased-in compliance schedule to ensure these railcars meet specific manufacturing standards, while providing necessary exceptions for sensitive or clandestine military shipments.

The VITAL Act aims to address the critical shortage of affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities and older adults. By significantly increasing low-income housing tax credits and establishing new allocation requirements for states, the bill incentivizes the construction of inclusive, transit-accessible homes. These measures are designed to help individuals remain independent and integrated within their communities.

This bill requires the Secretary of the Army to submit a report by April 15, 2027, detailing efforts to accelerate the production, testing, and sustainment of autonomous maneuver systems and low-cost interceptors. The report must outline strategies for strengthening domestic supply chains, scaling manufacturing capabilities, and coordinating development across the Department of Defense.

The EGG SAVE Act of 2026 establishes a temporary tax credit for commercial egg hatcheries that invest in high-accuracy, in-ovo sex identification technology. By incentivizing the adoption of this equipment, the bill aims to improve operational efficiency and modernize standards within the U.S. egg production industry. The credit is available for qualified equipment placed in service between 2027 and 2029.

The Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act updates the Head Start Act to establish tailored teacher qualification requirements for Indian Head Start and Early Head Start programs. By creating these specific standards, the bill ensures that educators in tribal programs can meet credentialing goals while maintaining their focus on culturally responsive instruction. This legislation aims to support tribal communities in staffing their early childhood programs with qualified, locally-supported educators.

The Desalination Reauthorization Act extends and updates federal authority for desalination projects, providing a clear framework for federal cost-sharing in eligible water infrastructure initiatives. The bill also establishes a new competitive grant program to advance pilot technologies for treating saline, brackish, and wastewater while managing brine discharge. These measures aim to improve water security by supporting the development and implementation of cost-effective, innovative desalination solutions.

The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act aims to modernize the nation’s public housing stock by transitioning all units into highly energy-efficient, zero-carbon homes. The bill establishes comprehensive grant programs to fund deep energy retrofits, infrastructure upgrades, and resident-led workforce development projects. By repealing the Faircloth Amendment and strengthening resident councils, the legislation seeks to expand public housing capacity while ensuring safe, sustainable, and high-quality living standards for all residents.

The NIH Mentorship Modernization Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standardized mentorship requirements for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research training and career development awards. This legislation aims to improve mentor-mentee engagement and professional development by implementing evidence-based practices and providing institutions with support for mentor training. The bill ensures these standards are integrated into existing reporting processes to minimize administrative burdens while fostering a more effective research training environment.

The Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act of 2026 incentivizes farmers to adopt sustainable manure management and composting practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial and technical assistance, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized livestock operations. By prioritizing carbon sequestration and environmental benefits, the legislation aims to modernize on-farm waste handling and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The "No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act" restricts executive bonuses at state-regulated electric utilities starting in 2027. Bonuses are permitted only if customer rate increases do not exceed the Consumer Price Index and are capped at 25 percent of the median non-executive employee salary. Utilities that violate these limits face civil penalties, with collected funds redistributed directly to customers as refunds.

The INSPIRES Act aims to strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce by providing federal grants to modernize and renovate educational facilities, particularly in rural and Native American communities. The legislation supports the creation of high-quality STEM classrooms, laboratories, and career and technical education spaces to ensure students have access to the hands-on learning environments necessary for success in the modern economy. By prioritizing public-private partnerships and facility upgrades, the Act seeks to improve student achievement and bridge the gap in STEM educational opportunities.

The PREPARE Act establishes a pilot program to strategically preposition aerial wildfire suppression resources across Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. By coordinating federal and state efforts, this initiative aims to improve response times for early-season wildfires in fine fuels. The program will be implemented using existing wildland fire management funding without requiring additional appropriations.

The Right to Worship Act prohibits the intentional disruption of or interference with religious services at houses of worship. The bill establishes civil fines and provides legal recourse for individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and State Attorneys General to take action against those who knowingly impede access to or disturb scheduled religious gatherings.

The Uniform Vehicle Safety Standards Act of 2026 establishes that compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards provides a legal exemption from common-law liability claims. By ensuring these federal standards are applied uniformly, the bill aims to prevent individual lawsuits from overriding established national safety regulations. This legislation is designed to reduce the burden on interstate commerce caused by inconsistent legal standards across different jurisdictions.

The **Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act of 2026** ensures transparency and accountability by preventing the Department of Defense from using administrative reclassifications to obscure the human cost of war or deny service members their earned benefits. The bill mandates that casualty records remain accurate and permanent, regardless of changes to an operation's name or status. Additionally, it requires the restoration of records and benefits for personnel affected by recent reclassifications related to Operation Epic Fury.

The HCBS Access Act transforms home and community-based services into a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring older adults and people with disabilities can receive long-term care in their own homes rather than institutions. The legislation provides significant federal funding to eliminate waiting lists, strengthen the direct care workforce, and offer critical support to unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, it establishes new national standards for workforce data, career development, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, accessible care nationwide.

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027, provides temporary funding to maintain federal government operations and programs through December 11, 2026. It extends fiscal year 2026 spending levels and authorities for most federal agencies while implementing specific restrictions on new projects and defense production. Additionally, the bill includes various extensions for veterans' benefits, surface transportation programs, and other expiring federal authorities.

The **National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027** provides federal funding for national security, foreign diplomacy, international aid, and global development programs for the 2027 fiscal year. Additionally, the bill includes the **SAVE America Act**, which mandates documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration and requires voters to present photo identification in federal elections. Together, these measures establish both foreign policy spending priorities and new federal requirements for election integrity.

The Right to Learn Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to support schools and community organizations in providing trauma-informed care and resources to students and families impacted by immigration enforcement. The Act aims to ensure that all children, regardless of immigration status, have access to a safe, stable, and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, it mandates strict privacy protections for student information and prohibits discrimination based on immigration status.

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027, provides temporary funding to maintain federal government operations through December 4, 2026. This legislation extends fiscal year 2026 funding levels and authorities for federal departments and agencies to prevent a government shutdown. It also includes specific provisions for mandatory payments, disaster relief, and targeted operational adjustments for various federal programs.