Legislation

The Gateway Partnership Act authorizes a cooperative agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to assist in the daily operations, maintenance, and programming of Gateway Arch National Park. Additionally, the Act establishes a five-year pilot project allowing the Foundation to host private events within park facilities under strict oversight to ensure public access and resource protection. All activities remain subject to National Park Service standards and federal audit requirements.

This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, updating its governing structure and expanding the scope of its oceanographic research and data-sharing capabilities. It also mandates improved collaboration between regional and federal observing systems to enhance data integration. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $47.5 million in annual funding for these initiatives from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The BRAVE Burma Act strengthens U.S. pressure on the Burmese military regime by extending existing sanctions, mandating new assessments of state-owned enterprises and the jet fuel sector, and limiting Burma’s IMF shareholding. The bill also establishes a formal U.S. Special Envoy for Burma to lead diplomatic efforts, coordinate international sanctions, and support the restoration of a civilian-led democratic government.

The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act of 2026 mandates the creation of "Lending.gov," a centralized, shared-services platform designed to modernize and streamline federal loan management. By replacing outdated agency-specific systems with standardized, commercially available technology, the Act aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the borrower experience. The legislation establishes clear oversight, performance standards, and a mandatory migration timeline for federal agencies to ensure a unified and secure digital lending infrastructure.

The Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act establishes a Department of the Interior program to restore federal and tribal lands damaged by wildfires, storms, and disease. The initiative prioritizes areas unlikely to recover naturally by funding reforestation projects through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting to Congress and requires outreach to tribal, state, and local stakeholders to ensure effective land recovery.

The Smarter Sentencing Act of 2026 reduces mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain federal drug offenses and creates a specific sentencing category for low-level drug couriers. The bill applies these reforms to both future and past cases, directs the Sentencing Commission to update its guidelines, and mandates new reporting requirements to increase transparency regarding federal criminal offenses and corrections spending.

The AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 establishes federal criminal and civil penalties for using AI-generated digital impersonations to commit fraud. The bill mandates the creation of a NIST-led working group to develop best practices for detecting and preventing such fraud while fostering international cooperation to combat these crimes. It also includes a savings clause to protect First Amendment rights, such as parody, satire, and journalism.

The Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act streamlines the development of affordable rural housing by exempting specific infill construction projects from full environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). By focusing on sites already served by existing infrastructure, the bill aims to reduce administrative costs and project timelines. The legislation also mandates a report to Congress to evaluate the impact of these exemptions on rural housing development.

The Parks to People Active Transportation Act establishes a competitive grant program to fund the construction and improvement of regionally and nationally significant greenway paths for walking and biking. By connecting communities and transit hubs, this initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety, and enhance accessibility in underserved areas. The program authorizes $300 million annually to support these multi-jurisdictional projects through 2031.

The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act amends federal law to allow hardrock mining operators to locate multiple mill sites on public land as reasonably necessary for their operations. It also establishes an Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, financed by mill site maintenance fees, to support the cleanup and reclamation of abandoned mine lands.

The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act strengthens protections and incentives for individuals who report tax violations. The bill enhances the judicial review process for award decisions, secures whistleblower anonymity in Tax Court, and mandates interest payments on delayed awards. Additionally, it clarifies tax deductions for attorney fees to ensure fair treatment for those assisting in tax enforcement.

The Improving Housing Access Act mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General to identify strategies for removing barriers to housing for elderly and disabled individuals. This legislation specifically evaluates the potential impact of providing capital advances to enhance supportive housing programs under the Housing Act of 1959 and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.

The Dalilah Law restricts the issuance of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and specific work visa holders. The bill mandates English language proficiency for all CDL applicants and requires states to recertify existing license holders. States that fail to comply with these eligibility and testing requirements face the loss of federal transportation funding.

The Heirs Education and Investment to Resolve Succession of Property Act supports the stability of agricultural land by extending the Heirs Property Intermediary Relending Program through 2031. It also establishes a new initiative providing $60 million annually to help underserved heirs access free legal and accounting services to resolve complex property ownership issues. These measures aim to keep farmland in production and improve access to vital USDA programs for multi-owner properties.

The Protecting Our Produce Act establishes a five-year pilot program to provide financial assistance to eligible producers of seasonal crops, such as asparagus, blueberries, and squash. The program offers payments to farmers when domestic market prices drop due to increased imports. This initiative aims to support the stability of specialty crop growers through $200 million in annual authorized funding.

The Protect Future Dividends Act amends the federal tax code to exclude payments received from state sovereign wealth funds from an individual's gross income. This legislation ensures that residents receiving periodic distributions from state-maintained permanent funds are not subject to federal income tax on those payments.

The First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Act of 2026 establishes tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help individuals save for their first home. Eligible participants can deduct annual contributions from their taxable income, with withdrawals remaining tax-free when used for qualified home purchase or improvement expenses.

The Afghanistan Vetting and Accountability Act of 2026 mandates comprehensive biometric and in-person vetting for individuals evacuated from Afghanistan between 2021 and 2022. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to maintain a tracking database and report progress to Congress. Furthermore, it restricts access to federal means-tested benefits and unemployment compensation for those who have not yet completed the mandatory vetting process.

The Quantum in Practice Act formally integrates quantum molecular modeling and simulation into the National Quantum Initiative. By prioritizing this research, the bill aims to accelerate breakthroughs in fields such as medicine, energy storage, material science, and sustainable agriculture.

The Kelsey Smith Act requires telecommunications providers to disclose a device's location information to law enforcement during emergency situations involving a risk of death or serious physical harm. This legislation ensures that critical data can be accessed quickly when a person's life is in danger, provided specific safety and consent protocols are met.