Legislative Activity

The Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026 expands Medicare coverage to include comprehensive dental and oral health services, such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, and dentures, beginning in 2028. The benefit features a gradual payment phase-in for most enrollees, while providing immediate full coverage for low-income beneficiaries. Additionally, the bill incentivizes state participation by providing full federal reimbursement for dental cost-sharing expenses and ensures oral health representation on the Preventive Services Taskforce.

The Modal Parity in Permitting Act streamlines the development of transit and passenger rail projects by broadening the scope of eligible real property acquisitions. It allows federal grant recipients to secure necessary property interests for rail projects prior to the completion of environmental reviews, provided that no physical development occurs until those reviews are finalized.

The Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act strengthens dental coverage for children and pregnant women enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill prohibits states from imposing annual or lifetime dollar limits on dental benefits and mandates the provision of supplemental dental-only coverage. These measures ensure that vulnerable populations receive consistent, comprehensive dental care without restrictive financial barriers.

The PREVENT Act directs the CDC to expand and maintain a comprehensive program dedicated to the primary prevention of child sexual abuse. This initiative focuses on improving data collection, closing research gaps, and developing evidence-based strategies to combat both traditional and technology-facilitated abuse. The bill authorizes $6 million in annual funding from 2027 through 2031 to support these critical public health efforts.

The Regional Export Promotion Act of 2026 establishes a permanent program requiring the Export-Import Bank to partner with regional economic development organizations to expand U.S. exports. It also creates a five-year pilot program specifically designed to increase export opportunities for small businesses in underserved areas. This pilot will prioritize partnerships with entities like CDFIs and HUBZone agencies, offering tailored training and simplified credit insurance products. The Bank must report annually on the pilot's success in reaching and supporting small businesses.

This concurrent resolution marks the nation's 250th anniversary as a crucial moment to reaffirm the commitment to saving lives and reducing gun violence. It recognizes the severity of the gun violence crisis and honors those affected by it. The resolution calls on Congress to prioritize evidence-informed strategies, support community intervention efforts, and ensure robust funding for victim services as a national priority for the country's future.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act to expand how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can use grant funds, specifically to strengthen their arts, arts education, and cultural programs. It authorizes funding for student assistance, outreach, mentorship, and the preservation of Black art collections. The legislation also permits HBCUs to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to carry out these expanded activities.

The Financial Access Protection Act prohibits covered financial institutions from collecting or requesting a consumer's citizenship or immigration status to open or maintain an account. This legislation also prevents federal banking regulators from requiring or encouraging the collection of such information. The bill ensures financial access while explicitly preserving existing obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act for anti-money laundering compliance.

The Extending WIC for New Moms Act increases the duration of WIC eligibility for postpartum and breastfeeding mothers from the current limit to 24 months after giving birth. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating the impact of these extensions on maternal and infant health outcomes, breastfeeding rates, and program accessibility.

This joint resolution disapproves the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding "Pay-to-Pay Fees" in debt collection practices. By disapproving the rule under the Congressional Review Act, it is nullified and has no legal effect.

The Professional Degree Access Restoration Act amends the Higher Education Act to remove restrictive loan limit rules previously imposed on graduate and professional students. By restoring standard loan limit provisions, this bill aims to increase financial accessibility for students pursuing advanced degrees.

The Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act of 2026 authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to serve as an official advisory member of the Maryland Whole Watershed Program. This legislation enables the Office to provide critical technical assistance, financial resources, and interagency coordination to support restoration projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands the CDC’s WISEWOMAN program to provide critical cardiovascular screenings and preventive health services for high-risk women. With $250 million in authorized funding through 2031, the bill aims to improve health outcomes related to blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Additionally, it mandates a GAO study to evaluate the program's reach, cost-effectiveness, and potential barriers to care.

This bill establishes the National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council will consist of 12 Presidentially appointed members tasked with advising on national policy related to African American history and culture. Its duties include preparing annual reports, monitoring related organizations, and recommending policies to foster understanding and preservation of this history. The Council is set to terminate 10 years after the Act's enactment.

This bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General to assess the economic fallout of federal workforce reductions on state and local governments. The study will analyze lost wages, decreased tax revenue, and increased demand for public assistance in affected areas. The resulting report will provide Congress with findings and policy recommendations to address these fiscal harms.

The Transportation Project Accountability Act of 2026 establishes new federal requirements for states regarding major transportation projects. It mandates that states publish annual public reports detailing covered projects, including performance scores and anticipated benefits. Furthermore, states must incorporate a review of project progress and cost-effectiveness into their planning processes.

This act reauthorizes and makes permanent the Wildlife Crossings Program, dedicating \$100 million annually from 2027 through 2031. It increases federal funding support, especially for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, and provides technical assistance to Tribal entities. The bill aims to enhance wildlife connectivity by establishing this long-term federal program.

The Medicare Investment and Gun Violence Prevention Act restores the federal tax on firearm transfers and manufacturing to \$200 per firearm. Additionally, it allocates \$1.7 billion in new funding to the Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for fiscal year 2026.

This resolution designates November 2025 as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. It aims to highlight the significant and growing crisis of homelessness among children and youth, citing alarming statistics on enrollment, mental health, and educational attainment. The observance seeks to encourage greater support and intensified efforts from governments, organizations, and volunteers to address the causes and solutions for this issue.

This bill establishes the "21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act" to address disparities in STEM education. It creates a competitive grant program for eligible local educational agencies to fund comprehensive, K-12 STEM activities specifically targeting girls and underrepresented minorities. These four-year grants aim to improve student interest, skills, and career preparation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.