Legislative Activity

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

This resolution officially designates the week of February 23 through February 27, 2026, as National Public Schools Week. The purpose is to recognize and celebrate the importance of public education in the United States during that specific timeframe.

The Railway Safety Act of 2026 enhances national rail safety by mandating stricter operational standards, advanced defect detection technology, and more frequent equipment inspections for freight trains. Additionally, the legislation strengthens emergency preparedness by establishing new funding streams, improved training, and a reimbursement program to support local communities in responding to hazardous material incidents.

The SAFE Act is a comprehensive legislative reform of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) designed to strengthen privacy protections for U.S. persons. It imposes stricter oversight, warrant requirements, and accountability measures on government surveillance, while closing loopholes regarding the purchase of personal data from commercial brokers. Additionally, the bill mandates increased transparency and reporting to ensure greater public and congressional scrutiny of intelligence activities.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick time, accruing at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. This protected leave can be used for the employee's or a family member's illness, medical care, or for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for using or requesting this time and mandates clear notice requirements regarding these new rights.

The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively strengthens federal workplace protections by requiring new anti-discrimination policies, expanding legal rights for employees, and phasing out the tipped minimum wage. It aims to prevent harassment through mandated training, broadens protections to nearly all workers, and restricts employers' use of secrecy agreements. The Act also establishes grants to increase access to legal aid and worker advocacy nationwide.

The Stop Corporate Inversions Act of 2026 amends tax law to prevent U.S. companies from avoiding domestic taxation by relocating their headquarters overseas. It tightens the definition of an "inverted corporation" by lowering the ownership threshold and establishing new criteria based on where management, control, and business activities are located. This legislation ensures that corporations maintaining significant U.S. operations and shareholder ties are treated as domestic entities for tax purposes.

The Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2026 significantly increases civil penalties for fraudulent and grossly negligent customs violations, including temporary import bans for violators and their affiliates. It also establishes a new private right of action, allowing U.S. businesses and unions to sue those who financially injure them through customs fraud. Furthermore, the bill bars individuals and affiliated persons found guilty of such violations from participating in the U.S. importer of record program.

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.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.

This bill reauthorizes the vital Healthy Start Initiative through fiscal year 2030. It authorizes appropriations of $145 million annually for the program from 2026 to 2030.

The Affordable Housing and Homeownership Protection Act of 2026 establishes a tiered tax on large investors who purchase single-family homes. Revenues generated from this tax will be allocated to bolster the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. Additionally, the bill modifies the minimum funding formula for small states within the Housing Trust Fund.

This resolution supports designating 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer." It recognizes the vital and critical role women play in agriculture both in the United States and globally. The designation aims to honor their contributions to food systems and encourage future participation in the agricultural workforce.

The Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026 aims to improve access to care for new and expecting mothers. This bill prohibits most health plans from charging out-of-pocket costs for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also extends continuity of care protections for these essential services following childbirth.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a recent rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the VA's September 9, 2024, regulation, rendering it without legal effect.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.

The Credit Card Fairness Act codifies the CFPB's rule to limit credit card late fees, ensuring they are reasonable and proportional to the issuer's costs. For large issuers (1 million+ accounts), this act caps the late fee at \$8, subject to future adjustments based on inflation. This legislation aims to prevent late fees from becoming a source of profit for credit card companies.

This bill, the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, redirects federal enforcement appropriations to significantly boost funding for local law enforcement through the COPS Hiring Program and the Byrne JAG Program. It provides substantial new resources to help local governments hire more police officers and support justice initiatives. Furthermore, it waives matching fund requirements for smaller jurisdictions seeking COPS grants.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.