Legislative Activity

The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart after September 11, 2001, to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members. It defines eligible dependents, sets conditions for benefit use, and allows veterans to modify or revoke transfers. The bill also addresses scenarios involving the death of the veteran and sets age limits for child transferees, ensuring dependents receive the same educational assistance as the veteran.

The Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act of 2025 mandates the establishment of federal, interagency task forces to conduct collaborative research on the health conditions affecting descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances. This legislation updates reporting requirements, requiring an initial report within one year detailing research activities and subsequent annual reports summarizing findings. The law specifically requires the creation of a dedicated task force and a public website to share evidence reviews linking specific health conditions to toxic exposure risks for these descendants.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their standard pay and benefits during any potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation guarantees uninterrupted compensation for employees until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.

The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2026 allows married couples filing jointly to claim the student loan interest deduction separately for each spouse. This change effectively doubles the maximum annual deduction for eligible couples from $2,500 to $5,000. The act is set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

This resolution formally recognizes 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists." It highlights the vital ecological and economic contributions of rangelands while honoring the generations of ranchers and land managers who sustain them. The measure encourages nationwide efforts to promote education, research, and sustainable management practices for these essential landscapes.

The Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Protection Act of 2026 establishes a $50 million grant program to provide financial stabilization payments to essential food and agricultural workers affected by disasters. Administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, the program distributes funds through labor unions and membership organizations to support workers during times of crisis.

This resolution honors the life and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a pivotal civil rights leader and advocate for global justice. It recognizes his decades of dedicated public service, his historic political achievements, and his lifelong commitment to equality. The measure further extends formal condolences to his family for their loss.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their pay and benefits during a potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation provides a temporary funding mechanism that remains in effect until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.

The Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act of 2026 mandates new federal safety, cybersecurity, and labor standards for SNAP-authorized online grocery and delivery services. The bill requires retailers to ensure secure digital transactions, food safety, and fair wages for delivery workers to maintain their program eligibility. Stores must demonstrate compliance with these regulations to continue participating in the SNAP program.

This joint resolution disapproves a Department of Commerce rule that would have suspended the expansion of export controls targeting affiliates of certain listed entities. By disapproving the rule, Congress ensures that the expanded end-user controls remain in effect.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act of 2026 aims to modernize and expand the SSI program by increasing income and resource limits, adjusting benefit amounts, and eliminating outdated penalties. The bill also simplifies eligibility rules, excludes specific assets like retirement accounts from calculations, and extends full SSI program coverage to U.S. territories.

The Responsible Containment Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the federal authorization for the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. By removing the current expiration date, this legislation ensures the continued oversight and management of radioactive mill tailings.

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026 mandates comprehensive insurance coverage for HIV prevention services—including medication, lab tests, and clinical monitoring—without cost-sharing or preauthorization requirements across private, federal, and state health programs. The bill also prohibits insurance discrimination against individuals taking HIV prevention medication, establishes national public and provider education campaigns, and creates grant programs to expand access for uninsured and underinsured populations. Additionally, it ensures patient confidentiality for those on family health plans and provides a private right of action to enforce these coverage protections.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

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 Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act of 2026 authorizes U.S. civilian space agencies, including NASA and NOAA, to expand cooperation with Taiwan on satellite programs, space exploration, and atmospheric research. This legislation establishes a framework for collaborative initiatives and personnel exchanges while ensuring the protection of U.S. intellectual property and national security interests. Additionally, it mandates regular reporting to Congress to track the progress and implementation of these partnerships.

The IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act of 2026 removes existing restrictions that prevent individuals from making tax-free charitable distributions from their IRAs to donor-advised funds. This legislation simplifies the charitable giving process, allowing donors greater flexibility in how they support philanthropic causes through their retirement accounts.

The EDA Short Form Application Act streamlines the grant process for small rural communities by requiring the Economic Development Administration to create a simplified application form. This legislation mandates stakeholder input to reduce administrative burdens and increases transparency by providing public access to guidance, evaluation criteria, and sample applications.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.