Legislative Activity

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

The Federal Integrity, Training and National Eligibility for Service Standards (FITNESS) Act establishes rigorous, uniform national standards for the hiring, training, and conduct of federal law enforcement officers. The bill mandates comprehensive background checks, prohibits the hiring of individuals with histories of misconduct or extremist affiliations, and requires standardized, high-quality training before any officer can be deployed. Additionally, it creates a national accountability database to track officer performance and misconduct, ensuring greater transparency and public trust in federal law enforcement operations.

This resolution designates the first week of August 2026 as "National Community Health Center Week" to honor the vital role these centers play in providing accessible, comprehensive primary care to millions of Americans. It celebrates the 60-year legacy of community health centers and encourages the public to visit their local facilities to recognize the dedicated staff and patients who strengthen our nation's health system.

This bill, the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2025, amends the Federal Employees Compensation Act to expand the list of authorized healthcare providers. Specifically, it allows physician assistants and nurse practitioners to examine, treat, and provide second opinions for federal employees filing work-related injury claims. This change aims to improve access to care for injured federal workers.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

This bill mandates that the United States Postal Service establish unique ZIP Codes for a specific list of communities across the country. The USPS is required to complete these designations within one year of the Act's enactment.

The "No Bonuses for Bad Service Act" prohibits the Postmaster General and Deputy Postmaster General from receiving bonuses unless the United States Postal Service achieves at least a 95 percent on-time delivery rate for all market-dominant products. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Postal Service submit its annual performance report directly to the Postal Regulatory Commission.

This resolution commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, honoring the nation's democratic journey and its resilience against Russian aggression. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while advocating for continued diplomatic support and security cooperation. Additionally, the resolution encourages ongoing democratic reforms in Ukraine and the integration of lessons learned from the conflict to strengthen trans-Atlantic security.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By investing in social determinants of health, expanding nutritional support, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection, the bill seeks to provide holistic, equitable care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also addresses critical gaps in maternal health for veterans, incarcerated individuals, and those impacted by climate change and public health emergencies.

This resolution designates August 16, 2026, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the historic contributions and sacrifices of United States airborne forces. It recognizes the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump and pays tribute to the bravery of airborne units serving from World War II to the present day.

The Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to support early literacy for students in need. By funding summer reading programs at school lunch sites, the bill helps eligible local educational agencies provide students with library access and expanded learning opportunities during the summer months.

The Consumer Advocacy and Protection Act of 2026 strengthens consumer safety by significantly increasing the maximum civil penalties for violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act and removing existing penalty caps. Additionally, the bill mandates annual inflation adjustments for these penalties to ensure they remain effective deterrents over time.

The Protect American Values Act of 2026 expresses Congressional opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" rule, citing concerns over its negative impact on public health, economic stability, and immigrant families. The bill seeks to protect access to essential services by prohibiting the use of federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce the rule.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act establishes a competitive grant program to provide low-income individuals with training and support for high-demand careers in the healthcare sector. The legislation funds comprehensive career pathways, including case management, childcare, and transportation assistance, to help participants earn recognized credentials and secure well-paying jobs. Additionally, the bill mandates specific demonstration projects focused on individuals with past criminal records and maternal health professionals, such as doulas and midwives.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act aims to restore independent reporting at the Department of Defense by reversing recent restrictions on credentialed journalists. The bill mandates the return of unescorted access to traditional press workspaces within the Pentagon and establishes a secure, non-political process for issuing press credentials. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to consult with Congress before implementing any future changes to press access policies.

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 Fairness for Farm Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure agricultural workers receive overtime pay and removes long-standing exemptions that have historically excluded them from these protections. The bill establishes a phased-in schedule for overtime eligibility based on employer size, ultimately standardizing labor rights for farm workers by 2033.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

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 **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.