Legislative Activity

The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to fund evidence-based or promising strategies addressing students' academic, social-emotional, and health needs, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants prioritize entities serving high-need, low-income, and rural student populations. Recipients must focus on evidence-based interventions, culturally responsive practices, and comprehensive student and staff support systems.

The Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026 aims to significantly reduce food insecurity among older adults and adults with disabilities through multiple avenues. It establishes new grant programs to fund local anti-hunger initiatives and modernizes federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP by streamlining applications and improving access. Furthermore, the bill expands eligibility for existing programs, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, to include adults with disabilities.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 strengthens the ability of claimants to recover art looted by the Nazis by ensuring cases are decided on their legal merits rather than procedural technicalities. The bill prevents courts from dismissing claims based on the passage of time or other non-merits defenses and clarifies that these actions may proceed regardless of the victim's nationality. These updates aim to remove legal barriers and ensure that justice for victims of Nazi persecution is not frustrated by procedural delays.

This joint resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of the Department of Education’s rule regarding the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If passed, this measure would prevent the rule from taking effect and render it without legal force.

The Home Team Act of 2026 aims to protect local communities from the negative impacts of professional sports franchise relocations. It prohibits leagues from banning community ownership and grants local entities the first right to purchase a franchise before it can move or be eliminated. This ensures that if a team leaves, the community that supported it has the opportunity to retain ownership at fair market value.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act increases and restructures FDA user fees for tobacco manufacturers to ensure all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contribute to regulatory costs. The bill also mandates enhanced reporting on how these funds are utilized, specifically requiring the FDA to demonstrate how fee revenue supports public education campaigns aimed at preventing youth vaping.

The STOP Corrupt Bets Act of 2026 prohibits the trading of event-based contracts on regulated exchanges, specifically targeting political elections, government actions, sporting events, and military outcomes. The bill directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to prevent federal systems from facilitating gambling and mandates a GAO study to examine the integrity and risks of prediction markets. These measures aim to curb speculative betting while preserving the use of contracts for legitimate commercial hedging.

The Child Suicide Prevention Act establishes federal grant programs to support youth suicide prevention initiatives for individuals under 26. This legislation funds evidence-based prevention strategies, training for healthcare providers and educators, and the integration of suicide prevention curricula into medical and health education. Additionally, the Act mandates the creation of a public resource website and promotes lethal means safety, including the secure storage of firearms.

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.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act mandates the EPA to swiftly prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials from facilities involved in their manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport. This ban will be incorporated into all relevant Clean Water Act permits and performance standards. The goal is to prevent this form of plastic pollution from entering waterways.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to disapprove and nullify the National Credit Union Administration’s rule regarding the "Withdrawal of Fee Reporting Requirements." By blocking this rule, the resolution ensures that the existing fee reporting standards remain in effect.

The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated grant program and emergency response fund to support the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles. This legislation provides critical federal funding through 2030 to enhance conservation efforts and ensure authorized facilities have the resources necessary to care for these protected species.

The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act mandates that manufacturers and retailers place clear "Do Not Flush" labels and standardized symbols on non-flushable disposable wipes. The bill prohibits companies from marketing these products as flushable to help protect wastewater infrastructure. Enforcement of these labeling standards will be overseen by the Federal Trade Commission.

The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act amends the Clayton Act to strengthen protections against price discrimination for both products and services. The bill expands the scope of prohibited discriminatory practices, limits traditional legal defenses for sellers, and simplifies the process for small businesses to recover damages in private lawsuits.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans, such as ramps and specialized seating, must be included in the Department of Veterans Affairs' definition of medical services. This ensures veterans receive necessary support for safe transportation related to service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veteran pension payments from late 2031 to September 30, 2032.

The Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a comprehensive, evidence-based Formulary for all prosthetic and rehabilitative items and services. This new system requires public input during development and ensures all listed items are available at every VA facility. Furthermore, the Act establishes clear processes for veterans to be informed of their benefits and to appeal denials, while also creating a pathway for clinicians to prescribe medically necessary items not currently on the official list.

The Veterans SPORT Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must now provide eligible veterans with coverage for adaptive prostheses and terminal devices specifically designed for sports and other recreational activities. This amendment expands the medical services the VA furnishes, ensuring veterans have access to necessary equipment for physical recreation.

The Fisher House Availability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for temporary lodging at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Fisher Houses and similar facilities. This expansion specifically includes family members and support persons accompanying veterans or eligible individuals who must travel significant distances for care. The bill also clarifies definitions for "Eligible Individual" and "Fisher House."

The "Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025" expands Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to National Guard members performing specific full-time duties. This includes active duty under title 10 or title 14, section 3713, as well as full-time National Guard duty or active duty within the National Guard. These changes are retroactive to service performed on or after September 11, 2001, and will take effect one year after enactment.