Legislative Activity

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

This resolution supports the goals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by recognizing CTE's vital role in preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers. It affirms that CTE is crucial for American economic competitiveness and encourages promotion of these educational pathways. The resolution celebrates the contributions of CTE programs across the nation.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family health needs, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act prohibits employer retaliation for using this leave and ensures existing, more generous leave policies are not diminished.

The After Hours Child Care Act establishes a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to care for parents working nontraditional hours. This fund supports a competitive pilot grant program managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Grants will help eligible entities expand capacity, contract services, or establish new programs specifically serving families with irregular work schedules. The goal is to help these parents maintain employment and advance their careers.

This resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

The Soil CARE Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated training program to educate Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel and third-party providers on modern soil health science and management practices. This initiative aims to ensure agricultural producers receive expert assistance in adopting conservation methods that improve soil biology and structure. The program mandates regular training, curriculum updates, and funding to support these critical conservation efforts through 2032.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

The Drain ICE Act of 2026 aims to fundamentally reform immigration enforcement by repealing specific sections of a prior law (Public Law 11921) and rescinding associated funding. This legislation is introduced in response to Congressional findings detailing concerns over mass deportation policies, inhumane detention conditions, and the detention of non-criminal individuals under the Trump Administration. The bill seeks to end practices deemed contrary to constitutional protections and human rights in immigration enforcement.

The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 expands federal efforts to protect migratory whales and other large cetaceans. This legislation mandates the creation of high-accuracy distribution maps for whale habitats and funds research into understudied species. It also establishes a competitive grant program to develop and deploy technologies that reduce harmful interactions between whales and ocean users, such as vessel strikes.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands critical federal programs to improve services and prevention for victims of domestic and dating violence through 2031. It significantly increases funding and broadens support, especially for Tribal communities and underserved populations, by allowing for culturally specific and digital services. Additionally, the bill enhances efforts to prevent teen dating violence through increased funding for broader educational programs.

The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act establishes minimum standards for health screening, nutrition, sanitation, and shelter for individuals detained by ICE and CBP. This bill mandates specific protocols for medical care, facility conditions, and personnel training to ensure humane treatment. It also requires regular inspections and public reporting on compliance and sexual abuse complaints.

The ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act establishes a civil remedy allowing individuals to sue the U.S. government for constitutional rights violations committed by ICE or CBP officers. This bill holds the government financially liable for unlawful enforcement actions, even if they contradict official policy. It specifically waives sovereign immunity for these claims and permits plaintiffs to seek punitive damages.

The Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026 establishes new structures within the Financial Stability Oversight Council to identify and mitigate climate-related risks to the U.S. financial system. It mandates updated supervisory guidance for large financial institutions and requires comprehensive annual reports assessing these risks. Furthermore, the bill directs the Federal Insurance Office to report on climate risks in the insurance sector and collect detailed homeowners insurance data.

This resolution seeks to disapprove the Department of Veterans Affairs' final rule concerning "Reproductive Health Services" issued in September 2024. If enacted, this disapproval, made under the Congressional Review Act, would prevent the VA rule from taking legal effect.

This bill establishes the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services to investigate and document the history of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ discrimination within the U.S. military since 1775. The Commission is tasked with holding hearings, gathering testimony, and developing recommendations for remedies, including apologies, compensation, and policy changes. It must submit a final report to Congress and the President detailing its findings and proposed actions within 18 months of its first meeting.

This resolution recognizes the vital, 150-year contribution of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to public health and the Armed Forces. It designates the week of January 18–24, 2026, as "National CRNA Week" to raise public awareness. The bill encourages full utilization and recognition of CRNAs across the healthcare system.

This bill mandates the President to withdraw all United States Armed Forces from Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has formally declared war or passed specific legislation authorizing the use of military force in that country.

The Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies address bias and discrimination in automated systems that materially affect individuals based on protected characteristics. This requires covered agencies to establish specialized civil rights offices focused on algorithmic harms. These offices must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing risks, mitigation efforts, stakeholder engagement, and legislative recommendations regarding biased algorithms.

The Returning Home Act establishes a new grant program to provide rental assistance and housing support services for individuals reentering the community after incarceration. This initiative, run by the DOJ and HUD, offers up to 24 months of rental aid and crucial supportive services to help reduce homelessness among formerly incarcerated individuals. The law prioritizes applicants who implement a "housing first" approach and specifically excludes law enforcement entities from receiving grants.

This resolution initiates impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge her with willfully refusing to comply with Congressional oversight laws and violating the Impoundment Control Act by improperly withholding funds. Further articles allege she directed widespread misconduct by ICE agents that violated federal law and constitutional rights, and misused taxpayer funds for personal gain through improper contracting.