Legislative Activity

This resolution officially recognizes the week of May 3-9, 2026, as "National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color." It highlights the disproportionate maternal health crisis faced by communities of color and the critical need for respectful, culturally competent postpartum care. The bill supports efforts to eliminate racial disparities in maternal health outcomes by improving access to necessary resources and mental health services.

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act aims to establish comprehensive standards for the care, health services, and housing of pregnant individuals in federal custody, including those held by the Bureau of Prisons, CBP, ICE, and ORR. The bill mandates extensive data collection on the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women and strictly prohibits the use of restraints and restrictive housing during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, with very limited exceptions. Furthermore, it requires federal agencies to provide essential services like family unity programs, specialized medical care, and comprehensive education for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Blood Pressure MATTERS Act mandates that health insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHIP, must cover self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices for pregnant and postpartum individuals without any out-of-pocket costs. This ensures access to vital monitoring tools for up to 12 months postpartum to help safeguard against eclampsia risk. The law requires devices to meet specific FDA and AMA validation standards.

The Afterschool for All Act establishes a new competitive grant program to fund high-quality afterschool, before-school, and summer learning opportunities for K-12 students. These grants will support partnerships between schools and community organizations to provide academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement services. The bill also significantly increases funding for the existing Community Learning Centers program.

The Nursing is a Professional Degree Act seeks to formally recognize nursing as a professional degree under the Higher Education Act of 1965. This bill establishes a statutory definition for a professional degree, explicitly including nursing alongside other recognized professional degrees like medicine and law. This change clarifies the academic standing of nursing education at the federal level.

This bill emphasizes the critical need for improved financial literacy among students and young adults by encouraging greater collaboration between the public and private sectors. It supports existing efforts by federal agencies to provide educational resources, workshops, and decision-making tools to consumers of all ages. Furthermore, the legislation reaffirms directives for federal agencies to partner on opportunities, internships, and employment for minorities and women in the financial industry.

The Special Election Timeliness (SET) Act mandates that states hold special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives within 180 days of the vacancy occurring, unless a general election is already scheduled during that period. This ensures timely representation for affected districts. The bill provides enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General or affected parties to sue to compel compliance.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the "Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building." This new name must be used in all federal documents and records referring to the facility.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 189 East Main Street in Xenia, Ohio, as the "Gilman 'Gil' Whitney Post Office Building." All future federal documents, maps, and official records will be required to reflect this new name.

The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to fund community reentry centers and statewide assistance hotlines. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services to individuals post-conviction or incarceration to reduce recidivism. The Act prioritizes hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and mandates rigorous evaluation and reporting on program outcomes.

This bill officially designates the week of April 24th through April 30th as "National Reentry Week." It recognizes the challenges of mass incarceration and the high rates of recidivism facing formerly incarcerated individuals. The legislation encourages increased support and investment in programs that promote successful reentry, including access to housing, education, job training, and mental health services. Ultimately, the goal is to foster safer communities by supporting the stability and success of those returning to society.

This bill establishes the Commission on Americans Living Abroad to study the impact of federal laws and policies on U.S. citizens residing overseas. The Commission will investigate issues such as taxation, access to benefits, and voting rights. It is required to submit detailed findings and recommendations to Congress and the President within one year, followed by an update one year later.

The Veterinary Education Equity Act aims to address veterinarian shortages in rural and underserved areas by establishing a federal student loan repayment program for practitioners who commit to serving in designated shortage areas for three years. The bill authorizes $50 million annually to fund this assistance, capping individual repayment at $75,000. Additionally, it amends existing law to prioritize grant funding for veterinary service projects at 1890 Institutions.

The HARVEST Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study how 1890 Institutions can expand educational programs and technical assistance for transferring agricultural land and assets, particularly focusing on heirs property. This study aims to improve succession planning for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. The final report is due to Congress by September 30, 2026.

The Rural Health Resilience Act of 2026 establishes a stabilization assistance program within the Department of Agriculture. This program offers loans and loan guarantees to financially distressed rural health centers to prevent closures or service reductions. Assistance prioritizes facilities that are sole community providers or serve high-poverty areas. The funds can be used for operational costs, facility upgrades, and debt management to ensure continued essential care.

The Save SNAP Act of 2026 ensures the federal government will cover 100% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit costs if a state is unable to pay its required share. This creates a hardship exception, waiving the state's financial obligation for that fiscal year. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.

The YouthBuild for the Future Act reauthorizes and updates the YouthBuild program through 2030, providing education, job training, and leadership development for low-income young people, with a focus on green building skills. The bill increases funding authorization and expands allowable services, such as food assistance and help applying for benefits. It also establishes a new grant program to create employer partnerships that connect participants directly to local job opportunities.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 890 East 152nd Street in Cleveland, Ohio. The building will now be known as the Technical Sergeant Alma Gladys Minter Post Office Building.

The SACRED Act establishes federal criminal penalties and civil remedies for individuals who intimidate, harass, or obstruct those attempting to enter or exit places of religious worship. By creating a 100-foot protected zone, the bill aims to safeguard the First Amendment right to religious freedom while ensuring the physical safety of congregants.