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.

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.

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated research program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance the study of Down syndrome across the lifespan. This initiative focuses on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome by coordinating research on co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune disorders. The bill also mandates regular Congressional reporting to ensure transparency and progress in developing new clinical therapies.

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.

The Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026 establishes a federally funded right to legal counsel for individuals in immigration proceedings who cannot afford a lawyer. The bill creates an independent, nonprofit Office of Immigration Representation to manage and provide these legal services, ensuring high-quality defense through a national network of public and community defenders. Additionally, it mandates a sustainable funding formula tied to immigration enforcement budgets to ensure long-term access to representation.

The Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act establishes a dedicated Office of the Farm and Food System Workforce within the USDA to improve worker access to federal programs and resources. This office will coordinate across federal agencies, integrate worker perspectives through a new Advisory Committee, and provide recommendations to address the unique economic, health, and safety needs of the agricultural workforce.

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 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 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 Voice for Farm Workers Act strengthens support for the agricultural workforce by expanding the role and resources of the Department of Agriculture’s Farmworker Coordinator. This legislation authorizes additional staffing and broadens outreach partnerships to improve research, job training, and access to federal programs through 2031. By formalizing these duties, the bill aims to enhance program effectiveness and ensure farmworkers’ needs are better integrated into national agricultural policy.

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.

The TABOO Act aims to increase transparency and accountability by closing ethics loopholes for individuals serving in sensitive diplomatic or national security roles. It mandates that all officials performing these functions—regardless of their compensation or volunteer status—adhere to strict financial disclosure, conflict-of-interest, and reporting requirements. The bill also establishes clear enforcement mechanisms and criminal penalties to ensure compliance across all federal departments and agencies.

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 National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2026 allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide FDA-approved prescribing information electronically rather than in paper format. To ensure continued accessibility, the bill mandates that manufacturers provide paper copies upon request at no additional cost. Additionally, the legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish implementation regulations and host a public workshop to improve the usability of digital drug information.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, honoring its legacy of fostering international goodwill through educational and cultural exchange. It recognizes the program's significant contributions to U.S. diplomacy, national security, and global academic partnership. Additionally, the resolution congratulates the program's distinguished alumni and encourages continued international collaboration among scholars and professionals.

The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act ensures that individuals held in custody while awaiting trial maintain access to essential health care. By removing current exclusions, the bill allows these individuals to remain covered under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and Department of Veterans Affairs programs. This legislation aims to provide continuity of care for those who have not yet been convicted of a crime.

The Audit the Pentagon Act mandates financial accountability by imposing a 2 percent funding reduction on any Department of Defense component that fails to achieve a clean audit opinion. These withheld funds are then redirected to the U.S. Treasury to be used exclusively for deficit reduction.

The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to simplify and expand access to emergency savings accounts within retirement plans. The bill increases the automatic rollover notice threshold and contribution limits from $2,500 to $5,000, while streamlining eligibility definitions for participants. These updates are set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.