Legislative Activity

This resolution officially recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2026. It celebrates the significant and growing contributions of these communities to American history, culture, and government. The resolution also acknowledges important anniversaries and ongoing challenges faced by the community.

The Strengthening Educator Workforce Data Act mandates the Department of Education to collect and publish detailed data on the civil rights aspects of the educator workforce, including teachers and principals. This data will be broken down by race, ethnicity, sex, and years of experience to provide a clearer picture of the profession. The resulting reports will be made publicly available to ensure transparency regarding educator qualifications and experience levels across school districts.

This resolution supports designating May 10, 2026, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It recognizes the critical need to address significant mental health disparities and barriers to care within the diverse AANHPI community. The bill calls for better data collection, increased provider diversity, and improved access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized the action. It asserts Congress's constitutional authority over declaring war and cites the War Powers Resolution regarding unauthorized military engagements. The bill permits necessary defensive actions, intelligence sharing, and support for attacked allies.

This resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6th to May 12th. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses across patient care, public health, and research. The bill encourages the nation to observe this week with appropriate recognition for the importance of nurses in everyday lives.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 significantly strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by establishing rigorous new standards for dog dealers. This bill mandates substantial improvements to housing, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care for dogs. Furthermore, it introduces strict regulations on breeding practices, including health screening and limits on female dog litters, while ensuring humane retirement for breeding dogs.

The CREATE AI Act establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to advance U.S. AI research and workforce skills. This resource will connect eligible American researchers and educators to essential computational, data, and software resources. The National Science Foundation is tasked with establishing and overseeing the NAIRR, ensuring compliance with research security standards.

This resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as "Fair Chance Jobs Month." It aims to promote employment opportunities for people with criminal records by advocating for the removal of barriers to fair-chance hiring. The bill supports expanding workforce programs and fostering collaboration to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable jobs and successfully reenter society.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for key Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and surety bonds. This change allows businesses majority-owned by certain immigrants, non-citizens lawfully present in the U.S., and even some individuals residing abroad to access federal support. The bill ensures that businesses meeting ownership and location criteria are not denied SBA financing solely because of the status of their eligible owners.

This resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month. It recognizes the impact of Parkinson's disease and calls for increased efforts in research, education, and support services. The bill also commends those working to improve the lives of individuals affected by the disease.

The Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026 expands FEMA disaster assistance eligibility to include occupants without formal property ownership, such as those experiencing homelessness. It simplifies repair standards, allowing aid for any home "damaged by a major disaster," and mandates streamlined processes for self-certifying eligibility. The bill also requires FEMA to coordinate with HUD on joint temporary rental assistance programs following a disaster declaration.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has specifically authorized such military action. It affirms Congress's constitutional power to declare war and ensures compliance with existing statutory requirements for the use of military force. The resolution includes exceptions for self-defense and providing assistance to allies under attack by Iran.

This bill, the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, explicitly repeals Executive Order 14399, which attempted to regulate mail-in voting. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Postal Service, from using funds to create national voter/citizenship databases or interfere with state administration of absentee and mail-in ballots. The Act reaffirms that states, not the federal government, control federal election procedures.

The Climate Change Education Act establishes a federal program, managed by NOAA, to fund comprehensive climate change education for all ages. This initiative aims to increase climate literacy through formal schooling and nonformal programs, focusing on solutions, adaptation, and climate justice. The Act authorizes grants to K-12 systems, higher education, professional associations, and youth corps to develop and implement climate-focused learning and applied research.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act aims to safeguard maternal and infant health from climate-related risks like extreme heat and air pollution. It establishes grant programs to fund community initiatives and professional education focused on mitigating these dangers for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a research consortium and a national strategy to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children.

The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 establishes a grant program administered by the Attorney General to fund library services within correctional facilities. This initiative aims to support incarcerated individuals' reintegration, reduce recidivism, and expand educational opportunities. Grants will support modern library resources, qualified staffing, and diverse programming, while prohibiting fees for core library services.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized the action. It asserts Congress's sole power to declare war and notes the current hostilities lack such authorization under the War Powers Resolution. The bill carves out exceptions for necessary self-defense, intelligence sharing, and assisting allies defensively.

The Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026 establishes a formal process for banning books in federal prisons, requiring approval from a newly created Publication Review Committee. This committee must include diverse members, such as an incarcerated individual and a professional librarian. The Act also mandates annual reporting to Congress on all banned books and the status of related appeals.

This resolution supports the goals of the 2026 Day of Silence to highlight the bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ students in schools. It calls on communities to act to ensure equal educational opportunities and civil rights protections for all students. The bill affirms the importance of safe, inclusive learning environments free from harassment and victimization.