Legislative Activity

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

This resolution commends the historic accomplishments of both the United States Women's and Men's Ice Hockey Teams for winning gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. It specifically honors key players for their game-winning contributions and recognizes this as the first time both U.S. teams have achieved gold in the same Games. The resolution affirms that these victories will inspire future generations of athletes.

The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026 mandates a transition to secure, chip-enabled EBT cards to better protect SNAP recipients from fraud and benefit theft. The bill requires states to modernize their digital account management tools, improves online transaction security, and establishes a grant program to help small retailers upgrade their payment terminals. Additionally, it streamlines the card replacement process and prohibits states from charging fees for replacing cards compromised by fraud or technical malfunctions.

The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act establishes a new National Park unit to preserve and interpret the legacy of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the historic Rosenwald Schools program. The legislation creates a national park across multiple sites—including a headquarters in Chicago—to honor the partnership that built thousands of schools for African American children in the segregated South. Additionally, the Act establishes the Rosenwald Schools National Network to provide research, educational resources, and financial assistance for the preservation of these historic sites nationwide.

This resolution expresses strong support for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams competing in the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. It applauds the athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship while recognizing the historical significance of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to hosting safe and successful Games in Los Angeles (2028) and Utah (2034).

The Government Surveillance Transparency Act of 2026 mandates greater public oversight of criminal surveillance by requiring courts to maintain searchable, online dockets for surveillance orders and limiting the government's ability to keep these records sealed. The bill establishes stricter notice requirements for individuals targeted by surveillance and mandates that courts be notified if data is collected beyond authorized limits. Additionally, it introduces comprehensive reporting requirements for government surveillance activities and provides grant funding to help state and tribal courts implement these transparency measures.

The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support the Iranian people by expanding access to uncensored information and countering government-imposed internet blackouts. The legislation mandates the development of new digital circumvention technologies, increases funding for human rights and media programs, and establishes a framework to hold regime officials and their supporters accountable for human rights abuses. Additionally, it requires the U.S. government to implement a comprehensive strategy to bolster Iranian civil society and secure digital communications for activists and journalists.

This resolution marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It condemns Russia's ongoing aggression, including attacks on civilians and the forced abduction of children. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for robust, sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's long-term defense and stability.

The American Homeownership Act aims to increase housing affordability by restricting tax incentives for large-scale corporate investors and prohibiting federal agencies from financing their real estate acquisitions. The bill redirects savings from these tax changes to fund affordable housing construction and provide down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. Additionally, it strengthens antitrust oversight to prevent excessive market concentration in the residential real estate sector.

The SAFE Act is a comprehensive legislative reform of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) designed to strengthen privacy protections for U.S. persons. It imposes stricter oversight, warrant requirements, and accountability measures on government surveillance, while closing loopholes regarding the purchase of personal data from commercial brokers. Additionally, the bill mandates increased transparency and reporting to ensure greater public and congressional scrutiny of intelligence activities.

This bill establishes the National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council will consist of 12 Presidentially appointed members tasked with advising on national policy related to African American history and culture. Its duties include preparing annual reports, monitoring related organizations, and recommending policies to foster understanding and preservation of this history. The Council is set to terminate 10 years after the Act's enactment.

The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study and regulate unfair or deceptive advertising and marketing practices related to firearms. This includes examining materials that may appeal to minors or encourage illegal use, particularly concerning semiautomatic assault weapons. Following the study, the FTC must issue rules to prohibit these deceptive practices, enforced under the existing Federal Trade Commission Act.

The SPARK Act establishes two new Small Business Administration (SBA) programs—the Spark Program and the Spark Financing Program—to boost economic growth in underserved communities. These programs aim to increase access to capital and support for small businesses owned by women, minorities, and those in rural areas through funding for local accelerators, incubators, and direct grant/loan assistance. The legislation seeks to close existing gaps in funding and resources that hinder success for entrepreneurs in economically distressed areas.

The Count the Crimes to Cut Act mandates a comprehensive accounting of all federal criminal offenses, both statutory and regulatory. It requires the Attorney General and numerous federal agencies to report detailed information on these crimes, including penalties and prosecution history. Finally, the bill mandates the creation of public, online indexes for all identified criminal offenses.

The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively strengthens federal workplace protections by requiring new anti-discrimination policies, expanding legal rights for employees, and phasing out the tipped minimum wage. It aims to prevent harassment through mandated training, broadens protections to nearly all workers, and restricts employers' use of secrecy agreements. The Act also establishes grants to increase access to legal aid and worker advocacy nationwide.

The Nurses Belong in Nursing Homes Act establishes mandatory minimum nurse staffing levels for nursing homes, including 24-hour registered nurse coverage. It also permanently funds the inspection and certification program for healthcare facilities. Finally, the bill directs states to use a portion of collected civil money penalties to fund nursing home workforce recruitment, education, and retention programs.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick time, accruing at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. This protected leave can be used for the employee's or a family member's illness, medical care, or for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for using or requesting this time and mandates clear notice requirements regarding these new rights.

This resolution strongly condemns the Government of Iran for its violent suppression of peaceful protests and widespread human rights abuses against its citizens. It highlights the regime's use of deadly force, internet blackouts, and severe persecution in response to demonstrations sparked by economic hardship. The resolution commends the courage of the Iranian people and calls for free and fair elections.

The Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 aims to modernize the bankruptcy system by significantly increasing compensation for Chapter 7 trustees, which has been stagnant since 1994. The bill also adjusts bankruptcy fee structures to ensure adequate funding for the United States Trustee System. Finally, it extends the terms of certain temporary bankruptcy judge positions from five to ten years.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.