Legislative Activity

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act mandates the restoration of independent press access to the Pentagon, reversing recent restrictions that limited journalists' movement and workspace. The bill requires the Department of Defense to reinstate the access policies that were in place as of May 2025, ensuring credentialed reporters can continue their essential oversight of military operations. Additionally, it establishes a secure, non-political process for issuing press credentials and requires congressional consultation before any future changes to media access can be made.

The No Insider Trading on National Security Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive Department of Defense Inspector General report regarding allegations of insider trading during Operation Epic Fury. This legislation requires an investigation into potential market manipulation by military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors. The resulting report will assess security risks and provide recommendations to prevent future financial misconduct.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic, financial, and energy sanctions on the Russian Federation to counter its war efforts and support for global instability. Additionally, the bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031 to maintain continued pressure on the Iranian regime. Together, these measures aim to isolate adversarial actors through targeted financial restrictions, trade barriers, and enhanced oversight.

The Permanent CBDC Ban Act seeks to codify a long-term prohibition on the issuance of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) by the Federal Reserve. By amending the Federal Reserve Act, this legislation aims to permanently restrict the government from implementing a digital dollar.

The Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act of 2026 mandates an annual State Department report to investigate and document any military or intelligence cooperation between the Polisario Front and Iranian-affiliated terrorist organizations. If such collaboration is confirmed, the Act requires the President to formally designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization and impose corresponding sanctions.

The Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from reducing staffing levels within key CDC foodborne disease divisions for one year following a major, multi-state outbreak. This legislation ensures that critical surveillance and response teams remain fully operational during the aftermath of significant public health crises.

The Safe Spaces for All Act expands the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide organizations with greater flexibility in securing their facilities. The bill allows grant funds to be used for hiring onsite security personnel and off-duty police officers, while also covering costs associated with the grant application and administration process.

The WINGS Act of 2026 expands federal student aid eligibility to cover essential aviation training costs, such as flight hours, simulator fees, and licensing exams, for students in qualifying degree programs. By updating the Higher Education Act, this legislation aims to reduce the financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the aviation industry. These changes will take effect starting with the 2027–2028 academic year.

The Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026 designates Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through July 1, 2029, allowing eligible Afghan nationals currently in the United States to live and work legally. The bill mandates an expedited 90-day adjudication process for applications and provides for fee waivers for those who qualify under this designation.

The "No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act" strengthens federal drug enforcement by significantly lowering the quantity thresholds required to trigger mandatory minimum penalties for fentanyl and other synthetic opioid analogues. The bill also mandates updates to federal sentencing guidelines and authorizes $9 million to enhance the U.S. Postal Service’s capacity to detect and intercept illicit narcotics shipments.

This resolution expresses the support of the House of Representatives for Charleston, South Carolina, to host the 2027 annual session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly. It highlights the city’s world-class infrastructure and honors the legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham by advocating for the event to proceed as originally planned.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding for ALS research and clinical trial programs through 2031. This legislation strengthens oversight by enhancing grant review processes, improving safety reporting requirements, and mandating a comprehensive five-year FDA action plan to accelerate the development of treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases.

The Stop Insider Trading Act restricts Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing or selling individual stocks to prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, the bill mandates that voters provide valid photo identification when voting in person or by mail in federal elections.

The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2026 simplifies the process for survivors to receive death benefits following an officer's heart attack or stroke. It removes barriers by eliminating the use of pre-existing health conditions as a basis for claim denial and extends the qualifying window for duty-related events from 24 to 72 hours. These changes ensure that families receive support more efficiently by strengthening the presumption that such medical events are connected to an officer's service.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act authorizes $6 million in annual grants over seven years to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. These funds will support the National Law Enforcement Museum’s public education, community outreach, and officer safety and wellness programs. As a condition of the grant, the museum must provide free admission to law enforcement officers and their families, as well as dedicated free hours for the general public.

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act of 2026 authorizes Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. to establish a commemorative work on federal land in Washington, D.C., to honor the original Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. The project will be funded entirely through private donations, with no federal funds permitted for its construction or maintenance.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the illegal use of xylazine by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for increased regulation and tracking of the substance. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to ease the transition for legitimate users, such as veterinarians and animal handlers. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines for xylazine-related offenses and mandates reports to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use. Finally, it will include xylazine in Arcos tracking.

Tyler's Law mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the frequency, cost, and impact of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Secretary must issue guidance on whether routine fentanyl testing should become standard practice for overdose patients. This guidance will also address staff training regarding existing drug test panels and the long-term health implications of such testing.

The American Franchise Act aims to protect the traditional franchise business model by clarifying the definition of a "joint employer." This legislation establishes that a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if it exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms of employment for a franchisee's workers. This change specifically targets liability risks associated with maintaining brand standards, ensuring franchisors are not automatically held responsible for local labor practices. The new standard applies prospectively to future legal proceedings.

This bill reauthorizes and expands federal programs dedicated to the prevention, surveillance, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) through 2030. It enhances data collection efforts to better identify high-risk populations and improves state-level grant programs for TBI support services. Additionally, the legislation mandates new research and reporting to better understand the long-term health effects of traumatic brain injuries.