Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his pivotal role as a civil rights leader, his groundbreaking political campaigns, and his global advocacy for human rights and equality. The measure encourages all Americans to continue his work by moving forward with hope rather than fear and division.

The African American History Act of 2026 authorizes the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop and expand educational resources, curricula, and digital programming for students and educators nationwide. By providing $10 million in annual funding through 2030, the Act aims to promote a deeper understanding of African American history through a social justice and anti-bias lens. Additionally, the legislation encourages the development of similar educational initiatives across other Smithsonian museums dedicated to diverse American histories.

This resolution formally recognizes the historical significance of the *Clotilda*, the last known slave ship to arrive in the U.S. in 1860. It condemns the role of the United States in the Atlantic slave trade and acknowledges the lasting, intergenerational impact of this crime on African Americans, particularly the descendants who founded Africatown. The resolution encourages the establishment of a memorial on Capitol Grounds to honor the victims.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital historical significance and contributions of Black history museums and cultural institutions across the United States. It affirms that these essential pillars correct historical omissions by preserving irreplaceable records and telling a full, accurate American story. The bill encourages federal agencies and the public to support these institutions, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

This resolution officially recognizes Black History Month and adopts "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the theme for 2026. It honors the contributions of Black Americans by establishing categories for "Unsung Souls" and "Righteous Intercessors." Ultimately, the bill affirms that Black history commemorations are essential for a complete national narrative and inspiring future progress toward liberty and justice for all.

The Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2026 provides significant relief for long-term residents from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam facing deportation. It prohibits the detention and removal of eligible individuals who entered the U.S. before 2008 and grants them permanent work authorization. Furthermore, the Act establishes a streamlined process for those previously ordered removed to reopen and terminate their immigration cases, effectively vacating past removal orders.

The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026 establishes a federal process for issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a danger from possessing firearms. The bill allows family members or law enforcement to petition federal courts for temporary or long-term orders based on evidence of imminent risk of harm. Furthermore, it creates a federal grant program to incentivize and support states and tribes in implementing their own qualifying ERPO laws. Finally, it mandates that individuals subject to these federal orders surrender their firearms and ensures these orders are recognized across state lines.

The Secure Firearm Storage and Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 aims to reduce firearm-related injuries and suicides, particularly among youth. It directs the Secretary of Education to develop national best practices for secure firearm storage and suicide prevention education. Local educational agencies must then create and distribute tailored guidance incorporating these federal standards to students and parents annually.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family health needs, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act prohibits employer retaliation for using this leave and ensures existing, more generous leave policies are not diminished.

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 preserving and celebrating African American history and culture. Its duties include monitoring relevant efforts, evaluating NEH programs, and submitting annual reports. The Council is set to terminate ten years after the law's enactment.

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 mandates that Medicaid programs cover up to 12 mental health telehealth visits annually for certain individuals recently released from incarceration and placed under home confinement. This provision aims to improve access to crucial mental health services during the critical transition period following release.

The Firearm Safety Act of 2025 removes the existing exclusion for firearms under the Consumer Product Safety Act. This action subjects firearms to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as consumer products.

This resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

This resolution supports the goals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by recognizing the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans. It encourages testing, commends organizations providing culturally competent care, and supports the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reduce disparities. The bill also calls for prioritizing funding for minority-led agencies and addressing systemic barriers to care.

The Drain ICE Act of 2026 aims to fundamentally reform immigration enforcement by repealing specific sections of a prior law (Public Law 11921) and rescinding associated funding. This legislation is introduced in response to Congressional findings detailing concerns over mass deportation policies, inhumane detention conditions, and the detention of non-criminal individuals under the Trump Administration. The bill seeks to end practices deemed contrary to constitutional protections and human rights in immigration enforcement.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

This resolution condemns current and proposed staffing cuts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), arguing they undermine national preparedness and disaster response capabilities. It highlights that workforce reductions endanger the ability to effectively manage increasingly severe disasters and critical counterterrorism programs. The bill expresses concern that these cuts compromise institutional knowledge and slow vital assistance to communities recovering from events like recent hurricanes. Ultimately, it commits Congress to supporting a stable and adequately resourced FEMA workforce.

The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act establishes minimum standards for health screening, nutrition, sanitation, and shelter for individuals detained by ICE and CBP. This bill mandates specific protocols for medical care, facility conditions, and personnel training to ensure humane treatment. It also requires regular inspections and public reporting on compliance and sexual abuse complaints.

This bill, the Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act, amends existing law to restrict the imagery allowed on the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Specifically, it prohibits the use of images of any living current or former elected official or living political figure on the pass.

This resolution seeks to disapprove the Department of Veterans Affairs' final rule concerning "Reproductive Health Services" issued in September 2024. If enacted, this disapproval, made under the Congressional Review Act, would prevent the VA rule from taking legal effect.