Legislative Activity

The Modal Parity in Permitting Act updates federal law to provide transit and passenger rail agencies with clearer authority to acquire necessary real property interests for projects using federal funds. This legislation allows for the acquisition of property interests before environmental reviews are complete, provided no physical development occurs until those reviews are finalized. The bill aims to streamline the initial property acquisition phase for critical transportation infrastructure.

The Regulatory Review Improvement Act of 2026 enhances federal oversight by requiring agencies to conduct more rigorous, transparent reviews of existing rules. This legislation mandates public comment periods, detailed economic analyses, and stricter reporting on compliance costs and paperwork burdens. Additionally, it limits the ability of agencies to delay these periodic reviews, ensuring greater accountability in the regulatory process.

The Rural Utilities Service Modernization Act aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of federal assistance for rural infrastructure projects. The bill mandates the creation of a centralized online platform for project tracking, establishes new grants for early-stage project planning, and requires the implementation of predictable, standardized timelines for grant applications. Additionally, it directs the USDA to modernize its administrative processes and report to Congress on strategies to further expedite service delivery to rural communities.

The Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to ensure that broadband affordability is a key factor in federal infrastructure determinations. By requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to consider cost when defining "unserved" households and territories, the bill aims to improve access to reasonably priced internet in rural communities.

The Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act updates existing rural development programs to better support modern connectivity needs. The bill broadens federal grant eligibility to include cybersecurity support, digital literacy, and workforce development training. These enhancements aim to strengthen rural infrastructure and prepare the local workforce for the demands of the digital economy.

The Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act modernizes internet standards by increasing the minimum speed requirements for projects funded under the Community Connect Grant Program. The bill raises the mandatory download speed to 25 Mbps and the upload speed to 3 Mbps to ensure better connectivity for rural areas. These updated standards will take effect six months after the legislation is enacted.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 24, 2026, as "National Agriculture Day." It celebrates the essential role of the agricultural sector and recognizes its status as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.

The Linemen Legacy Act amends the Homeland Security Act to officially classify utility line technicians as "emergency response providers." This designation ensures that linemen receive formal recognition and support when responding to major disasters or federally declared emergencies.

This bill, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, mandates that Members of Congress will not receive pay for any day a government shutdown is in effect. For shutdowns occurring before November 2026, the pay will be withheld and held in escrow, to be released after the pay reduction requirement takes effect. This ensures that congressional salaries are directly impacted by lapses in government appropriations.

The Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act establishes new federal standards for states issuing Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) to individuals who do not reside in that state. This bill sets specific, strict requirements for foreign nationals seeking a CDL, including proof of lawful status and job-related visas, while also outlining distinct procedures for applicants residing in U.S. territories. The legislation mandates enhanced record-keeping and reporting by states to the Secretary of Transportation regarding these non-domiciled licenses.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. policy by imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign persons and financial institutions that support Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, drone, and terrorist activities. The bill specifically targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to cut off funding for these malign programs. Additionally, it expands the State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program to incentivize the reporting of individuals who evade these sanctions.

The State Veterans Homes Inspection Simplification Act streamlines the regulatory process by allowing State Veterans Homes certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be automatically deemed compliant with Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements. The bill ensures continued oversight and accountability by mandating that VA inspection standards align with federal protocols and requiring that all quality and compliance data be publicly reported. Additionally, it tasks the Government Accountability Office with reviewing the effectiveness and impact of this new authority within three years.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility at 4431 Main Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Dr. Constance 'Connie' E. Clayton Post Office." The legislation ensures that all federal records and documents will henceforth refer to the location by its new name.

The Safe Skies Act of 2026 mandates the Department of Transportation to immediately apply the existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) duty and rest requirements for passenger flightcrews to all-cargo operations. This change aims to standardize safety protocols across both sectors. The required modification must be enacted within 30 days of the law's passage.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 10 East Main Street in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania. The facility will now be known as the "Robert Allen Bishop, Sr. Post Office Building." This designation will apply to all future official federal references to the building.

The BASICS Act (Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act) reforms federal transportation funding to prioritize local decision-making and infrastructure maintenance. The bill establishes a new $5.5 billion annual program for bridge repairs and replacements, while increasing support for regional and metropolitan transportation planning. Additionally, it mandates greater local consultation for project selection and streamlines the process for regional organizations to receive and manage federal transportation funds directly.

The Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act ensures that Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) receive the full 340B discounted price for drugs at the point of purchase. This legislation prohibits manufacturers from requiring FQHCs to pay more than the established ceiling price upfront, regardless of any later rebates or reimbursements. The goal is to guarantee immediate, upfront savings for these vital health centers.

The Make Elections Great Again Act establishes new federal standards for voter identification, citizenship verification for registration, and statewide voter list maintenance for federal elections. It also standardizes election administration by mandating paper ballots, banning ranked-choice voting, and implementing strict new rules for requesting and returning mail-in ballots. The bill aims to increase election integrity through enhanced documentation and procedural uniformity across states.

The Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act mandates the creation of new federal safety standards to ensure bus drivers have a minimally obstructed forward-facing view. This requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish these standards within one year of enactment. Motorcoaches may meet this requirement through direct visibility or approved camera technology that enhances the driver's field of vision.

The PRESS Act establishes a new federal crime for manufacturing or distributing equipment used to make illegal drugs if that equipment is intended for substances that will be unlawfully imported into the United States. This legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act to create specific prison sentences for these supply chain offenses. The Act also directs the Sentencing Commission to update federal guidelines to reflect these new penalties.