Legislative Activity

The Professional Degree Access Restoration Act amends the Higher Education Act to remove restrictive loan limit rules previously imposed on graduate and professional students. By restoring standard loan limit provisions, this bill aims to increase financial accessibility for students pursuing advanced degrees.

The AADAPT Act aims to improve dementia care by expanding grant eligibility to a broader range of public and nonprofit health entities. By explicitly including dementia care in the scope of supported services, the bill seeks to increase provider training and enhance health outcomes for patients.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act significantly updates existing law to expand online privacy protections for individuals aged 13 to 16. It broadens the definition of personal information collected online and imposes stricter requirements on operators regarding notice, verifiable consent, and data use for advertising. The bill also mandates studies on application oversight and the privacy risks associated with teens using financial technology products.

The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes the agency's funding for fiscal year 2025 and solidifies the strategic direction for human spaceflight, emphasizing the "Moon to Mars" program and the transition to commercial Low-Earth Orbit destinations. The bill directs significant investment into science missions, technology development, and aeronautics research, while also restructuring STEM education programs. Finally, it establishes new policy guidelines regarding commercial partnerships, cost oversight, and international collaboration.

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 significantly updates and extends NOAA's weather and environmental forecasting authorities through 2030. The bill prioritizes public safety by funding research to improve warnings for severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes, while also modernizing infrastructure through AI integration and commercial data use. Furthermore, it establishes new programs to enhance forecasts for agriculture, water management, wildfires, and harmful algal blooms.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

The IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act of 2026 removes existing restrictions that prevent individuals from making tax-free charitable distributions from their IRAs to donor-advised funds. This legislation simplifies the charitable giving process, allowing donors greater flexibility in how they support philanthropic causes through their retirement accounts.

The NSF AI Education Act of 2026 directs the National Science Foundation to establish a comprehensive national program for artificial intelligence and emerging technology education. The bill authorizes $500 million annually through 2030 to fund scholarships, professional development fellowships, research grants, and the creation of Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges. Additionally, it mandates the development of national workforce frameworks to support AI and cybersecurity training across all levels of education and industry.

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 officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive framework to advance U.S. leadership in AI through voluntary safety standards, rigorous testing programs, and strategic international alliances. The legislation promotes innovation by increasing access to high-quality government data and launching competitive research prize programs. Additionally, it strengthens national security by implementing robust oversight for research and enhancing the government's ability to recruit specialized technical talent.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the profound history and enduring contributions of African Americans to the United States. It acknowledges past injustices while honoring the achievements across all fields that have shaped the nation. The resolution encourages continued reflection and unity as we move forward with liberty and justice for all.

The Specialty CROP Act of 2026 mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Agriculture to Congress regarding the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop exports. This legislation requires an analysis of foreign trade barriers, their economic impact, and the executive branch’s ongoing efforts to eliminate these obstacles. By incorporating public input and ensuring transparency, the Act aims to strengthen the global market position of American specialty crop producers.

The ROTOR Act focuses on enhancing aviation safety and transparency, primarily by reforming exceptions that allow aircraft to disable their ADS-B Out tracking systems. It mandates that the FAA require most aircraft to install and use ADS-B In technology for improved situational awareness. Furthermore, the bill establishes new coordination offices and requires comprehensive safety reviews of airspace operations, particularly around major airports, involving both civil and military aviation.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were subsequently ruled unlawful. The bill prioritizes small businesses in the refund process and requires that larger entities pass these savings on to their customers. All refunds must be processed within 180 days of enactment, with regular progress reports provided to Congress.

The Railway Safety Act of 2026 enhances national rail safety by mandating stricter operational standards, advanced defect detection technology, and more frequent equipment inspections for freight trains. Additionally, the legislation strengthens emergency preparedness by establishing new funding streams, improved training, and a reimbursement program to support local communities in responding to hazardous material incidents.

This resolution congratulates the Seattle Seahawks on their victory in Super Bowl LX, where they defeated the New England Patriots. It celebrates the team's historic season, highlighting key player achievements and the leadership that led to their second championship. The resolution also recognizes the dedication of the team's staff and the unwavering support of their fans, the "12s."

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.

The Orbital Sustainability Act of 2025 (ORBITS Act) aims to reduce dangerous space debris by establishing a government-backed program to fund and demonstrate technologies for active debris removal. The bill also mandates the update of U.S. orbital debris mitigation standards and promotes the creation of uniform practices for space traffic coordination. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of access to space for government and commercial activities.

The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2026 establishes a program to develop and distribute AI and emerging technology training resources specifically for small businesses. This initiative, led by the Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the SBA, aims to reach rural, Tribal, and underserved communities. The resources will cover AI adoption, cybersecurity, marketing, and other key business applications. The program includes reporting requirements and is set to sunset three years after enactment.