Legislative Activity

The METRIC Act aims to modernize how the U.S. measures total energy input into the national system to improve transparency and decision-making. It requires a study on current primary energy indicators and mandates the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to develop and report on "incident energy" statistics. This effort seeks to better account for diverse energy sources, especially renewables, aligning national statistics with the ongoing energy transition.

The RELIEF Act mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection refund all tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act since January 1, 2025. These refunds will be processed automatically for importers of record without the need for a formal application or protest. The agency is required to complete all disbursements within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

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 Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Jaime's Law aims to improve the background check system by requiring licensed dealers to conduct background checks for most private ammunition transfers. This legislation makes it illegal for unlicensed individuals to transfer ammunition unless a licensed dealer first processes the transaction. The Act includes specific exceptions, such as transfers between immediate family members or for law enforcement use.

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 provides the funding and establishes the operational rules for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2026 across all major components, including intelligence, security operations, emergency management, and research. It allocates billions for agencies like TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and CISA while imposing strict new requirements for congressional oversight, spending transparency, and management of federal grants. The legislation also includes specific policy directives, such as mandating security screening for senior officials and restricting certain intelligence and contracting activities.

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 advertising that targets minors, encourages illegal use, or involves semiautomatic assault weapons. The FTC must issue regulations prohibiting these practices and enforce them using existing authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

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.

The Patient Debt Relief Act establishes new standards for hospitals participating in Medicare regarding financial assistance and medical debt collection practices, including limits on liens and wage garnishment. It also creates a grant program for eligible nonprofits to purchase and eliminate the medical debt of low-income individuals. These provisions aim to protect patients from aggressive debt collection and provide avenues for debt relief.

The TEMP Act mandates the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop a new, nationwide index-based insurance policy to protect crops against losses caused by frost or severe cold weather. This research must evaluate the effectiveness of index-based risk management for catastrophic weather events. A report detailing the findings and recommendations is required one year after enactment.

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.

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 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.

The Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026 establishes new structures within the Financial Stability Oversight Council to identify and mitigate climate-related risks to the U.S. financial system. It mandates updated supervisory guidance for large financial institutions and requires comprehensive annual reports assessing these risks. Furthermore, the bill directs the Federal Insurance Office to report on climate risks in the insurance sector and collect detailed homeowners insurance data.

The Follow the Science Act aims to insulate the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from political influence by prohibiting most political appointees from working on or managing NIH programs. This legislation specifically bars political employees from participating in the review, selection, or awarding of NIH grants and contracts. Furthermore, it restricts the NIH Director from canceling or delaying existing funding agreements unless specific findings of mismanagement or fraud are documented and reported to Congress.

The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2026 establishes new federal requirements for the sale and transfer of ammunition. This includes mandating federal licensing for all ammunition dealers and requiring all sales to be conducted face-to-face with ID verification. The bill also institutes recordkeeping for large-quantity sales and restricts interstate ammunition shipments that violate local laws.

The Protecting American Energy Security Act of 2026 introduces a new requirement for exporting natural gas to designated "covered nations." This legislation mandates that exporters must obtain a specific certification from the Secretary of Energy, confirming the export is in the public interest, before shipping gas to these foreign countries.

This resolution initiates impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge her with willfully refusing to comply with Congressional oversight laws and violating the Impoundment Control Act by improperly withholding funds. Further articles allege she directed widespread misconduct by ICE agents that violated federal law and constitutional rights, and misused taxpayer funds for personal gain through improper contracting.

The SHIELD Act amends PURPA to establish new standards for electric utilities concerning "large load facilities" (over 75 MW). It mandates that these facilities fully cover the costs of any necessary grid upgrades to meet their demand. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes service requests from these facilities if they agree to implement demand reduction measures during peak times and meet their energy needs with zero-emission sources.