Legislative Activity

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

The Diversity Jurisdiction Inflation Adjustment Act raises the minimum amount in controversy required for federal diversity jurisdiction from $75,000 to $150,000. It also establishes a mechanism for automatic, decennial inflation adjustments to this threshold beginning in 2030. Additionally, the bill grants courts the authority to impose cost penalties on plaintiffs who fail to recover the required minimum amount in federal court.

The Afghan Ally Records and Credential Heritage (ARCH) Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a secure, long-term process for preserving the service records and biometric data of eligible Afghan allies. This program provides a pathway for former Afghan military, intelligence, and justice sector personnel who supported the U.S. mission to verify their credentials. The initiative ensures these critical records are maintained for future use, including an established process for application, review, and appeal.

This bill, the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2025, amends the Federal Employees Compensation Act to expand the list of authorized healthcare providers. Specifically, it allows physician assistants and nurse practitioners to examine, treat, and provide second opinions for federal employees filing work-related injury claims. This change aims to improve access to care for injured federal workers.

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated research program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance the study of Down syndrome across the lifespan. This initiative focuses on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome by coordinating research on co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune disorders. The bill also mandates regular Congressional reporting to ensure transparency and progress in developing new clinical therapies.

This bill establishes the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, aiming to formally recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a distinct occupational category for them in the federal classification system. The legislation also authorizes significant federal grants to states to establish or expand paid family and medical leave programs. If a separate DSP classification is not created, a report explaining the decision must be submitted to Congress.

The PEARL Act establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters. These rescued dogs will be trained to serve as support animals within the agency's existing Support Canine Program.

The Protect American Values Act of 2026 expresses Congressional opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" rule, citing concerns over its negative impact on public health, economic stability, and immigrant families. The bill seeks to protect access to essential services by prohibiting the use of federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce the rule.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act aims to restore independent reporting at the Department of Defense by reversing recent restrictions on credentialed journalists. The bill mandates the return of unescorted access to traditional press workspaces within the Pentagon and establishes a secure, non-political process for issuing press credentials. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to consult with Congress before implementing any future changes to press access policies.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that because Congress has not declared war or provided specific authorization for military force, the current deployment violates the War Powers Resolution. The bill mandates a withdrawal of forces while still allowing for defensive actions to protect U.S. personnel, intelligence operations, and support for partner nations.

The TABOO Act aims to increase transparency and accountability by closing ethics loopholes for individuals serving in sensitive diplomatic or national security roles. It mandates that all officials performing these functions—regardless of their compensation or volunteer status—adhere to strict financial disclosure, conflict-of-interest, and reporting requirements. The bill also establishes clear enforcement mechanisms and criminal penalties to ensure compliance across all federal departments and agencies.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The NIH Mentorship Modernization Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standardized mentorship requirements for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research training and career development awards. This legislation aims to improve mentor-mentee engagement and professional development by implementing evidence-based practices and providing institutions with support for mentor training. The bill ensures these standards are integrated into existing reporting processes to minimize administrative burdens while fostering a more effective research training environment.

The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act aims to lower costs for families and educators by capping customs duties on essential school supplies and educational materials. By preventing these tariffs from exceeding their January 2025 rates, the bill seeks to mitigate the financial burden of rising prices on classrooms and local governments.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 increases the debt eligibility limits for small businesses filing under subchapter V of Chapter 11 to $7.5 million and for individuals filing under Chapter 13 to $2.75 million. These adjustments aim to provide more businesses and individuals with access to streamlined bankruptcy reorganization processes. The new limits take effect for all bankruptcy cases filed on or after the date the Act is signed into law.

The Protect and Serve Act of 2026 establishes a new federal crime for killing or attempting to kill law enforcement officers when the act is motivated by their status as an officer. This legislation provides federal jurisdiction over such offenses under specific circumstances and outlines strict penalties, including potential life imprisonment. Federal prosecution under this act requires certification by the Attorney General to ensure the case meets specific public interest or state-requested criteria.

The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates the regional innovation program through 2030 to foster economic growth and increase access to capital for innovation-based businesses. The bill mandates grant awards, introduces a flexible cost-sharing model to support economically distressed areas, and prioritizes outreach to rural and underserved communities. Additionally, it strengthens interagency coordination and authorizes $50 million annually to accelerate research commercialization and entrepreneurial support.