Legislative Activity

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 strengthens the ability of claimants to recover art looted by the Nazis by ensuring cases are decided on their legal merits rather than procedural technicalities. The bill prevents courts from dismissing claims based on the passage of time or other non-merits defenses and clarifies that these actions may proceed regardless of the victim's nationality. These updates aim to remove legal barriers and ensure that justice for victims of Nazi persecution is not frustrated by procedural delays.

This resolution honors the life and enduring legacy of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz. It recognizes his historic coaching career, his commitment to fostering character and teamwork in student-athletes, and his significant contributions to the sport and community.

This resolution honors the life and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a pivotal civil rights leader and advocate for global justice. It recognizes his decades of dedicated public service, his historic political achievements, and his lifelong commitment to equality. The measure further extends formal condolences to his family for their loss.

This bill strengthens the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting foreign bribery offenses from five years to ten years. This change provides authorities with more time to investigate and pursue complex international corruption cases.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan, 16-member commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the federal government's long-term fiscal health and reduce the national debt. The bill mandates that the Commission’s approved proposals be submitted to Congress for expedited consideration through a fast-track process that prohibits amendments. This initiative aims to address the nation's fiscal condition and ensure the long-term solvency of federal trust funds.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a specific rule from the Department of Commerce that temporarily suspended the expansion of end-user controls for affiliates of certain listed entities. If enacted, this resolution would nullify that rule, meaning the expanded controls would take effect as originally intended.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the operations and funding of the Commission through September 30, 2028. This legislation ensures the continued work of the Commission in monitoring and advocating for religious freedom globally by authorizing appropriations for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028.

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026 mandates comprehensive insurance coverage for HIV prevention services—including medication, lab tests, and clinical monitoring—without cost-sharing or preauthorization requirements across private, federal, and state health programs. The bill also prohibits insurance discrimination against individuals taking HIV prevention medication, establishes national public and provider education campaigns, and creates grant programs to expand access for uninsured and underinsured populations. Additionally, it ensures patient confidentiality for those on family health plans and provides a private right of action to enforce these coverage protections.

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.

This resolution officially designates **March 6, 2026, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day."** The day aims to recognize the essential role of speech and debate in developing vital 21st-century skills like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. It encourages the entire nation to celebrate and promote the lifelong impact of this education.

The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 modifies the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to increase the debt limits for filing certain bankruptcies. Specifically, it raises the maximum debt threshold for small business bankruptcy eligibility to \$7.5 million and increases the consumer debt limit for Chapter 13 filings to \$2.75 million. These changes apply to all bankruptcy cases filed on or after the date the Act is enacted.

The Smarter Pretrial Detention for Drug Charges Act of 2026 amends federal law to reform pretrial detention procedures for drug-related offenses. This legislation streamlines Section 3142 of Title 18 by removing specific provisions to update the criteria for release and detention in federal criminal cases.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates the inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation on veterans' benefits within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) preseparation counseling. This legislation ensures service members receive expert guidance on navigating VA benefits with the support of recognized veterans service organizations. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements to track participation and ensure the program's ongoing effectiveness.

The Housing Tariff Exclusion Act aims to address the national housing affordability crisis by lowering construction costs. It establishes a formal process for U.S. companies to request exemptions from certain import tariffs on critical building materials. By removing these duties, the legislation seeks to increase the supply of new homes and reduce overall housing expenses for Americans.

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 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.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.