Legislative Activity

The Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act aims to improve electrical grid efficiency and reliability by incentivizing the use of advanced transmission conductors. The bill streamlines the environmental review process for modernization projects and expands clean electricity investment tax credits to include high-performance transmission upgrades. These measures are designed to increase capacity, reduce congestion, and lower energy costs for consumers.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding for ALS research and clinical trial programs through 2031. This legislation strengthens oversight by enhancing grant review processes, improving safety reporting requirements, and mandating a comprehensive five-year FDA action plan to accelerate the development of treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases.

The No Passes for Polluters Act of 2026 amends the Clean Air Act to require explicit Congressional approval before the President or federal agencies can grant exemptions from air pollution, vehicle fleet, or ozone-depleting substance regulations. The bill establishes a formal joint resolution process for these approvals and empowers citizens to sue if exemptions are utilized without legislative authorization. Additionally, the legislation repeals existing provisions that allowed for compliance schedule exemptions regarding hazardous air pollutants.

This resolution demands that the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services provide the House of Representatives with all internal documents, communications, and records regarding the recent freeze on federal funding for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. It specifically seeks transparency on the decision-making process, legal justifications, and administrative actions taken by the Department of Health and Human Services concerning these state-based grant programs.

This resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States by reaffirming the nation’s foundational commitment to the separation of church and state. It highlights the historical and constitutional precedents that protect religious freedom, pluralism, and secular governance. Ultimately, the bill asserts that government power must remain neutral and free from the imposition of specific religious beliefs.

This resolution honors the seven victims of the July 4, 2022, Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting on its fourth anniversary. It expresses support for the survivors and their families while commending the courageous response of first responders and the resilience of the Highland Park community. Finally, the House reaffirms its commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy and working to reduce gun violence.

The Next Generation Shipping Act establishes a federal program to fund research, development, and deployment of zero-emission and clean alternative fuel vessels and supporting infrastructure. This initiative prioritizes projects that advance maritime decarbonization, ensure strong labor standards, and benefit environmental justice communities. The Act also creates an Advisory Committee to guide the program, focusing on identifying technology needs and evaluating progress toward cleaner shipping. Notably, the legislation explicitly prohibits funding for any automated vessel technologies.

This bill, the Great American Outdoors Act 250, significantly reforms and renames the existing public lands restoration fund to the America’s Legacy Restoration Fund. It secures dedicated funding streams, primarily from energy revenues and new fees on foreign visitors, to address critical deferred maintenance across the National Park Service, Forest Service, and other public land agencies. The legislation establishes strict spending priorities for infrastructure repair while also creating pilot programs for enhancing outdoor recreation and sportsmen's access. Finally, it mandates increased transparency and accountability through standardized metrics and public reporting on all funded projects.

The LIFT the BAR Act repeals decades-old restrictions that barred many lawfully present noncitizens from accessing essential federal public benefits. This legislation restores eligibility for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and housing assistance for qualified noncitizens. The bill also updates terminology, replacing "alien" with "noncitizen" throughout relevant statutes.

The Global Climate Resilience Act of 2026 establishes a program allowing the President to reduce or restructure debt for vulnerable, democratically governed countries in exchange for their commitment to invest those freed resources in climate resilience activities. The bill also directs the U.S. to advocate within international financial institutions for similar debt relief and supports the creation of a parametric international climate insurance program at the World Bank for immediate disaster payouts. This legislation aims to bolster climate adaptation and disaster recovery in nations most affected by extreme weather and slow-onset climate disasters.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to speed up the process of securing a first collective bargaining agreement after a union is certified. It establishes a mandatory timeline, including mediation and binding arbitration, if an agreement is not reached within 90 days of bargaining. This process is designed to prevent lengthy delays that currently weaken the union's position. The bill also requires a GAO report on current time-to-contract averages.

The **Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act** amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to significantly improve services for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. The bill mandates better identification, specialized instruction—including access to American Sign Language and Braille—and increased training for qualified personnel across all three disability areas. It ensures these students receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique communication and access needs from early intervention through school age.

This bill, the "Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026," mandates a comprehensive study by the EPA on the environmental and energy impacts of AI data centers and infrastructure. It also requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a consortium to develop measurement standards for these impacts. Finally, the legislation establishes an annual public reporting system for large AI data centers detailing their environmental footprint.

The HEAR Act of 2026 generally prohibits the manufacture, transfer, and possession of firearm silencers and mufflers, with specific exceptions for government, law enforcement, and nuclear security personnel. The bill removes silencers from the federal definition of a "firearm" while simultaneously establishing penalties for violating the new ban. It also mandates the Attorney General to create a 90-day nationwide buy-back program for surrendered silencers using Byrne grant funds.

This act, the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, prohibits the construction of any new triumphal arches in Lady Bird Johnson Park. It also restricts the building of any triumphal arch over 50 feet tall on other National Park Service land within the capital region unless explicitly authorized by Congress. The legislation aims to protect the visual landscape surrounding Arlington National Cemetery.

The American High-Speed Rail Act significantly expands federal support for high-speed and higher-speed rail development by increasing funding limits, broadening eligibility for public-private partnerships, and establishing new planning and safety requirements. The bill authorizes substantial funding through 2031 for corridor development and planning, while also creating pathways for acquiring necessary right-of-way property and ensuring labor protections on federally-funded infrastructure. It also refines definitions, setting the threshold for true "high-speed rail" at 186 mph or more, and introduces a new category for "higher-speed rail."

The Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026 establishes rigorous "fitness-to-operate" standards for offshore oil and gas operators, requiring certification based on environmental compliance, safety records, and financial solvency before issuing or extending leases. The bill also mandates that leaseholders fully fund future decommissioning liabilities through interest-bearing escrow accounts, with required payments scheduled to cover estimated costs within five years. Furthermore, it restricts the temporary abandonment of offshore wells to a maximum of three years, subject to strict operational or environmental justification.

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Elder Pride Act of 2026 establishes a new rural outreach grant program under the Older Americans Act. This program aims to reduce isolation and improve care access for older LGBTQI individuals and members of other protected classes in rural areas. Grants will fund partnerships that provide essential services, including comprehensive sexual health support for all older residents.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative gold and silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and survivors, with designs selected in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges from the sale of these coins will be paid directly to the Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance.