Legislative Activity

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.

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."

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.

This bill nullifies a specific decision and order from the Endangered Species Committee regarding certain oil and gas activities. It also imposes a three-year ban on the Committee issuing new exemptions for these activities under the Endangered Species Act. Importantly, all pre-existing Endangered Species Act requirements remain fully in effect for these activities.

The VOTE Act establishes minimum notification requirements for voters when their assigned polling place changes for a federal election. It mandates that states notify affected voters through mail, phone, text, and email at least seven days before the election. The bill also sets specific notification rules for jurisdictions using vote centers and for locations that are no longer serving as polling places.

The **Protecting Our Democracy Act** imposes sweeping reforms across the executive branch to strengthen accountability and restore checks and balances. It restricts presidential pardon power, closes loopholes to ensure no President is above the law, and enforces constitutional emoluments clauses to prevent self-enrichment. Furthermore, the Act enhances congressional oversight by strengthening subpoena enforcement, increasing transparency around White House visitors and tax returns, and protecting federal whistleblowers from retaliation.

The GUARD Act expands the use of federal grant funds to help state, local, and tribal law enforcement investigate elder financial fraud, "pig butchering" scams, and general financial fraud. This legislation allows agencies to hire specialized staff, receive advanced training on emerging technologies, and acquire necessary investigative tools. Furthermore, the Act mandates comprehensive federal reports to Congress detailing the scope of these scams and the effectiveness of current enforcement efforts.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes permanent, universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students at participating schools, eliminating income tests and meal debt collection. The bill significantly updates federal funding mechanisms by replacing reliance on free and reduced-price lunch data with new measures for identifying economically disadvantaged students across various education and social programs. Furthermore, it expands access to summer and afterschool meals while making technical amendments across several federal education and nutrition laws.

The Trade Responsibly for Environmental Emissions (TREE) Act prohibits the import and sale of "deforestation goods"—commodities linked to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2020—starting in 2029. Importers must submit detailed due diligence statements to Customs and Border Protection, with violations resulting in significant civil penalties, including fines up to 4% of U.S. revenue and potential import bans. The bill also mandates a risk-based country categorization system to guide increased border inspections.

The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026 modifies federal rules to allow the use of Highway Trust Fund and surface transportation block grant funds for constructing specific types of Type II highway noise barriers. The bill also permits these barriers to incorporate secondary beneficial uses, such as hosting renewable energy or broadband infrastructure. Finally, it mandates that project sponsors consider the aesthetics of new or preserved noise barriers.

The No WAR Act establishes a procedural barrier, a "point of order," in Congress to prevent funding for unauthorized military action against Iran through the budget reconciliation process. This means that any reconciliation bill providing budget authority for hostilities against Iran will be out of order unless Congress has first formally authorized that military force. The Act ensures that funding for military conflict against Iran requires explicit prior congressional approval.

This resolution expresses support for honoring Earth Day and reaffirms Congress's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. It recognizes the historical impact of Earth Day on the modern environmental movement and calls for continued action against threats like climate change and pollution. The bill urges immediate steps to reduce emissions, address environmental injustices, and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

The Civics Learning Act of 2026 aims to combat political polarization and strengthen democracy by improving civics education nationwide. This bill amends existing law to expand a federal grant program, prioritizing funding for innovative, hands-on civics learning in high-need schools. Funds will support activities covering the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the history of the civil rights movement. The legislation authorizes $70 million for fiscal year 2027 to support these essential educational efforts.

The Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2026 strengthens federal oversight of energy markets by enhancing penalties for market manipulation. This act grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to prohibit individuals or entities who violate energy trading rules from participating in the buying or selling of electricity or natural gas. Furthermore, it criminalizes the willful submission of false information to federal or private price reporting agencies concerning natural gas transactions.

This resolution directs the President, under the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran. The order mandates withdrawal unless forces are necessary for imminent self-defense of the U.S. or its allies. Any continued defensive action must comply with existing War Powers reporting requirements.