Legislative Activity

This resolution commemorates the 61st anniversary of Medicare, recognizing its vital role in providing health security to millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities. It honors the health care providers and staff who sustain the program while underscoring the importance of ensuring its long-term solvency for future generations.

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 National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act authorizes $6 million in annual federal grants over seven years to support the National Law Enforcement Museum. This funding will enhance public education, community outreach, and critical officer safety and wellness programs. By fostering greater understanding between law enforcement and the public, the bill aims to support the profession and improve safety for officers nationwide.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the illegal use of xylazine by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for increased regulation and tracking of the substance. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to ease the transition for legitimate users, such as veterinarians and animal handlers. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines for xylazine-related offenses and mandates reports to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use. Finally, it will include xylazine in Arcos tracking.

The American Franchise Act aims to protect the traditional franchise business model by clarifying the definition of a "joint employer." This legislation establishes that a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if it exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms of employment for a franchisee's workers. This change specifically targets liability risks associated with maintaining brand standards, ensuring franchisors are not automatically held responsible for local labor practices. The new standard applies prospectively to future legal proceedings.

The AADAPT Act expands access to specialized dementia care by authorizing grants for public and nonprofit health centers to integrate these services into their programs. Additionally, the bill extends federal funding authorization through 2031 to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of these critical health outcomes.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization extends federal funding and support for vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates national strategy requirements and enhances the capacity of regional centers and health departments to identify, prevent, and respond to tick-borne and other vector-borne illnesses.

The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to mandate the destruction of imported goods that pose a significant public health risk and have been refused admission into the U.S. This legislation removes the option for owners to export these hazardous items and requires them to cover all destruction costs. Owners are granted due process through formal notice and hearing procedures before any destruction order is finalized.

The BRRRRT Act of 2026 mandates the continued operation and sustainment of the Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet through fiscal year 2033. The bill prohibits the retirement or divestment of these aircraft unless the Department of Defense certifies that a fully capable replacement is already operational and meeting all mission requirements. Additionally, the legislation requires the preservation of retired aircraft, the maintenance of specialized pilot training programs, and the establishment of programs to document the A-10's combat legacy and explore future autonomous technology integration.

The Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act aims to improve access to remote patient monitoring (RPM) for rural Medicare beneficiaries. It establishes a minimum payment floor for the geographic indices used to calculate practice expense and malpractice costs for RPM services starting in 2026. Furthermore, the bill sets new quality requirements for RPM providers to qualify for Medicare payment, including real-time clinical availability and data interoperability. Finally, it mandates a future report analyzing the actual cost savings generated by these enhanced RPM services.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The FARM AI Act of 2026 aims to modernize the American agricultural sector by prioritizing artificial intelligence in Department of Agriculture research, extension, and workforce development programs. The bill establishes a new Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor to promote the adoption of AI technologies and coordinate the development of national standards for digital agriculture. These efforts are designed to improve farm productivity, enhance resource management, and expand economic opportunities for farmers across the country.

The General John D. Lavelle Act directs the Secretary of Defense to review recently declassified records and current military board recommendations to determine whether to restore the retired rank of General to John D. Lavelle. The Secretary must submit a formal recommendation to the President and the Senate regarding this restoration by December 31, 2026.

This resolution designates July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the essential, high-risk work performed by these skilled professionals. It pays tribute to the lineworkers who provide critical service during emergencies and recognizes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act provides a 10-year period of regulatory stability for on-road and nonroad diesel engines by freezing emission standards at current levels. During this time, the bill establishes a safe harbor for manufacturers and operators following specific EPA guidance regarding diesel exhaust fluid monitoring and engine repair strategies. Additionally, it mandates that any future emission standards must include significant lead times and consider the operational and economic impacts on engine owners.

The National Service Animals Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of the National Service Animals Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation overrides existing restrictions to ensure the monument can be established in this prominent location.

The Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act of 2026 expands federal tax benefits by allowing taxpayers to deduct interest paid on loans for qualifying, U.S.-manufactured recreational motorboats. This legislation updates current tax code provisions to treat eligible watercraft similarly to passenger vehicles for interest deduction purposes. The change applies to loans initiated after December 31, 2025.

The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 modernizes the H-2A visa program to better support the agricultural industry by streamlining application processes and establishing a centralized online portal for employers. The bill updates labor certification, housing, and wage requirements while expanding the definition of eligible agricultural work to include a broader range of activities. Additionally, it enhances worker protections—including new heat illness prevention standards—and provides greater administrative efficiency for federal agencies managing the program.

This resolution congratulates the Carolina Hurricanes on winning the 2026 Stanley Cup Championship, their first in 20 years. It celebrates their dominant playoff run, significant economic impact on Wake County, and extensive community contributions. The bill also recognizes the outstanding performances of the players, coaches, and staff who brought the championship back to Raleigh.

This bill, the "Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act," extends the deadlines for spending federal recovery funds specifically allocated for broadband infrastructure projects. It allows states and local governments to use funds from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds until September 30, 2027. Additionally, it extends the deadline for using Capital Projects Fund money for broadband projects until January 1, 2028.