Legislative Activity

The Medal of Sacrifice Act establishes a new Presidential award, the Medal of Sacrifice, to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. The bill mandates the creation of a Commission to advise on the medal's design, presentation, and eligibility criteria. This Commission will also make final determinations regarding eligibility in cases involving alleged wrongdoing by the fallen officer or responder.

This bill officially designates 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer" to recognize and honor the vital contributions of women in U.S. agriculture. It encourages citizens to celebrate the impact of these women on the food system and empowers women to pursue leadership roles in the field.

This act mandates that the Commissioner of Social Security regularly advertise the Ticket to Work program to all disabled beneficiaries. Information must be sent to every eligible beneficiary within one year of the law's enactment, and then every six months thereafter. This ensures disabled beneficiaries are consistently informed about available employment support programs.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026 establishes the Blue Campaign Certification Program within the Department of Homeland Security. This program recognizes employers in high-risk industries that provide their employees with training to recognize and respond to human trafficking. Eligible employers will receive a public certificate of completion and be recognized in the Federal Register. The Act also mandates increased coordination for the DHS Blue Campaign with private sector, academic, and industry experts.

The Buying American Cotton Act of 2026 establishes the Domestic Cotton Consumption Credit to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton in products sold domestically. This new business tax credit is calculated based on the volume of U.S. cotton used, the market price, and where the product was processed. The bill mandates digital tracing to verify the supply chain and offers significantly increased credit multipliers for products containing U.S.-made cotton yarn or fabric.

The U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act of 2026 establishes a framework to significantly enhance joint U.S.-Israel cooperation specifically aimed at countering threats posed by Iranian unmanned aerial systems (drones). This legislation increases authorized funding for cooperative missile defense programs and mandates detailed annual reporting on joint counter-drone research, development, and deployment efforts. The goal is to accelerate the exchange of technology and expertise to defend against evolving drone attacks.

The Shutdown Fairness Act automatically appropriates necessary funds to ensure federal employees and essential contractors receive their regular pay during a government shutdown. This legislation mandates timely payment for covered personnel, regardless of whether they were deemed "excepted" or furloughed. The funds are charged against the agency's subsequent regular appropriations once they are enacted.

The PORCUPINE Act amends the Arms Export Control Act to formally include Taiwan in existing certification and reporting requirements. It also mandates a feasibility study for expediting the licensing process for allied nations transferring U.S.-origin military equipment to Taiwan. The legislation is intended to enhance security cooperation while affirming that it does not alter existing U.S. policy as defined by the Taiwan Relations Act.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 targets the increasing threat posed by organized theft groups impacting retail and the national supply chain. This bill strengthens federal law by expanding money laundering statutes and lowering thresholds for property crimes related to theft. Crucially, it establishes a new federal coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations to align efforts across all levels of law enforcement and the private sector to combat these cross-jurisdictional crimes.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

The BEACON Act of 2026 establishes two new Department of Veterans Affairs grant programs to significantly advance the treatment of veterans suffering from chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These programs will fund research, clinical trials, and the testing of new, non-drug neurorehabilitation approaches focused on improving mental health outcomes. The legislation aims to foster partnerships and independent third-party studies to identify and implement best practices for mTBI care outside of traditional VA pathways.

This bill officially designates January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers nationwide. It also establishes National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th) to commemorate officers who have died in the line of duty. The legislation encourages the President to issue annual proclamations recognizing these days and calls for flags to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to help agricultural producers and eligible schools retrofit older tractors with approved rollover protection structures. The grants will cover 70% or more of the costs associated with purchasing, transporting, and installing these safety devices. A selected nongovernmental organization will manage the application process and public outreach for the program.

The SPEED Act aims to streamline and expedite federal project reviews by reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It clarifies NEPA as a procedural statute, narrows the scope of environmental effects agencies must consider, and establishes strict timelines for agency decisions. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant limitations on judicial review, requiring courts to defer to agency judgment and limiting remedies to remanding the action for correction rather than vacating permits.

This bill reauthorizes the White House Conference on Small Business, updating its structure, timing, and purposes to better address current small business challenges. It modifies delegate selection, increases participant fees, and establishes a new funding mechanism relying on non-Federal gifts and bequests. The Act also mandates the creation of an electronic communication system for ongoing delegate collaboration and recommendation tracking.

The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act mandates an annual preventative health evaluation for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. This comprehensive assessment will cover risks, pain management, nutrition, and the need for advanced assistive technologies, including neuromodulation devices. The VA is required to consult with specialists and manufacturers when developing implementation guidelines. Furthermore, the Secretary must report biennially to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of these evaluations and assistive technologies.

The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a comprehensive review of veteran suicides over the preceding five years, focusing on prescription practices. This review will analyze medication use, diagnoses, and demographic data for veterans who died by suicide while receiving VA care. The VA must then submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the public.

Alyssa's Act of 2025 establishes a grant program to help schools develop emergency response maps and comprehensive master plans for preventing and responding to school shootings. The bill also significantly expands the Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-based Practices to enhance research, technical assistance, and the development of new safety technologies like panic alarms. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of a National School Safety Data Center to analyze nationwide school safety issues and trends. Finally, the Act sets technical standards for federally funded emergency response maps and requires ongoing reporting on national planning efforts.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities to designate an essential caregiver who can provide support and companionship. This legislation ensures that these caregivers maintain in-person access to residents even during public health emergencies when general visitation is restricted. By establishing clear protocols and an appeals process, the bill aims to prevent the harmful effects of isolation and ensure residents continue to receive vital care and advocacy.

This bill, the FEMA Administrative Reform Act, streamlines disaster response by removing the requirement for the Secretary of Homeland Security to personally approve FEMA expenditures over $100,000 related to disaster costs. It aims to expedite the allocation of necessary funds during emergencies.