Legislative Activity

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 increases the debt eligibility limits for small businesses filing under subchapter V of Chapter 11 to $7.5 million and for individuals filing under Chapter 13 to $2.75 million. These adjustments aim to provide more businesses and individuals with access to streamlined bankruptcy reorganization processes. The new limits take effect for all bankruptcy cases filed on or after the date the Act is signed into law.

This resolution designates August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week." It recognizes the vital role these markets play in supporting local economies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving community access to fresh, healthy food.

The Gateway Partnership Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in designated Park buildings. These agreements establish strict rules regarding scheduling, liability insurance, and event compatibility to protect the Park's resources and public access. The Foundation must pay fees to cover all associated costs, including wear and tear and administrative expenses incurred by the National Park Service.

The Supreme Court Ethics Act mandates that the Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference establish formal codes of conduct for all federal judges and justices. The bill creates an independent Ethics Investigations Counsel to oversee compliance, investigate potential violations, and issue annual public reports. Additionally, it requires Supreme Court justices to publicly disclose their reasoning when recusing themselves from a case or denying a motion for recusal.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

The Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026 overhauls the treatment of noncitizen children and families in federal custody by prioritizing family unity, humane living standards, and swift reunification. The legislation mandates legal representation for unaccompanied children, establishes independent oversight to ensure accountability, and strictly limits the use of detention facilities. By creating clear, enforceable protections and privacy safeguards, the bill aims to minimize trauma and ensure that the welfare of the child remains the central focus of the immigration process.

The Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create and maintain a public, user-friendly list of medications approved for pilots and air traffic controllers. This list will clearly inform current and prospective aviation personnel about medications they can safely use while holding or applying for a medical certificate. The FAA must consult with medical and stakeholder groups to develop and annually update this comprehensive resource, including both approved and prohibited drugs.

The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 establishes an independent United States Immigration Court system under Article I of the Constitution, effectively separating immigration adjudication from the executive branch. This new judicial body will consist of appellate and trial divisions, with judges appointed to 15-year terms to ensure impartiality and judicial independence. The Act provides for a structured transition of existing cases and personnel, while granting the courts authority over their own budget, staffing, and procedural rules.

The PROKID Act (Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention Act) establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsperson to provide rigorous oversight, monitoring, and investigation of the treatment of immigrant children in government custody. The legislation mandates comprehensive data collection, requires unobstructed access to detention facilities, and creates an expert advisory committee to ensure compliance with federal laws and child welfare standards. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the Act aims to protect the rights and well-being of immigrant children held in federal facilities.

The **Accreditation Reform and Enhanced Accountability Act of 2026** aims to improve the quality of higher education by strengthening the oversight of accrediting agencies and increasing institutional accountability for student outcomes. The bill grants the Secretary of Education greater authority to set student achievement benchmarks, mandates more rigorous accreditation reviews, and increases transparency through standardized public disclosures. Additionally, it implements stricter conflict-of-interest rules and establishes new protections for students, such as enhanced requirements for credit transfers and institutional teach-out plans.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act aims to lower drug costs by streamlining the biosimilar approval process. It limits the number of patents a reference product sponsor can assert in infringement litigation against biosimilar applicants, preventing the use of excessive patent litigation to delay market competition.

The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act requires large multinational companies to publicly disclose detailed financial and operational data for every tax jurisdiction in which they operate. By mandating country-by-country reporting, the bill aims to increase corporate transparency regarding tax payments, profits, and employee counts. This information must be filed with the SEC in a machine-readable format and made available to the public online.

The **Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act** ensures that higher education programs receiving federal funding provide genuine value and career readiness. The bill mandates that programs preparing students for licensed occupations must meet specific state qualification requirements and establishes strict debt-to-earnings standards to hold institutions accountable for student outcomes. Additionally, it strengthens oversight for distance education by requiring institutions to maintain proper state authorization for all students they serve.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

The Luxury JET Act prohibits the transfer of aircraft gifted by the Government of Qatar to the U.S. executive airlift fleet for the personal use of Presidents or their associates. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive Government Accountability Office review to investigate potential conflicts of interest, national security implications, and the full taxpayer cost associated with accepting these luxury aircraft.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act aims to close the opportunity gap by expanding access to rigorous academic programs for historically underrepresented students. The bill establishes a federal grant program to help schools implement universal screening and open enrollment policies, ensuring that all students ready for advanced coursework have the chance to succeed. By providing resources for teacher training, tutoring, and program expansion, the Act seeks to prepare more students for success in STEM fields and the global workforce.

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes federal minimum wage and fringe benefit standards for a wide range of service workers at small, medium, and large hub airports. By mandating that employers provide competitive compensation based on prevailing-wage methodologies, the bill aims to ensure fair pay for essential airport personnel. It also includes robust enforcement mechanisms, including monthly certification requirements and provisions for private civil actions to ensure compliance.