Legislative Activity

The Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act of 2026 mandates that FEMA update its criteria for evaluating federal disaster assistance requests to ensure a more standardized and transparent scoring process. By assigning specific weights to factors like localized economic impact, trauma, and infrastructure costs, the bill aims to create a more equitable distribution of aid. These new rules will apply to disaster declarations requested by states since 2012.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were subsequently ruled unlawful. The bill prioritizes small businesses in the refund process and requires that larger entities pass these savings on to their customers. All refunds must be processed within 180 days of enactment, with regular progress reports provided to Congress.

This resolution marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It condemns Russia's ongoing aggression, including attacks on civilians and the forced abduction of children. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for robust, sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's long-term defense and stability.

The American Homeownership Act aims to increase housing affordability by restricting tax incentives for large-scale corporate investors and prohibiting federal agencies from financing their real estate acquisitions. The bill redirects savings from these tax changes to fund affordable housing construction and provide down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. Additionally, it strengthens antitrust oversight to prevent excessive market concentration in the residential real estate sector.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick time, accruing at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. This protected leave can be used for the employee's or a family member's illness, medical care, or for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for using or requesting this time and mandates clear notice requirements regarding these new rights.

The FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 establishes an independent expert panel to conduct a comprehensive review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Safety Management System (SMS). This panel will assess the SMS's effectiveness, compliance, and integration across the agency. The FAA Administrator is required to act on the panel's findings and report progress on implementation to Congress.

The Stop Corporate Inversions Act of 2026 amends tax law to prevent U.S. companies from avoiding domestic taxation by relocating their headquarters overseas. It tightens the definition of an "inverted corporation" by lowering the ownership threshold and establishing new criteria based on where management, control, and business activities are located. This legislation ensures that corporations maintaining significant U.S. operations and shareholder ties are treated as domestic entities for tax purposes.

The American Business for American Companies Act of 2026 prohibits the U.S. government from awarding contracts to "inverted domestic corporations"—companies that relocate overseas but maintain significant U.S. management and business activity. This legislation also imposes restrictions on large prime contractors awarding subcontracts to these prohibited entities. Exceptions exist for national security or critical public health program needs, subject to congressional notification.

The Predatory Lending Elimination Act amends federal law to apply the Military Lending Act's 36% interest rate cap (MAPR) to most consumer credit transactions. This new restriction generally excludes residential mortgages and specific auto loans, while preserving stronger state consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is tasked with issuing implementing rules within one year.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson, Arizona, shooting. It honors the six individuals who lost their lives and recognizes the survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution reaffirms the importance of civility in democracy and Congress's dedication to preventing gun violence.

The Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of key Mississippian culture sites in Illinois, known as the "Study Area." This study must evaluate the national importance of these sites and determine the feasibility of including them in the National Park System. The Secretary must also consider alternative preservation and interpretation methods and submit a final report with recommendations to Congress within three years of funding.

This resolution officially designates the week of February 2 through 6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week." It recognizes the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development. The measure aims to increase public awareness of the essential services school counselors provide despite often facing high student-to-counselor ratios.

The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 mandates the Department of Transportation to establish new federal safety standards requiring all new commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with comprehensive front, rear, and side underride protection systems. This legislation aims to drastically reduce preventable deaths and injuries from underride crashes involving passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users. The bill also reconvenes the Advisory Committee on Underride Protection and requires new studies and public reporting on crash data and prevention effectiveness.

The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026 establishes major federal funding streams, primarily through grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide. This legislation prioritizes improvements focused on health, safety, and energy efficiency, directing significant resources toward districts serving low-income students. The Act also mandates transparency through public reporting and requires local districts to develop long-term facility master plans.

The ABODE Act establishes a competitive grant program to fund the development or rehabilitation of highly energy-efficient and resilient affordable housing. Grants will be awarded to organizations to build or renovate homes for low-income households, prioritizing projects that reduce costs and increase accessibility. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will study the long-term savings generated by these improved housing standards.

The Sanctioning Harborers And Dodgers Of Western Sanctions Act of 2026 significantly tightens U.S. sanctions against Russia to cut off war funding by targeting its "shadow fleet" and entities evading oil price caps. The bill imposes penalties on foreign ports and individuals in countries like China and India that facilitate sanctioned Russian energy trade. Furthermore, it enhances U.S. sanctions enforcement capabilities and streamlines military assistance reporting to Ukraine.

This resolution supports designating 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer." It recognizes the vital and critical role women play in agriculture both in the United States and globally. The designation aims to honor their contributions to food systems and encourage future participation in the agricultural workforce.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized such military action. It asserts that no such authorization currently exists. The bill permits continued activities like intelligence sharing and assisting allies with necessary defensive measures against Iranian threats.

This resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet and honors its three decades of service to the U.S. Navy and its allies. It recognizes the aircraft's significant operational history, combat contributions, and the dedication of the personnel who fly and maintain it. The resolution also directs that a copy be sent to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, where the prototype is now displayed.