Legislative Activity

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois. The building will now be known as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. Post Office Building." This designation requires all future official federal references to use the new name.

The **Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act of 2026** ensures transparency and accountability by preventing the Department of Defense from using administrative reclassifications to obscure the human cost of war or deny service members their earned benefits. The bill mandates that casualty records remain accurate and permanent, regardless of changes to an operation's name or status. Additionally, it requires the restoration of records and benefits for personnel affected by recent reclassifications related to Operation Epic Fury.

The Children's Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the risks, educational impacts, and ethical concerns surrounding AI-enabled toys for children. Additionally, the bill requires the FTC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop a joint action plan to establish safety standards, marketing regulations, and consumer protections for these products.

The Youth Poisoning Protection Act bans the sale of consumer products containing 10% or more sodium nitrite by weight to prevent accidental or intentional poisoning. This legislation classifies such high-concentration products as banned hazardous substances under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The ban includes specific exemptions for industrial use, as well as regulated food, drug, and cosmetic products.

The Countering Gray-zone Aggression by the People’s Republic of China Act mandates the development of a comprehensive U.S. strategy to monitor, expose, and counter coercive tactics used by the PRC that fall short of open warfare. The bill establishes an interagency task force to coordinate these efforts, enhance intelligence sharing with allies, and provide regular public reporting on PRC activities. Its primary goal is to deter regional aggression and strengthen the resilience of U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific.

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 Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2026 mandates that all new single-family homes and townhouses built with federal financial assistance include at least one floor designed to be accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities. By requiring "visitability" standards—such as step-free entrances and accessible bathrooms—the Act ensures that new federally-funded housing is inclusive and usable for all. The legislation includes robust enforcement mechanisms, allowing for both government oversight and private legal action to ensure compliance with these accessibility requirements.

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 All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Reauthorization Act establishes a competitive grant program to help transit agencies modernize legacy rail systems built before 1990. By funding critical infrastructure upgrades, the bill ensures that older stations meet modern Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. This initiative aims to improve accessibility, service equity, and the overall passenger experience for individuals with disabilities.

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) Codification Act formally establishes the ITS as a dedicated laboratory within the Department of Commerce to conduct essential research on radio frequency emissions and electromagnetic spectrum sharing. The bill mandates that the institute serve as a federal test center to improve spectrum efficiency and interference tolerance. Additionally, it creates an initiative to develop advanced emergency communication and tracking technologies for locating individuals in confined or shielded environments.

This resolution honors the 27th anniversary of the landmark *Olmstead v. L.C.* Supreme Court decision, which affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate. It strongly condemns a recent Department of Justice opinion that rejects this fundamental community integration mandate. The resolution calls for the immediate rescission of that flawed opinion and urges Congress to increase funding for home- and community-based services.

The Blair Holt Firearm Owner Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2026 establishes a federal licensing program for handgun and semiautomatic rifle owners, requiring background checks and mental health disclosures. The bill mandates that all private firearm transfers be processed through licensed dealers and creates a centralized federal system for recording firearm sales. Additionally, it introduces stricter requirements for reporting lost or stolen weapons, mandates safe storage practices, and authorizes new research into firearm-related injuries.

The South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive U.S. policy to protect freedom of navigation and counter unilateral territorial claims in the region. The Act mandates that the Secretary of State develop and implement a strategic diplomatic engagement plan to strengthen cooperation with regional allies and partners. Additionally, it requires the identification of necessary resources and regular reporting to Congress to ensure a coordinated, long-term approach to regional stability.

This bill, the Maternal Health for Veterans Act, establishes a comprehensive maternity care coordination program within the VA. The program will provide coordinated care for eligible veterans from the start of pregnancy through 12 months postpartum. It also mandates training for community providers and requires detailed annual reports to Congress on maternal health outcomes, including mortality and severe morbidity data.

The Strategy for Crisis Management Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Defense to develop a comprehensive crisis management strategy for the South China Sea. This strategy must include detailed crisis playbooks for likely flashpoints, outlining sequenced response options and interagency coordination plans. The goal is to deter Chinese provocation, ensure safety, protect U.S. interests, and manage potential escalation while maintaining strategic stability.

The Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to help states and localities implement confidential mental health screenings and referral services for corrections officers. The bill also requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a similar internal program for its officers. Furthermore, it establishes an Advisory Board to oversee these efforts and mandates safe harbor protections so officers seeking treatment do not face adverse employment actions.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to disapprove a rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. By nullifying the Bureau's attempt to withdraw its previous guidance, the resolution ensures that "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-07: Reasonable Investigation of Consumer Reporting Disputes" remains in full effect.

The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act of 2026 eliminates copayments for a wide range of preventive health services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation expands the definition of covered preventive care to include essential screenings, immunizations, and specialized services for women, veterans, and their families. These changes ensure that cost is no longer a barrier to accessing critical, evidence-based health maintenance.

The VA Appraisal Modernization Act aims to improve the efficiency of the VA home loan process by establishing a standardized, annually adjusted base appraisal fee. The bill mandates higher compensation and mileage reimbursement for appraisers working in high-demand or remote areas to address current staffing shortages. Additionally, it requires the VA to study and report on the impact of these changes to ensure program effectiveness and oversight.

The Guardianship Bill of Rights Act of 2026 aims to establish and enforce national standards that protect the fundamental rights of older adults and people with disabilities under guardianship or other protective arrangements. The bill creates a council to develop these rights and mandates the development of standards prioritizing less restrictive alternatives like supported decisionmaking. Furthermore, it establishes a federal grant program to empower protection and advocacy systems to oversee and monitor these arrangements.