Legislative Activity

The "Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act" authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women in the United States, seeking guidance from varied sources. The Act mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. policy by imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign persons and financial institutions that support Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, drone, and terrorist activities. The bill specifically targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to cut off funding for these malign programs. Additionally, it expands the State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program to incentivize the reporting of individuals who evade these sanctions.

This resolution formally honors the life and enduring legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Louis Burns Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, including his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his founding of Operation PUSH. The bill specifically urges the President to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in his memory.

The Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026 amends the Fair Housing Act to establish survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking as a protected class. This makes it illegal to discriminate against these individuals in housing transactions, including rentals, sales, and financing. The bill aims to ensure survivors can secure and maintain safe housing free from further victimization.

This resolution honors the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his pivotal role as a civil rights leader, his groundbreaking political campaigns, and his global advocacy for human rights and equality. The measure encourages all Americans to continue his work by moving forward with hope rather than fear and division.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital historical significance and contributions of Black history museums and cultural institutions across the United States. It affirms that these essential pillars correct historical omissions by preserving irreplaceable records and telling a full, accurate American story. The bill encourages federal agencies and the public to support these institutions, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

The RELIEF Act establishes a mandatory refund process for certain tariffs collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection starting January 1, 2025, specifically those imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This legislation requires the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to automatically issue refunds to importers within 90 days of enactment. Importers will receive these refunds without needing to file an application or protest.

This resolution officially recognizes Black History Month and adopts "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the theme for 2026. It honors the contributions of Black Americans by establishing categories for "Unsung Souls" and "Righteous Intercessors." Ultimately, the bill affirms that Black history commemorations are essential for a complete national narrative and inspiring future progress toward liberty and justice for all.

This bill authorizes the Pride flag to be displayed at all units of the National Park System. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that the Pride flag should be restored and prominently displayed at the Stonewall National Monument in New York.

The Ceasefire Compliance Act of 2026 establishes U.S. policy to uphold the October 2025 ceasefire and peace plan in Gaza while prohibiting the transfer of U.S. defense articles to Israel for use in Gaza or the West Bank unless specific humanitarian and diplomatic conditions are met. The bill mandates regular reporting to Congress to certify Israel's compliance with these requirements and establishes an end-use monitoring group to track the deployment of U.S.-provided weapons. While restricting offensive arms transfers, the Act preserves U.S. support for Israeli missile defense systems and ongoing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The RELIEF Act mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection refund all tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act since January 1, 2025. These refunds will be processed automatically for importers of record without the need for a formal application or protest. The agency is required to complete all disbursements within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

The Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the pioneering Pittsburgh-based service that established the model for modern emergency medical care. As the nation’s first paramedic program, Freedom House revolutionized life-saving techniques while providing vital job training to the Black community. This legislation awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the service to commemorate its enduring contributions to both medical innovation and civil rights.

The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026 establishes a federal process for issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a danger from possessing firearms. The bill allows family members or law enforcement to petition federal courts for temporary or long-term orders based on evidence of imminent risk of harm. Furthermore, it creates a federal grant program to incentivize and support states and tribes in implementing their own qualifying ERPO laws. Finally, it mandates that individuals subject to these federal orders surrender their firearms and ensures these orders are recognized across state lines.

The Secure Firearm Storage and Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 aims to reduce firearm-related injuries and suicides, particularly among youth. It directs the Secretary of Education to develop national best practices for secure firearm storage and suicide prevention education. Local educational agencies must then create and distribute tailored guidance incorporating these federal standards to students and parents annually.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

This Act mandates the U.S. Secretary of State to ensure and report on sufficient food assistance for all civilians in Gaza. It requires certification within 30 days that policies are in place to guarantee children receive three nutritious meals daily and other civilians receive two. The Secretary must also submit detailed oversight procedures and publicly report on food distribution efforts, including prompt notification to Congress of any aid interference.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family health needs, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act prohibits employer retaliation for using this leave and ensures existing, more generous leave policies are not diminished.

Jaime's Law aims to improve the background check system by requiring licensed dealers to conduct background checks for most private ammunition transfers. This legislation makes it illegal for unlicensed individuals to transfer ammunition unless a licensed dealer first processes the transaction. The Act includes specific exceptions, such as transfers between immediate family members or for law enforcement use.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility at 4431 Main Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Dr. Constance 'Connie' E. Clayton Post Office." The legislation ensures that all federal records and documents will henceforth refer to the location by its new name.

The United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2026 comprehensively repeals major U.S. sanctions laws against Cuba, effectively normalizing trade relations. This legislation removes restrictions on travel, exports, and financial remittances between the two nations. It also establishes a framework for the President to negotiate property claims and human rights protections with the Cuban government. The Act aims to promote democratic change in Cuba through the extension of nondiscriminatory trade treatment.