Legislative Activity

The Vote by Mail Tracking Act mandates that all mail-in ballot envelopes for federal elections starting in 2026 must include a U.S. Postal Service barcode for tracking. This ensures enhanced transparency and traceability for every mailed ballot. The bill also requires the Postal Service to provide necessary compliance information to election officials annually.

The No Flight, No Fight Act of 2026 restricts the air transportation of adult roosters to enhance aviation safety and combat illegal activities like cockfighting. The bill prohibits air carriers from knowingly transporting adult roosters as cargo, with an exemption for shipments related to certified commercial farms for legitimate agricultural purposes. Enforcement authority rests with the Secretary of Transportation, and violations are subject to civil penalties.

The Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act establishes a program to counter Iranian government censorship by providing technologies and support to help citizens access the open internet. It directs the Secretary of State to coordinate efforts, update strategies to ensure sanctions don't block access tools, and safeguard satellite coverage over Iran. The bill authorizes significant funding to support these initiatives, including cybersecurity training for Iranian civil society.

The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 expands federal efforts to protect migratory whales and other large cetaceans. This legislation mandates the creation of high-accuracy distribution maps for whale habitats and funds research into understudied species. It also establishes a competitive grant program to develop and deploy technologies that reduce harmful interactions between whales and ocean users, such as vessel strikes.

The ALS Better Care Act aims to improve care for individuals with ALS by establishing new Medicare coverage for essential ALS-related services starting in 2027. This includes creating a new, single payment system for providers delivering specialized care, such as therapy and nursing support. Additionally, the bill mandates a report to address current challenges in staffing and administering ALS clinical trials.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands critical federal programs to improve services and prevention for victims of domestic and dating violence through 2031. It significantly increases funding and broadens support, especially for Tribal communities and underserved populations, by allowing for culturally specific and digital services. Additionally, the bill enhances efforts to prevent teen dating violence through increased funding for broader educational programs.

The Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program to combat the shortage of qualified nursing faculty. This program awards grants to nursing schools specifically to supplement the salaries of eligible faculty members for up to three years. The goal is to enhance the recruitment and retention of faculty by bridging the gap between academic salaries and competitive clinical practice wages. Priority will be given to schools demonstrating the greatest need and those serving vulnerable populations.

The Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act mandates the creation of new federal safety standards to ensure bus drivers have a minimally obstructed forward-facing view. This requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish these standards within one year of enactment. Motorcoaches may meet this requirement through direct visibility or approved camera technology that enhances the driver's field of vision.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week, taking place from January 25 to January 31, 2026. It honors the significant contributions of Catholic schools nationwide, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence, diverse student populations, and values-based education. The bill supports the goals of this week, which is cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Stop SCAMS Act establishes a comprehensive, government-wide strategy to combat fraud and manipulation. It mandates key agencies like the FBI, CFPB, and FTC to standardize scam definitions, improve data collection, and report annually on scam complaints and financial losses. This legislation aims to better track the scope of scams and measure the effectiveness of federal anti-fraud training efforts.

The Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act establishes mandatory minimum health and safety standards for privatized military housing to combat hazardous conditions like mold. It institutes rigorous independent inspection protocols, requires standardized reporting on housing quality, and holds contractors financially accountable for remediation and tenant relocation costs. This legislation aims to improve habitability, protect service members' health, and enhance military readiness.

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 AIWISE Act directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop and publish free, publicly accessible educational resources and modules about artificial intelligence (AI) for small businesses. These materials must cover topics like how AI works, risk management, privacy, and best practices for adoption. The SBA must ensure the content is accurate, current, and actionable, coordinating with experts and resource partners to support small business understanding and effective use of AI.

The Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act ensures that service-connected disability compensation received by veterans is excluded when calculating income for eligibility in certain federal housing programs. This change aims to increase access to affordable housing for disabled veterans. The bill also mandates a report to Congress reviewing how HUD currently treats this compensation across its programs.

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 ACE Agriculture Act permanently reauthorizes and expands the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) within the USDA. This legislation refocuses AGARDA's mission on high-risk research addressing long-term challenges like export competitiveness, sustainability, and climate resilience. It also authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these advanced agricultural research goals.

The Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act of 2026 mandates that state Medicaid programs cover whole genome and whole exome sequencing for children with specific medical conditions, effective January 1, 2027. This sequencing is to be covered as a first-tier diagnostic test for genetic disorders, rare diseases, or conditions of unknown origin. The bill also directs the HHS Secretary to promote awareness and address implementation challenges for this new mandatory benefit.

The PATH to Education Act establishes a new federal grant program to improve public transit access for students attending community colleges, technical schools, and Head Start programs. These grants will fund projects like adding new routes or increasing service frequency to better connect students with their educational institutions. Priority will be given to partnerships serving institutions with a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients.

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026 establishes a Department of Justice Task Force dedicated to combating anti-Sikh hate and discrimination. This Task Force is charged with formally defining anti-Sikh hate, developing educational programs for law enforcement and schools, and collaborating with the Sikh community. The bill mandates annual reporting to Congress on hate crimes, legal actions, and ongoing threats against Sikhs.

The Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems, and Initiatives for Sepsis Act (SEPSIS Act) establishes a new federal sepsis program within the CDC to combat the high rates of sepsis-related illness and death. This program will focus on leading education campaigns, improving data collection, and developing outcome measures for sepsis. The bill also authorizes funding to support these critical efforts and may establish a voluntary recognition program for hospitals with effective sepsis protocols.