Legislative Activity

This bill, the "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization," extends the existing rural community hospital demonstration program for an additional five years, making it a 20-year program. It also updates the criteria for an additional extension period to cover certain hospitals that join the program between late 2024 and early 2027.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month." It recognizes the critical role of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting rural communities. The bill highlights how these fuels reduce carbon emissions, lower consumer fuel prices, and decrease reliance on foreign energy sources.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative gold and silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and survivors, with designs selected in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges from the sale of these coins will be paid directly to the Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance.

The Keeping Deposits Local Act amends federal law to adjust how reciprocal deposits are treated for institutions, potentially encouraging local deposit retention. It modifies the definition of an "agent institution" based on its financial health rating. Furthermore, the bill mandates a study by the FDIC on the performance, usage, and risks associated with reciprocal deposits.

The Rural MOMS Act of 2026 aims to support maternity care in small rural hospitals. This bill amends Medicare rules to exclude beds used only for labor and delivery from the acute care inpatient bed count for Critical Access Hospitals. This change allows these vital rural facilities to maintain their special status while continuing to offer essential maternity services.

This bill supports designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by the agricultural industry and workforce. It also aims to continue reducing the stigma associated with mental illness in this vital sector.

This bill, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, makes two major changes: it allows for the year-round sale of E15 gasoline and reforms the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for small refineries. The RFS reform phases out existing small refinery exemptions starting in 2028, replacing them with a 75% compliance obligation reduction. The Act also directs the EPA to update fuel infrastructure rules for E15 distribution.

The Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act of 2026 mandates annual suicide prevention training for community care providers participating in the VA program. It requires the VA to create and maintain a public "Preferred Provider List" of all trained providers to help veterans access specialized care. The Secretary must also report annually to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of this new provider list.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 aims to combat sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional organized retail and supply chain theft. It achieves this by strengthening federal laws regarding money laundering and stolen property offenses, including lowering monetary thresholds for prosecution. Furthermore, the bill establishes a dedicated Center within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal, state, and local enforcement efforts against these criminal organizations.

This Act strengthens national security by expanding the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review of real estate transactions involving foreign adversaries. It specifically targets purchases of farmland and property near sensitive national security sites. The legislation introduces a presumption that such "elevated risk" transactions pose unresolvable risks, placing a high burden on CFIUS to prove otherwise. Furthermore, it mandates consideration of U.S. food security during transaction reviews and ensures state laws restricting foreign adversary land ownership remain in effect.

The Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2026 establishes clear regulatory oversight and mandatory labeling standards for both cell-cultivated protein products and plant-based alternative protein products. It revises the division of responsibilities between the USDA and FDA for overseeing these novel foods. The bill mandates prominent labeling requirements to ensure consumers clearly understand the origin of these products, whether grown from cells or derived from plants.

The Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026 expands the allowable uses for Byrne JAG Program and COPS grant funding. This legislation specifically directs funds toward critical areas such as officer recruitment and retention, acquiring advanced protective and forensic equipment, and bolstering digital crime-fighting capabilities. It also supports the enhancement of drone operations and improved victim services.

The Small Business Tax Cut Act increases the deduction for qualified business income from 20% to 23% for eligible taxpayers. It modifies the income limitations on this deduction and expands eligibility to include certain interest dividends from business development companies. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act significantly narrows the federal beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. This legislation limits reporting obligations exclusively to foreign individuals and foreign-connected companies. Furthermore, it mandates the deletion of all previously collected data pertaining to domestic persons and entities.

The ACCURATE Act establishes standards for the federal government's development, validation, and use of risk assessment tools related to natural hazards in criminal justice settings. It creates a Commission on Hazard Risk Assessment Tools within the Department of Commerce to identify current tools, develop quality standards, and recommend best practices for federal agencies. Agencies must incorporate these adopted standards when procuring or using private-sector hazard risk tools, with specific reporting requirements for exceptions.

This bill officially designates April 18, 2026, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day." It recognizes the vital contributions of linemen in maintaining critical energy infrastructure and serving as essential first responders during emergencies. The resolution expresses strong support for these brave men and women who work under dangerous conditions to keep communities safe and powered.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 significantly updates federal disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. It expands eligibility for emergency funding to cover a wider range of natural disasters, increases the federal cost-share rate to 90%, and introduces options for advance payments on conservation and restoration work. The bill also authorizes mandatory funding and streamlines application processing timelines.

The Every Dollar Counts Act of 2026 ensures that money spent out-of-pocket for prescription drugs counts toward an individual's health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, even if insurance benefits are not used for the purchase. This aims to provide financial relief and transparency for consumers. The bill also makes corresponding adjustments to how drug prices are calculated for Medicaid purposes.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 streamlines federal housing programs to better support tribal communities. The bill simplifies environmental review processes, expands homeownership and rental assistance opportunities, and reauthorizes critical funding through 2032. Additionally, it enhances tribal authority over housing management, improves access to loan guarantees, and establishes new support programs for homeless or at-risk Native American veterans.

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act aims to significantly upgrade the national NOAA Weather Radio network to ensure reliable, 24/7 hazard broadcasting, especially in areas lacking cellular or broadband service. It mandates modernization efforts to improve warning communication, expand coverage, and enhance resilience against emergencies. Furthermore, the bill establishes processes for developing national flash flood warning standards and requires comprehensive staffing assessments and plans for critical National Weather Service positions to ensure public safety missions are fully supported.