Legislative Activity

The Sectoral AI Governance Act of 2026 grants federal agencies the authority to issue rules regulating algorithmic decision-making systems that are likely to materially contribute to violations of the federal laws they oversee. This framework mandates public input, interagency coordination, and periodic review to ensure rules are consistent, technically sound, and mitigate harm. Agencies must also report biennially to Congress on their rulemaking activities and enforcement actions related to these systems.

The CREATOR Act establishes a new federal intellectual property right for visual artists against the unauthorized commercial use of "stylistic impersonations" of their work, primarily generated by AI. This right protects an artist's distinctive visual characteristics when deliberately copied in a way that could mislead the public or affect the artist's market. The Act carefully carves out exceptions for general artistic influence, commentary, parody, and the use of general-purpose AI systems without intentional targeting.

The American High-Speed Rail Act significantly expands federal support for high-speed and higher-speed rail development by increasing funding limits, broadening eligibility for public-private partnerships, and establishing new planning and safety requirements. The bill authorizes substantial funding through 2031 for corridor development and planning, while also creating pathways for acquiring necessary right-of-way property and ensuring labor protections on federally-funded infrastructure. It also refines definitions, setting the threshold for true "high-speed rail" at 186 mph or more, and introduces a new category for "higher-speed rail."

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month. The bill aims to raise public understanding of these rare, debilitating neurodegenerative disorders. It also supports increased research efforts to find treatments and cures for PSP and CBD.

This Act prohibits a sitting President from filing civil lawsuits against the United States. It also voids the settlement agreement in the specific case of *Trump v. Internal Revenue Service*. Furthermore, the bill bans the use of federal funds to establish any compensation fund to settle civil actions brought by a President or former President against the U.S.

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.

This bill nullifies a specific decision and order from the Endangered Species Committee regarding certain oil and gas activities. It also imposes a three-year ban on the Committee issuing new exemptions for these activities under the Endangered Species Act. Importantly, all pre-existing Endangered Species Act requirements remain fully in effect for these activities.

The SLUSH FUND Act of 2026 imposes a 100% tax on certain settlement payments received by former Presidents, their families, and related entities from funds originating from civil actions against the United States. This new tax is treated separately from standard income tax and cannot be deducted. The Act also mandates strict reporting requirements for those making these payments, with penalties for non-compliance.

The Restoring Overtime Pay Act of 2026 significantly updates overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act. It establishes a phased-in, rising minimum salary threshold for executive, administrative, and professional employees to qualify for overtime exemption, eventually tying it to national earnings data. Additionally, the bill tightens the "duties test," reducing the amount of non-exempt work an employee can perform while remaining exempt from overtime pay. These changes aim to restore overtime eligibility to more salaried workers.

The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It authorizes significant funding for enhanced data collection, surveillance, and research across various CDC programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates public data disclosure, requires public health communication campaigns, and establishes a task force to develop federal recommendations for ensuring safe, respectful, and equitable maternity care during crises.

The Supporting Women COPS Act of 2026 establishes a Department of Justice Task Force to develop recommendations for improving the hiring, retention, and advancement of women in law enforcement. This legislation incentivizes states to adopt these new standards by offering a 5% bonus payment on top of their existing federal law enforcement funding. The goal is to create fairer and more supportive career pathways for female officers nationwide.

This resolution condemns the devastating attacks on civilians in the Sudanese civil war and calls for an immediate end to external support fueling the conflict. It urges all parties to cease hostilities and demands robust international efforts to negotiate a settlement leading to civilian-led democratic governance. The bill emphasizes the urgent need to address the massive humanitarian crisis and hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable.

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act authorizes competitive grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and similar institutions for long-term facility improvements, technology upgrades, and infrastructure modernization. Priority for these grants will be given to institutions demonstrating the greatest need, limited fundraising ability, and high percentages of Pell Grant recipients. The bill also mandates immediate forgiveness for certain outstanding balances on existing HBCU Capital Financing Program loans. Finally, it requires comprehensive reporting and studies to assess the program's impact and future funding needs.

The YALI Act of 2025 formally establishes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative to invest in emerging African leaders across sub-Saharan Africa. This legislation mandates the creation of professional development, training, and networking opportunities focused on business, civic engagement, and public administration. The bill specifically supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship and requires the establishment of regional leadership centers and online networks to foster ongoing engagement and U.S.-Africa ties.

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.

The Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026 officially establishes its name and immediately repeals Executive Order 14399. This action cancels any existing contracts made under that order and prohibits the use of agency funds to support its related activities.

The No Funds for Iran War Act prohibits the use of federal funds for military action in or against Iran through the end of 2026. This ban remains in effect unless Congress formally declares war or passes a specific authorization for military force. Exceptions are made only for actions consistent with the War Powers Resolution or necessary self-defense against an imminent attack.

This bill officially designates May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It calls for nationwide recognition and celebration of the significant contributions, achievements, and history of these communities to the United States. The measure emphasizes that these communities enhance the nation's diversity and strength.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for artificial intelligence chatbots, focusing on protecting minors. It mandates that companies implement reasonable age verification processes for all users and strictly prohibits minors from accessing "AI companions" designed for emotional interaction. The bill also creates criminal penalties for designing chatbots that solicit minors for explicit conduct or promote self-harm and violence, alongside imposing strict data security and disclosure requirements on covered entities.