Legislative Activity

The Growing Reputable Academic Departments (GRAD) Act expands eligibility for existing federal grant programs benefiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). This expansion specifically targets institutions offering qualified master's degree programs. The bill also updates the formula for distributing leftover funds within these grant programs.

The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 mandates the Department of Transportation to establish new federal safety standards requiring comprehensive front, rear, and side underride protection systems on all new commercial motor vehicles. These standards must ensure guards prevent passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users from sliding under trucks in crashes up to 40 mph. The bill also reconvenes an advisory committee, funds new research studies, and requires the creation of a public website dedicated to underride crash information.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 authorizes a \$24.44 billion budget for NASA in fiscal year 2026, prioritizing exploration, science, and space operations. It directs the agency's focus toward continuing the Artemis Moon program through commercial partnerships and planning for the transition from the International Space Station to commercial space stations. Furthermore, the bill supports research in aeronautics, strengthens STEM education funding distribution, and updates key agency policies regarding cost management and workforce development.

The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act establishes minimum standards for health screening, nutrition, sanitation, and shelter for individuals detained by ICE and CBP. This bill mandates specific protocols for medical care, facility conditions, and personnel training to ensure humane treatment. It also requires regular inspections and public reporting on compliance and sexual abuse complaints.

The Opportunities in Organic Act renames and significantly expands the existing organic certification cost-share program. This new program will provide financial assistance for organic certification costs, while also offering crucial support and technical assistance for farmers transitioning to organic management. The bill directs funding to eligible nonprofits to build capacity, offer direct producer support during transition, and strengthen the organic supply chain. Finally, it mandates increased reporting to Congress on program outcomes and barriers faced by participants.

The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program, administered by the Attorney General, to fund essential library services for incarcerated individuals. These grants aim to reduce recidivism and boost reintegration efforts by supporting education, job training, and access to modern library materials. States and territories can apply for these renewable, multi-year grants, which must be used strictly for library-related activities and cannot charge inmates for access to resources.

This resolution seeks to disapprove the Department of Veterans Affairs' final rule concerning "Reproductive Health Services" issued in September 2024. If enacted, this disapproval, made under the Congressional Review Act, would prevent the VA rule from taking legal effect.

This bill mandates the President to withdraw all United States Armed Forces from Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has formally declared war or passed specific legislation authorizing the use of military force in that country.

The Buying American Cotton Act of 2026 establishes the Domestic Cotton Consumption Credit to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton in products sold domestically. This new business tax credit is calculated based on the volume of U.S. cotton used, the market price, and where the product was processed. The bill mandates digital tracing to verify the supply chain and offers significantly increased credit multipliers for products containing U.S.-made cotton yarn or fabric.

This bill aims to end immigration detention and electronic monitoring by abolishing detention authority and terminating related contracts within a set timeframe. It mandates the release of all currently detained individuals and prohibits future use of federal funds for monitoring programs. Finally, the legislation redirects funding toward a new grant program providing voluntary, comprehensive wrap-around social services through community-based organizations.

The Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies translate critical gun violence prevention materials into priority languages. It prioritizes federal grant funding for efforts that include targeted outreach to limited English proficient populations. The Act also establishes national public awareness campaigns by the DOJ and HHS specifically designed to increase language access to prevention strategies like Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2026 establishes new federal requirements for the sale and transfer of ammunition. This includes mandating federal licensing for all ammunition dealers and requiring all sales to be conducted face-to-face with ID verification. The bill also institutes recordkeeping for large-quantity sales and restricts interstate ammunition shipments that violate local laws.

The No Delay in Representation Act ensures that individuals elected to the House of Representatives through special elections are seated promptly. It mandates that these new members must be given the opportunity to take the oath of office within five legislative days of their election certification. This act aims to prevent delays in representation for newly elected members.

The DHS Use of Force Oversight Act establishes a comprehensive, department-wide policy for the use of force by all DHS law enforcement personnel. This policy mandates de-escalation as the preferred approach, prohibits chokeholds, and requires extensive training. Furthermore, the bill mandates regular public reporting of use-of-force data and requires timely briefings to Congress following serious incidents.

The Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies address bias and discrimination in automated systems that materially affect individuals based on protected characteristics. This requires covered agencies to establish specialized civil rights offices focused on algorithmic harms. These offices must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing risks, mitigation efforts, stakeholder engagement, and legislative recommendations regarding biased algorithms.

This resolution initiates impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge her with willfully refusing to comply with Congressional oversight laws and violating the Impoundment Control Act by improperly withholding funds. Further articles allege she directed widespread misconduct by ICE agents that violated federal law and constitutional rights, and misused taxpayer funds for personal gain through improper contracting.

This resolution expresses strong support for the Iranian people protesting for freedom, democracy, and basic human rights against the repressive Islamic Republic. It condemns the regime's brutal crackdown on demonstrators and demands an end to violence and the release of political prisoners. Furthermore, it urges the U.S. government to work with allies to deter further lethal violence against protesters.

This resolution recognizes and honors Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, on its 113th anniversary. It celebrates the sorority's founding by 22 women at Howard University and commends its legacy of service through its Five-Point Program Thrust. The bill further acknowledges the organization's vast global impact and commitment to democratic participation and humanitarian efforts.

This bill prohibits the use of any federal funds to support, finance, or insure Venezuela's oil and petroleum infrastructure. It ensures taxpayer money is not used to aid the development or expansion of the Venezuelan oil sector. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must submit an annual report to Congress detailing compliance with this prohibition.