Legislative Activity

The Common Cents Act mandates the end of one-cent coin production for general circulation while authorizing the Treasury to modernize the composition of five-cent coins. To facilitate this transition, the bill establishes voluntary guidelines for rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. Additionally, it requires the Federal Reserve to develop a strategic plan to ensure coin distribution stability and mandates new congressional oversight procedures for the future discontinuation of any circulating coin.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

This bill establishes the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, aiming to formally recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a distinct occupational category for them in the federal classification system. The legislation also authorizes significant federal grants to states to establish or expand paid family and medical leave programs. If a separate DSP classification is not created, a report explaining the decision must be submitted to Congress.

The Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026 establishes a federally funded right to legal counsel for individuals in immigration proceedings who cannot afford a lawyer. The bill creates an independent, nonprofit Office of Immigration Representation to manage and provide these legal services, ensuring high-quality defense through a national network of public and community defenders. Additionally, it mandates a sustainable funding formula tied to immigration enforcement budgets to ensure long-term access to representation.

The Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act establishes a dedicated Office of the Farm and Food System Workforce within the USDA to improve worker access to federal programs and resources. This office will coordinate across federal agencies, integrate worker perspectives through a new Advisory Committee, and provide recommendations to address the unique economic, health, and safety needs of the agricultural workforce.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By investing in social determinants of health, expanding nutritional support, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection, the bill seeks to provide holistic, equitable care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also addresses critical gaps in maternal health for veterans, incarcerated individuals, and those impacted by climate change and public health emergencies.

This bill officially designates the United States Chancery building in Pristina, Kosovo, as the "Eliot L. Engel Building." It further mandates that all official government documents, maps, and records reflect this new name.

The HCBS Access Act transforms home and community-based services into a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring older adults and people with disabilities can receive long-term care in their own homes rather than institutions. The legislation provides significant federal funding to eliminate waiting lists, strengthen the direct care workforce, and offer critical support to unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, it establishes new national standards for workforce data, career development, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, accessible care nationwide.

The Voice for Farm Workers Act strengthens support for the agricultural workforce by expanding the role and resources of the Department of Agriculture’s Farmworker Coordinator. This legislation authorizes additional staffing and broadens outreach partnerships to improve research, job training, and access to federal programs through 2031. By formalizing these duties, the bill aims to enhance program effectiveness and ensure farmworkers’ needs are better integrated into national agricultural policy.

The VITAL Act aims to address the critical shortage of affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities and older adults. By significantly increasing low-income housing tax credits and establishing new allocation requirements for states, the bill incentivizes the construction of inclusive, transit-accessible homes. These measures are designed to help individuals remain independent and integrated within their communities.

The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act mandates regular, updated threat analyses and strategic planning to strengthen security along the U.S.-Canada border. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish new performance measures for air and marine operations and provide periodic classified briefings to Congress. The bill is designed to be implemented using existing departmental budgets without additional federal funding.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 provides a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $10,000 for seniors aged 60 and older to offset the costs of making accessibility-related home improvements. This legislation aims to help older Americans live safely and independently by covering expenses for modifications such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and bathroom safety upgrades. The credit is subject to income-based phase-outs and is designed to support aging in place.

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the control of the invasive spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative. This legislation authorizes federal grants to develop effective tools and treatments to combat the pest while extending the program's funding authorization through 2028.

This bill mandates gender-neutral standards for all occupational specialties and assignments across the U.S. Armed Forces, prohibiting gender-based exclusions. It establishes rigorous, science-based performance requirements and increases transparency through enhanced annual reporting and congressional oversight. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Defense to provide Congress with comprehensive, unredacted reviews regarding the operational effectiveness of ground combat units.

The ASSET Act aims to improve financial security for low-income families by eliminating restrictive asset limits in key public assistance programs, including TANF, SNAP, and LIHEAP. By removing these barriers, the bill allows families to build savings without risking their eligibility for essential support. Additionally, the Act significantly raises and indexes resource limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to keep pace with inflation.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act expands and standardizes paid family and medical leave across the federal government. This legislation increases leave flexibility for birth, adoption, and caregiving, while extending comprehensive coverage to congressional, postal, and District of Columbia court employees. By aligning these benefits, the bill ensures that a broader range of federal workers have access to consistent, paid leave for serious health and family needs.

The Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act empowers workers aged 50 and older to move employer-contributed 401(k) funds into individual retirement annuities while still employed. Additionally, the bill establishes a clear, plain-language safe harbor for plan administrators to ensure employees better understand their distribution and rollover options.

This resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day," honoring the historical significance of the end of slavery in the United States. It celebrates the resilience of African Americans and encourages nationwide reflection on the history and heritage that have shaped our democracy.