Legislative Activity

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

The Clean Elections Act establishes a "Democracy Dollars" program that provides eligible U.S. citizens with publicly funded vouchers to contribute to the federal candidates of their choice. By incentivizing small-dollar donations and setting strict contribution limits for participating candidates, the bill aims to increase voter engagement and reduce the influence of large private donations in federal elections.

The PROKID Act (Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention Act) establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsperson to provide rigorous oversight, monitoring, and investigation of the treatment of immigrant children in government custody. The legislation mandates comprehensive data collection, requires unobstructed access to detention facilities, and creates an expert advisory committee to ensure compliance with federal laws and child welfare standards. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the Act aims to protect the rights and well-being of immigrant children held in federal facilities.

The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 establishes an independent United States Immigration Court system under Article I of the Constitution, effectively separating immigration adjudication from the executive branch. This new judicial body will consist of appellate and trial divisions, with judges appointed to 15-year terms to ensure impartiality and judicial independence. The Act provides for a structured transition of existing cases and personnel, while granting the courts authority over their own budget, staffing, and procedural rules.

The COVID–19 Commuter Benefits Distribution Act allows employers to issue one-time, tax-inclusive payments to employees from unused commuter benefit accounts accumulated during the pandemic. This legislation provides a clear framework for distributing these funds without jeopardizing the tax-exempt status of future qualified transportation benefits.

This bill officially establishes the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area, incorporating fourteen counties in New York State into the national system. The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is designated as the local coordinating entity responsible for developing and submitting a management plan for the area. The Act authorizes federal financial assistance for the Heritage Area for a period of 15 years following its enactment.

The Secure and Accountable Military AI Act of 2026 establishes rigorous oversight for the Department of Defense's use of artificial intelligence, particularly in high-consequence applications like lethal targeting and autonomous weapons. It mandates strict safeguards, testing, and human accountability before any high-risk AI system can be deployed operationally. Furthermore, the bill requires contractors developing frontier AI models to report security incidents and concerning model behaviors to the DoD.

The Hate Crimes Commission Act of 2026 establishes a temporary United States Commission on Hate Crimes to investigate factors contributing to hate crimes, improve reporting, and recommend prevention strategies. The bill also mandates a Government Accountability Office audit of the FBI's hate crime data collection methods to enhance accuracy and reliability. This legislation aims to address the persistent challenges in accurately tracking and combating bias-motivated violence across the nation.

The MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act would repeal the existing prohibition on the Department of Defense (DoD) using its medical facilities and funds to provide abortion care. This action restores previous policy, allowing DoD medical resources to be used for abortion services without the current restrictions related to rape, incest, or life endangerment.

The Kenya Merritt Renewing our Promise to Address Chemical Toxicity Act of 2026, or the Renewing our PACT Act of 2026, establishes a presumption that certain diseases are work-related for federal employees exposed to toxic burn pits during overseas contingency operations. This act amends federal workers' compensation law to link the list of covered diseases to those already recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for service members. The goal is to ensure federal employees who suffered illness from toxic exposure receive appropriate compensation.

The Moms Matter Act establishes grant programs to improve maternal mental health equity and expand the specialized maternal mental and behavioral health care workforce. The first program funds community-based initiatives to provide integrated mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, prioritizing high-need areas. The second program supports training and diversifying providers specializing in maternal mental health, with a focus on recruiting from and serving underserved populations.

The Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act bans civilians from purchasing, owning, or possessing "enhanced body armor," defined as armor meeting or exceeding specific high-level ballistic resistance standards. This prohibition includes exceptions for government entities and covered law enforcement officers. Knowingly violating this ban is subject to fines and up to five years in prison.

The Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act expands tax benefits for the survivors of public safety officers. This legislation allows a broader group of beneficiaries, beyond just dependents, to exclude certain compensation from gross income. It also expands eligibility for survivor annuity benefits to include beneficiaries of the officer's life insurance or benefit plans.

The HUMBLE Presidents Act prohibits the use of a sitting President's name, image, likeness, or signature on federal property, assets, coins, and currency. This legislation aims to prevent the unilateral labeling or decoration of federal items by the current President. No federal funds can be used for these prohibited activities.

The Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026 aims to significantly reduce food insecurity among older adults and adults with disabilities through multiple avenues. It establishes new grant programs to fund local anti-hunger initiatives and modernizes federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP by streamlining applications and improving access. Furthermore, the bill expands eligibility for existing programs, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, to include adults with disabilities.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and mandates the withdrawal of troops unless military action is explicitly authorized by law. The measure preserves the right of the U.S. to defend against direct attacks and provide defensive support to allies.

This joint resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of a recent Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) action that withdrew guidance on unlawful negative option marketing practices. If passed, this measure would nullify the CFPB's withdrawal, effectively restoring the original regulatory stance on these marketing practices.

The **Voter Empowerment Act of 2026** is a comprehensive bill designed to modernize and secure federal elections by expanding voter access, improving registration processes, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. It mandates nationwide standards for online registration, early voting, and secure paper ballots, while also restoring voting rights for many citizens with past felony convictions. The Act further protects voters by prohibiting deceptive practices, voter caging, and partisan interference by election officials.

The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act of 2026 amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to prioritize the development of regional quantum innovation ecosystems. By fostering collaboration between federal agencies, industry, and academia, the bill aims to strengthen research, entrepreneurial capacity, and the adoption of quantum technologies across the country.

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act provides a framework for Puerto Rico to transition from its current block grant system to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This legislation ensures equitable access to nutrition assistance by adjusting food plan costs to reflect local economic conditions and establishing a structured, multi-year transition process.