Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities within or against Cuba. It asserts Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers, noting that no formal declaration or statutory authorization for such military action currently exists. The bill ensures that any ongoing military engagement in the region must be explicitly authorized by Congress, while maintaining the right to self-defense and lawful counternarcotics operations.

The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act aims to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income individuals by establishing an alternative maximum tax rate based on cost-of-living exemptions. To offset these reductions, the bill introduces a progressive tax surcharge on high-income earners. These changes are slated to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure home care workers receive essential minimum wage and overtime protections. By narrowing existing exemptions, the bill clarifies that these labor standards apply to professional caregivers, distinguishing them from casual, non-professional babysitting services.

The Tariff Refunds for Working Families Act proposes using revenue from specific foreign import tariffs to provide direct tax relief to eligible households. The bill establishes a refundable tax credit of $600 per adult and qualifying child, with advance payments scheduled to begin in 2025. This initiative aims to support working families through income-based tax credits while ensuring the funds are distributed efficiently to residents across the U.S. and its territories.

The Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act mandates that executives and controlling stakeholders of large failed banks (with assets over $10 billion) return up to three years of compensation to the FDIC. This legislation ensures accountability by requiring recovered funds to be deposited into the Deposit Insurance Fund. Additionally, it clarifies the FDIC's authority to oversee the orderly liquidation of failed financial companies.

The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act aims to increase competition in the meat industry by breaking up large, multi-category, and foreign-controlled meatpacking conglomerates. The legislation directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce divestitures, limit market concentration, and prevent unfair pricing practices. Additionally, it establishes support programs to help farmers' cooperatives and small businesses acquire meatpacking assets, ultimately seeking to lower consumer prices and empower independent producers.

The Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026 establishes new federal criminal penalties for robberies, thefts, and assaults targeting ATM users, service personnel, and the machines themselves. Additionally, the bill strengthens existing bank robbery laws by clarifying the definition of force and explicitly criminalizing conspiracies to commit bank robbery.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

The Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026 increases financial support for veterans pursuing apprenticeships and on-the-job training by boosting monthly housing and educational stipends. The bill also removes specific attendance requirements for veterans entering the construction industry, making it easier for them to utilize their earned benefits while gaining hands-on career experience.

The Highway Formula Fairness Act establishes a new framework for distributing federal highway funds to states beginning in fiscal year 2027. This legislation ensures a more equitable allocation by guaranteeing that each state receives at least 95 percent of its proportional contribution to the Highway Trust Fund.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates the inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation on veterans' benefits within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) preseparation counseling. This legislation ensures service members receive expert guidance on navigating VA benefits with the support of recognized veterans service organizations. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements to track participation and ensure the program's ongoing effectiveness.

The Respect for Local Communities Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to obtain formal consent from local government officials and state leadership before acquiring, building, or modifying any immigration processing site or detention center. The bill mandates comprehensive impact assessments, public notice periods, and economic reviews to ensure transparency and local oversight. Ultimately, federal agencies are prohibited from proceeding with such projects without a signed agreement from the affected local jurisdiction.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick time, accruing at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. This protected leave can be used for the employee's or a family member's illness, medical care, or for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for using or requesting this time and mandates clear notice requirements regarding these new rights.

The Small Business Investor Capital Access Act modifies the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to raise the assets under management threshold for certain small business investment advisers from $\$150$ million to $\$175$ million, potentially exempting more small advisers from SEC registration. Furthermore, this legislation mandates that the SEC adjust this threshold every five years to account for inflation.

The Accelerating Reliable Capacity Act of 2026 establishes a program to provide cost certainty for large, advanced nuclear energy projects that secure federal loan guarantees. This program creates a dedicated account to cover eligible project cost overruns above 120% of the base estimate, up to a specified maximum payment per project. Additionally, the bill enhances financing terms for these qualifying projects and amends existing law to exempt certain utility and military-affiliated nuclear projects from "double benefit" restrictions.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson, Arizona, shooting. It honors the six individuals who lost their lives and recognizes the survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution reaffirms the importance of civility in democracy and Congress's dedication to preventing gun violence.