Legislative Activity

The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 prohibits credit reporting agencies from reporting negative credit information related to federal workers during a government shutdown. This protection applies when there is a lapse in appropriations lasting over 24 hours and for 30 days after the lapse ends. Covered federal employees can request the removal of this adverse information from their credit reports free of charge during this period.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly concerning minors. It mandates that companies operating these AI systems implement rigorous age verification processes for all users. Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for designing AI that solicits minors into explicit conduct or promotes violence, and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with user protection and disclosure requirements.

This bill combines two major components: the **Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act**, which reforms and extends key surveillance authorities like Section 702 of FISA with new privacy protections and criminal penalties for misuse, and the **Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act**, which explicitly prohibits the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the public. In essence, the legislation tightens oversight on foreign intelligence gathering while blocking the creation of a government-controlled digital currency.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The TEACH Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and modifies the TEACH Grant Program, which provides financial aid to students who commit to teaching in high-need fields at low-income schools. The bill sets new grant amounts, revises academic eligibility standards, and strengthens counseling requirements for recipients. It also introduces penalties for institutions whose former grant recipients frequently fail to complete their required teaching service, leading to loan conversion.

This bill officially reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for an additional seven years, extending its operation until 2034. It also updates the mandatory recoupment timelines for when the government recovers insurance payments following a covered terrorist act.

This bill, the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, explicitly repeals Executive Order 14399, which attempted to regulate mail-in voting. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Postal Service, from using funds to create national voter/citizenship databases or interfere with state administration of absentee and mail-in ballots. The Act reaffirms that states, not the federal government, control federal election procedures.

The Drug Deal Disclosure Act mandates the public release of all federal government agreements with drug manufacturers concerning pricing, sales, and import conditions. This transparency requirement applies to specific existing deals and any future agreements made after enactment. The law strictly limits what information can be withheld, preventing redactions based on political embarrassment. Finally, it requires analyses from the CBO and GAO on the economic and budgetary effects of these disclosed deals.

This bill, the Ending the Carried Interest Loophole Act, fundamentally changes how partnership interests received as compensation—often by investment managers—are taxed. It redefines the valuation of these interests and introduces a new mechanism that generally requires the income to be treated as ordinary income rather than long-term capital gains. The legislation aims to eliminate preferential tax treatment for compensation derived from investment or asset development businesses.

The Stop CHEATERS Act aims to prevent tax avoidance by large corporations and high-income individuals. It provides significant, multi-year appropriations to the IRS for increased enforcement, improved taxpayer services, and technology modernization. Furthermore, the bill mandates regular reporting from the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General to Congress detailing efforts to audit high-earners and large businesses.

The Millionaires Surtax Act establishes an additional 10% tax on high-income individuals. This surcharge applies to modified adjusted gross income exceeding \$1 million for most filers, or \$2 million for married couples filing jointly, beginning in tax years after December 31, 2026. The calculation specifically excludes investment interest deductions and includes special rules for nonresident aliens and U.S. citizens living abroad.

The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act repeals federal tax incentives that encourage private donations to scholarship granting organizations. Specifically, it eliminates the tax credit for contributions and the exclusion of certain scholarship amounts from gross income. This legislation aims to redirect financial support toward public education systems.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to establish a committee to review and recommend updates to policies regarding the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions. The bill mandates regulatory updates to encourage aviation personnel to seek mental health care without fear of penalty. Furthermore, it allocates funding to enhance the FAA's capacity to process reviews and launches a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma within the industry.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 comprehensively updates federal housing laws for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. This bill aims to increase tribal flexibility in using technical assistance and procurement funds while streamlining environmental review requirements for housing projects. It also establishes new rental assistance programs for homeless veterans and creates pilot programs to address homelessness in tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. Finally, the Act reauthorizes key funding mechanisms and establishes a formal Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee within HUD.

The Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act establishes a dedicated Office of Novel Therapeutics to research, evaluate, and implement emerging mental health treatments for veterans. This office will develop national clinical standards, safety protocols, and training programs to prepare the VA for the potential adoption of innovative therapies, including FDA-reviewed psychedelic-assisted treatments. By creating a Clinical Implementation Program and designated Centers of Excellence, the bill ensures the VA is strategically prepared to provide veterans with safe, high-quality access to cutting-edge mental health care.

The Main Street Depositor Protection Act establishes a new federal insurance program for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts at community banks and credit unions. This legislation provides coverage for these accounts up to $5 million, separate from standard deposit insurance limits, to enhance financial stability for businesses and individuals. Small institutions are granted a 10-year exemption from special assessments to support this transition.

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of a new National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation ensures the monument’s site selection complies with specific federal location requirements while remaining subject to the broader planning and construction standards of the Commemorative Works Act.

The Gaining Meaningful Experiences from Service (GAMES) Act expands access to military adaptive sports programs for veterans. By removing the one-year post-separation application deadline, the bill ensures that more veterans can participate in these beneficial athletic programs regardless of how long they have been out of service.

The Carlton H. Ingram Veterans’ Benefits Protection Act ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs disregards the beneficial effects of medication or treatment when determining a veteran’s disability rating. By establishing a baseline based on the veteran's condition without such interventions, the bill aims to provide a more accurate assessment of service-connected disabilities. Additionally, it protects a veteran's right to seek compensation for new or aggravated conditions resulting from medical treatment.