Legislative Activity

The Lawful Hemp Protection Act establishes a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products to ensure consumer safety and industry accountability. The bill mandates strict age-gating, standardized manufacturing and labeling requirements, and FDA oversight to eliminate deceptive products. Additionally, it implements a federal tax and permit system for manufacturers and wholesalers while preserving the authority of states to enforce their own regulations.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the illegal use of xylazine by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for increased regulation and tracking of the substance. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to ease the transition for legitimate users, such as veterinarians and animal handlers. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines for xylazine-related offenses and mandates reports to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use. Finally, it will include xylazine in Arcos tracking.

Tyler's Law mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the frequency, cost, and impact of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Secretary must issue guidance on whether routine fentanyl testing should become standard practice for overdose patients. This guidance will also address staff training regarding existing drug test panels and the long-term health implications of such testing.

The American Franchise Act aims to protect the traditional franchise business model by clarifying the definition of a "joint employer." This legislation establishes that a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if it exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms of employment for a franchisee's workers. This change specifically targets liability risks associated with maintaining brand standards, ensuring franchisors are not automatically held responsible for local labor practices. The new standard applies prospectively to future legal proceedings.

The Ratepayer Protection Act establishes a new federal standard requiring electric utilities to ensure large industrial customers (100 MW or more) fully cover the costs of necessary infrastructure upgrades. This mandates that large-load customers provide financial assurances before construction begins, protecting existing ratepayers from bearing the risk of future contract terminations. States must consider and adopt this standard within two years, unless they have already implemented similar requirements.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' opposition to redesignating the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a national park and preserve. It advocates for maintaining the current designation to protect existing recreational access, preserve local partnerships, and prevent economic strain on surrounding communities.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It calls attention to the systemic racial and gender-based barriers contributing to this disparity and reaffirms a commitment to achieving true pay equity.

The Never Forget the Victims of Terrorism: Joseph D. Mistrulli and Alan Kleinberg USVSST Fund Solvency Act ensures the continued support of victims by authorizing the Treasury to loan $3 billion to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund annually from 2027 through 2029. These funds are mandated for immediate distribution to eligible claimants, providing a critical financial bridge for those affected by state-sponsored terrorism. The act establishes a clear repayment structure for these loans, utilizing future civil and criminal penalties collected from state sponsors of terrorism.

The EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025 extends critical breast health education initiatives through 2031 and bolsters the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. By streamlining grant requirements and increasing funding through 2030, this legislation aims to reduce health disparities, improve access to life-saving screenings, and enhance patient support services. Additionally, it mandates a GAO study to identify and address barriers to equitable cancer care.

The AADAPT Act expands access to specialized dementia care by authorizing grants for public and nonprofit health centers to integrate these services into their programs. Additionally, the bill extends federal funding authorization through 2031 to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of these critical health outcomes.

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding and support for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory through 2031. This legislation modernizes the management of cord blood supplies by prioritizing clinical utility, genetic diversity, and the use of the latest scientific standards. By streamlining inventory operations, the bill ensures that life-saving transplant resources remain accessible and effective for patients in need.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization extends federal funding and support for vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates national strategy requirements and enhances the capacity of regional centers and health departments to identify, prevent, and respond to tick-borne and other vector-borne illnesses.

The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 directs the FDA to update federal regulations by replacing references to "animal testing" with the broader term "nonclinical tests." This update ensures regulatory consistency with modern testing standards and includes a technical correction to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Protecting America’s Food Supply Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive federal assessment of the public health risks associated with imported food products. This legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publicly report on foreign facility safety records, inspection trends, and regulatory oversight. By increasing transparency, the Act ensures that imported food meets rigorous safety standards and aligns with established U.S. inspection mandates.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act restricts federal regulators from waiving bank concentration limits during mergers and acquisitions, allowing exceptions only when necessary to prevent severe economic instability and when no other qualified bids exist. The bill also mandates increased transparency by requiring regulators to provide Congress and the public with a detailed justification for any such waivers. Additionally, it prohibits the consideration of bids that would violate existing banking laws when determining the least costly resolution for a failing institution.

The FARM AI Act of 2026 aims to modernize the American agricultural sector by prioritizing artificial intelligence in Department of Agriculture research, extension, and workforce development programs. The bill establishes a new Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor to promote the adoption of AI technologies and coordinate the development of national standards for digital agriculture. These efforts are designed to improve farm productivity, enhance resource management, and expand economic opportunities for farmers across the country.

The "Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act" mandates that the Secretary of State develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The bill requires a structured transition plan to transfer UNRWA’s humanitarian services to alternative entities, ensuring continued aid while prioritizing transparency, accountability, and neutrality.

The "Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026" establishes a comprehensive national program to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in the United States by 2032. The bill mandates the creation of a federal strategy, an advisory committee, and a subscription-based drug procurement model to provide curative treatments at no cost to priority populations, including those in correctional facilities, Indian health programs, and Medicaid. Additionally, it authorizes significant funding for public health grants, diagnostic testing, and the elimination of out-of-pocket costs for hepatitis C treatments under Medicare.

The AIR CARE for Vets Act of 2026 establishes a five-year pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize advanced, FDA-approved four-dimensional lung imaging software for the detection of respiratory disorders in veterans. This initiative authorizes $5 million in annual funding through 2031 to improve diagnostic capabilities and respiratory care. Following the program's conclusion, the VA will submit a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating its effectiveness.