Legislative Activity

The Medicines for the People Act establishes a new National Institute for Biomedical Research and Development within the NIH to lead the full-cycle development of drugs, devices, and biological products. By prioritizing public health needs and maintaining federal ownership of resulting patents, the Institute aims to ensure that new medical innovations are transparently developed and sold to the public at equitable, accessible prices.

The Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2026 restricts the Department of Defense from selling or purchasing certain military-grade weapons and ammunition from commercial entities. It establishes strict requirements for dealers wishing to sell firearms or ammunition to the DoD, including enhanced background checks, electronic recordkeeping, and limits on ammunition sales. The bill aims to prevent military weaponry from entering the commercial marketplace and ensure accountability among defense contractors.

The Secure Tracks Act enhances rail safety by mandating more frequent visual and automated track inspections. The bill requires the immediate remediation of all identified safety defects and empowers qualified inspectors to oversee necessary repairs. Additionally, it restricts the Secretary of Transportation from granting safety waivers that would compromise the detection of track hazards.

This resolution honors the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his pivotal role as a civil rights leader, his groundbreaking political campaigns, and his global advocacy for human rights and equality. The measure encourages all Americans to continue his work by moving forward with hope rather than fear and division.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, government-owned online tax filing system within the IRS, ensuring taxpayers have a simplified and accessible way to file their returns. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict the government's ability to provide these services and mandates the integration of state tax filing options. Additionally, it streamlines the tax process by setting new filing deadlines for employer information returns to improve efficiency for all taxpayers.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital historical significance and contributions of Black history museums and cultural institutions across the United States. It affirms that these essential pillars correct historical omissions by preserving irreplaceable records and telling a full, accurate American story. The bill encourages federal agencies and the public to support these institutions, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

This resolution officially recognizes Black History Month and adopts "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the theme for 2026. It honors the contributions of Black Americans by establishing categories for "Unsung Souls" and "Righteous Intercessors." Ultimately, the bill affirms that Black history commemorations are essential for a complete national narrative and inspiring future progress toward liberty and justice for all.

The Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2026 provides significant relief for long-term residents from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam facing deportation. It prohibits the detention and removal of eligible individuals who entered the U.S. before 2008 and grants them permanent work authorization. Furthermore, the Act establishes a streamlined process for those previously ordered removed to reopen and terminate their immigration cases, effectively vacating past removal orders.

The "Head Start for America’s Children Act" updates and expands the federal Head Start program to better support the developmental, mental health, and educational needs of infants, toddlers, and children. The bill increases funding for core operations and specialized initiatives, establishes new requirements for staff compensation and professional development, and introduces pilot programs to improve access in high-poverty areas and on college campuses. Additionally, it strengthens support for Native American and migrant/seasonal programs, enhances services for children with disabilities, and mandates new standards to prevent the use of seclusion and restraint.

The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026 establishes a federal process for issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a danger from possessing firearms. The bill allows family members or law enforcement to petition federal courts for temporary or long-term orders based on evidence of imminent risk of harm. Furthermore, it creates a federal grant program to incentivize and support states and tribes in implementing their own qualifying ERPO laws. Finally, it mandates that individuals subject to these federal orders surrender their firearms and ensures these orders are recognized across state lines.

This resolution expresses the deep condolences of the House of Representatives for the victims of the February 15, 2019, mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois. It also honors the memory of those killed and commends the bravery of the first responders. Finally, the bill designates February 15, 2020, as "Henry Pratt Company Victims and Aurora Heroes Day" in Illinois.

This bill aims to defend the human rights of Palestinian children and families living under Israeli military occupation. It establishes policy prohibiting U.S. assistance funds from supporting specific Israeli actions, including the military detention of Palestinian children and the seizure of Palestinian property in violation of international law. The legislation also mandates annual reporting and oversight requirements regarding these activities and U.S. defense assistance to Israel.

The GRADUATE Act amends tax law to transform the existing student loan interest deduction into a broader education loan deduction, effective after 2025. This new deduction allows taxpayers to deduct the total amount paid on qualified education loans, up to a maximum of \$10,000 plus an additional \$500 per dependent. The maximum deduction amount is subject to an income-based phase-out, beginning when Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds \$125,000 for individuals or \$250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

The United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2026 comprehensively repeals major U.S. sanctions laws against Cuba, effectively normalizing trade relations. This legislation removes restrictions on travel, exports, and financial remittances between the two nations. It also establishes a framework for the President to negotiate property claims and human rights protections with the Cuban government. The Act aims to promote democratic change in Cuba through the extension of nondiscriminatory trade treatment.

The Pensions for All Act aims to expand retirement security by providing federal grants to help states establish retirement programs for private-sector workers without workplace plans. It also mandates that employers either offer a comparable retirement plan or enroll employees in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Furthermore, the bill establishes tax credits for small employers and self-employed individuals contributing to these plans, alongside penalties for non-compliance.

The Audit the Pentagon Act of 2026 addresses the Department of Defense's repeated failure to pass a financial audit. This bill establishes automatic spending reductions for any DoD component that fails to receive a clean audit opinion after fiscal year 2025. It also outlines Congressional priorities regarding protecting wounded warrior accounts and maintaining financial controls for classified programs.

The U.S. Farmworker Protection Act aims to address the rapid growth of the H-2A agricultural guestworker program, which Congress finds threatens U.S. farmworker wages and employment. This bill establishes an annual cap of 400,000 H-2A worker certifications per fiscal year. However, any positions filled by workers represented by a certified bargaining representative (union) will not count toward this annual limit.

The Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Practices Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to enhance access to evidence-based trauma support and mental health services for students and school staff. This funding aims to foster stronger connections between schools and community mental health systems through collaboration, professional development, and direct student services. The bill authorizes $50 million annually from FY 2027 through 2031 to support these critical initiatives.

This resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

This resolution calls for the formal annulment of the historical Monroe Doctrine, citing decades of U.S. interventionism in Latin America and the Caribbean. It proposes replacing this doctrine with a "New Good Neighbor" policy focused on fostering genuine partnership and cooperation. Key elements include ending unilateral sanctions, reforming international financial institutions, and respecting regional sovereignty.