Legislative Activity

The Preserving Social Security and Medicare for Citizens Act of 2026 restricts eligibility for Social Security and Medicare benefits to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Additionally, the bill expands FICA tax requirements to include wages for certain individuals previously exempt from such contributions. These measures aim to refine program eligibility while ensuring the continued sustainability of these social safety nets.

This bill, the Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025, aims to shield U.S. persons from lawsuits attempting to enforce foreign judgments or arbitral awards based on compliance with U.S. sanctions. It prohibits U.S. courts from recognizing or enforcing such foreign rulings when they stem from actions taken to adhere to U.S. sanctions or export controls. The legislation ensures that foreign entities cannot use U.S. courts to gain compensation when U.S. persons acted in good faith to comply with federal law.

The 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026 mandates that state and local law enforcement agencies participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program to remain eligible for Department of Justice COPS grants. Agencies that fail to enter into a 287(g) agreement within 180 days of the bill's enactment will be disqualified from receiving this federal funding. This requirement applies to all COPS grant applications beginning in fiscal year 2027.

The Career Criminal Accountability Act of 2026 establishes a "three-strikes" sentencing framework for repeat federal offenders. Under this act, defendants convicted of strike-eligible offenses accrue strikes based on the severity of their past and current criminal history. Those who reach the three-strike threshold face mandatory consecutive prison sentences, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment depending on the nature of their current conviction.

The Federal Working Animal Protection Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make individuals who harm law enforcement animals inadmissible to the United States. Additionally, the bill establishes that such individuals are subject to deportation if they have been convicted of or admit to committing these offenses.

The ISLET Act classifies human cadaveric islets as organs rather than drugs or biological products, streamlining their regulation under the Public Health Service Act. This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services update federal regulations to reflect this change, ensuring more efficient access to life-saving endocrine transplantation.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make non-citizens inadmissible to and deportable from the United States if they commit fraud against the government or unlawfully receive public benefits. Additionally, the bill renders individuals convicted of these offenses ineligible for any form of immigration relief.

The Clean Water for All Life Act establishes a federal criminal offense for providing chemical abortion drugs without a health care provider being physically present for an examination. The bill also mandates that providers supply patients with specific medical waste disposal kits to ensure the proper handling of biological materials. Violations of these requirements are punishable by fines and imprisonment.

The Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act establishes new federal standards for states issuing Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) to individuals who do not reside in that state. This bill sets specific, strict requirements for foreign nationals seeking a CDL, including proof of lawful status and job-related visas, while also outlining distinct procedures for applicants residing in U.S. territories. The legislation mandates enhanced record-keeping and reporting by states to the Secretary of Transportation regarding these non-domiciled licenses.

The "No Lifeline for the Dead Act" mandates stricter federal oversight for the Lifeline program by requiring all applicants to undergo verification through centralized national databases. The bill also introduces new eligibility criteria, requiring participants to provide a Social Security number and prove their status as a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. Additionally, it mandates a re-verification process for existing enrollees to ensure program integrity and compliance with these new standards.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. policy by imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign persons and financial institutions that support Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, drone, and terrorist activities. The bill specifically targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to cut off funding for these malign programs. Additionally, it expands the State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program to incentivize the reporting of individuals who evade these sanctions.

The No Free Rides Act of 2026 prohibits public transportation agencies receiving federal funding from implementing universal fare-free policies. While it mandates fare collection for general riders, the bill allows for targeted discounts for specific groups like seniors, students, and low-income individuals. Additionally, agencies may seek a waiver from the Secretary of Transportation if they can secure dedicated non-federal funding to cover the costs of a fare-free program.

The Halo Act establishes new federal criminal penalties for individuals who obstruct, threaten, or harass federal immigration enforcement officers while they are performing their lawful duties. The legislation mandates that individuals must maintain a 25-foot distance from officers after receiving a warning, with violations punishable by fines and up to five years in prison.

The Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act prohibits federal agencies from providing funding or support for the creation and maintenance of state-level firearm ownership databases. This legislation ensures that federal resources cannot be used to track lawful gun owners, with a specific exception for databases tracking lost or stolen firearms.

The Chloe Cole Act of 2026 establishes a federal private right of action allowing individuals to sue healthcare professionals and institutions for damages related to gender-transition medical interventions performed on them as minors. The bill permits lawsuits regardless of when the intervention occurred and sets a statute of limitations extending 25 years past the individual's 18th birthday. Additionally, it mandates strict liability for such interventions performed after the Act's enactment.

The "Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act" aims to prevent state and local governments from banning dog ownership by restricting federal funding to any jurisdiction that implements such a prohibition. Congress asserts that the right to own a dog is an American right and that Sharia law is a foreign concept contrary to the pursuit of happiness.

This Act establishes a "zero-based" system requiring specific federal energy and environmental regulations to automatically expire unless actively renewed. Covered agencies must set expiration dates for existing rules within one year and for new rules within five years. Agencies can extend these deadlines only after providing public notice and comment on the regulation's costs and benefits.

The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act aims to promote de-escalation by exempting specific, clearly defined less-than-lethal projectile devices from federal firearm restrictions and excise taxes. This legislation provides a formal process for determining which devices qualify for these exemptions under both federal law and the National Firearms Act. The bill also modernizes tax regulations by exempting qualifying less-than-lethal devices and their ammunition from federal excise taxes.

The PROTECT Act of 2026 prohibits U.S. universities and their affiliated personnel from transferring intellectual property rights in covered research to governments of designated "prohibited nations," such as China and Russia. This legislation aims to safeguard American innovation developed at universities from external competitive threats. Violations carry significant civil penalties, which are determined and enforced in consultation with the Secretary of State.

The National Bridge Funding Reform Act establishes a new dedicated National Bridge Program to fund the replacement, rehabilitation, and preservation of bridges on Federal-aid highways. This new program replaces and eliminates the existing Carbon Reduction Program and the PROTECT program. Funding for the new program will be apportioned to states based on a formula prioritizing total bridge deck area and the amount of bridge area in poor condition.