Legislative Activity

This resolution designates March 2026 as "National Middle-Level Education Month" to recognize the critical role that middle-level schools play in the development of young adolescents. It highlights the importance of supporting students in grades 5 through 8 during this pivotal stage of brain development and academic growth. The bill encourages the public to celebrate and engage with the educators and institutions dedicated to preparing these students for future success.

The AIAN CAPTA bill amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to ensure Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations receive dedicated federal funding for child abuse prevention and treatment. It establishes a formal allocation process, directing 5 percent of appropriated funds specifically to Tribal programs to better support their unique needs.

The Preserve the Traditional Cultural Place Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District Act seeks to protect the sacred Oak Flat area by prohibiting all mineral exploration, development, and extraction activities on National Forest System land within the district. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture manage the area to preserve its cultural and historical integrity in consultation with affected Indian Tribes. Additionally, it prevents the transfer of these lands to Resolution Copper, ensuring the site remains protected from industrial development.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act of 2026 aims to modernize and expand the SSI program by significantly increasing income and resource limits, which will be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill eliminates marriage penalties, excludes retirement accounts and certain tribal payments from resource calculations, and simplifies administrative requirements for beneficiaries. Additionally, it extends full SSI program eligibility to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

The No Delay in Representation Act ensures that individuals elected to the House of Representatives through special elections are seated promptly. It mandates that these new members must be given the opportunity to take the oath of office within five legislative days of their election certification. This act aims to prevent delays in representation for newly elected members.

The Right to Read Act of 2025 amends federal education law to establish a comprehensive "right to read" for all students, ensuring access to evidence-based instruction, effective school libraries, and diverse reading materials. The bill defines key terms like "effective school library" and mandates that states and local agencies detail plans to support these resources and protect students' First Amendment rights regarding information access. Furthermore, it authorizes significant new funding to improve literacy programs, support school librarians, and mandates national data collection on school library resources.

This bill, the Save Oak Flat from Foreign Mining Act, withdraws approximately 2,422 acres of Forest Service land known as Oak Flat in Arizona from all forms of mineral entry and development. It specifically cancels the prior land exchange that would have transferred the land to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC. The Act prohibits the transfer of Oak Flat to the foreign-backed mining venture, citing national security and environmental concerns.

This resolution officially recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month to celebrate the rich heritages, cultures, and vital contributions of Native Americans to the United States. It highlights their historical influence on American governance, their significant achievements in various fields, and their distinguished military service. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting Tribal self-governance and improving resources for Native American communities.