Legislative Activity

The Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act reforms the procedures for antitrust consent judgments and voluntary dismissals by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. The bill increases judicial oversight, mandates greater public disclosure of settlement negotiations, and establishes a process for State Attorneys General to intervene or continue cases that the federal government seeks to dismiss.

The Corruption Clawback Act establishes a legal framework for the Department of Justice to recover government-funded settlements or judgments paid to a President if those payments were improperly influenced by their office. The bill mandates judicial review of such payments to ensure they are not inflated or based on conflicts of interest, with any recovered funds directed to the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section. Additionally, it requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on any such payments exceeding $1 million.

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure home care workers receive essential minimum wage and overtime protections. By narrowing existing exemptions, the bill clarifies that these labor standards apply to professional caregivers, distinguishing them from casual, non-professional babysitting services.

The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act aims to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income individuals by establishing an alternative maximum tax rate based on cost-of-living exemptions. To offset these reductions, the bill introduces a progressive tax surcharge on high-income earners. These changes are slated to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Small Business Liberation 2.0 Act provides financial relief and tariff exemptions to small businesses impacted by sudden, widespread import duty increases. The bill also empowers the Federal Trade Commission to prevent price gouging by larger entities on goods affected by these tariffs. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting to monitor market pricing and the effectiveness of federal enforcement efforts.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act of 2026 aims to modernize and expand the SSI program by increasing income and resource limits, adjusting benefit amounts, and eliminating outdated penalties. The bill also simplifies eligibility rules, excludes specific assets like retirement accounts from calculations, and extends full SSI program coverage to U.S. territories.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

The Joint Medical Facilities Fund Act of 2026 permanently establishes a dedicated fund to streamline the joint operation and financing of medical facilities shared by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation formalizes funding mechanisms, maintenance protocols, and administrative oversight to ensure efficient resource allocation for combined federal healthcare centers.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month." It recognizes the history of the Hawaiian language, its near extinction due to past suppression, and the successful revitalization efforts led by Native Hawaiians. The bill commits Congress to preserving and promoting the use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and urges the public to celebrate the month with supportive activities.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

This resolution officially designates the week of February 23 through February 27, 2026, as National Public Schools Week. The purpose is to recognize and celebrate the importance of public education in the United States during that specific timeframe.

The Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act establishes two independent offices within the Supreme Court to enhance judicial accountability. The Office of Ethics Counsel will provide guidance and mandatory training to justices on ethical matters, while the Office of Investigative Counsel is empowered to investigate ethics complaints and issue subpoenas. Together, these offices aim to ensure greater transparency and adherence to conduct standards for Supreme Court justices and their families.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the profound history and enduring contributions of African Americans to the United States. It acknowledges past injustices while honoring the achievements across all fields that have shaped the nation. The resolution encourages continued reflection and unity as we move forward with liberty and justice for all.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were subsequently ruled unlawful. The bill prioritizes small businesses in the refund process and requires that larger entities pass these savings on to their customers. All refunds must be processed within 180 days of enactment, with regular progress reports provided to Congress.

The American Homeownership Act aims to increase housing affordability by restricting tax incentives for large-scale corporate investors and prohibiting federal agencies from financing their real estate acquisitions. The bill redirects savings from these tax changes to fund affordable housing construction and provide down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. Additionally, it strengthens antitrust oversight to prevent excessive market concentration in the residential real estate sector.

The SAFE Act is a comprehensive legislative reform of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) designed to strengthen privacy protections for U.S. persons. It imposes stricter oversight, warrant requirements, and accountability measures on government surveillance, while closing loopholes regarding the purchase of personal data from commercial brokers. Additionally, the bill mandates increased transparency and reporting to ensure greater public and congressional scrutiny of intelligence activities.

The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study and regulate unfair or deceptive advertising and marketing practices related to firearms. This includes examining materials that may appeal to minors or encourage illegal use, particularly concerning semiautomatic assault weapons. Following the study, the FTC must issue rules to prohibit these deceptive practices, enforced under the existing Federal Trade Commission Act.

The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively strengthens federal workplace protections by requiring new anti-discrimination policies, expanding legal rights for employees, and phasing out the tipped minimum wage. It aims to prevent harassment through mandated training, broadens protections to nearly all workers, and restricts employers' use of secrecy agreements. The Act also establishes grants to increase access to legal aid and worker advocacy nationwide.

The SPARK Act establishes two new Small Business Administration (SBA) programs—the Spark Program and the Spark Financing Program—to boost economic growth in underserved communities. These programs aim to increase access to capital and support for small businesses owned by women, minorities, and those in rural areas through funding for local accelerators, incubators, and direct grant/loan assistance. The legislation seeks to close existing gaps in funding and resources that hinder success for entrepreneurs in economically distressed areas.