Legislative Activity

The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026 aims to improve access to behavioral healthcare by expanding Medicare incentive payments to clinical psychologists working in underserved rural areas. Additionally, the bill removes unnecessary physician oversight requirements for psychological services in various clinical settings, allowing psychologists to manage patient care directly where permitted by state law.

The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act of 2026 mandates the restoration of reimbursement rates for the VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program to ensure continued access to care. The bill also requires the VA to provide greater transparency regarding how these rates are determined and to submit annual reports on provider availability to ensure veterans' needs are met.

The Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act mandates that Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) offer a streamlined "basic access service" for new energy projects. This service focuses on grid reliability rather than guaranteed delivery, allowing generators to connect more efficiently without paying for costly upgrades intended solely to reduce congestion. By simplifying the interconnection process, the Act aims to accelerate the integration of new energy sources onto the transmission grid.

The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act establishes a competitive grant program to support nonprofit partnerships in developing pre-apprenticeship programs for the building and construction trades. These programs are designed to prepare individuals—with a focus on underrepresented populations—for successful entry into registered apprenticeship programs. By fostering collaboration between industry and labor, the Act aims to expand workforce training and create clear pathways to economic self-sufficiency.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

The Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 mandates studies to improve education at Bureau-funded and tribally controlled schools. These studies will focus on the resources needed to offer competitive staff salaries and ensure high-quality education for students. Additionally, the Act requires an examination of potential revenue sources to align the funding, resources, and salaries of Bureau of Indian Education schools with other school systems. A key component includes updating the Indian School Equalization Formula to ensure equitable and adequate funding.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish grant programs for researching and developing next-generation firefighter turnout gear that is free of harmful PFAS chemicals. These grants will support the creation of safer protective clothing and the development of training programs for first responders on its proper use and decontamination. The ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness and injury among firefighters by advancing safer alternatives.

The Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 aims to boost academic success for high-need students in higher education. It authorizes competitive grants for institutions to implement evidence-based activities that increase student participation, retention, and completion rates. The bill specifically reserves funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities and prioritizes reforms supported by the strongest research evidence.

This resolution supports designating the second Friday in June as "National Service and Conservation Corps Day." It recognizes the vital work of over 140 Corps programs that engage young adults and veterans in conservation, community improvement, and workforce development. The bill highlights the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the readiness of modern Corps to address national needs ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Caja del Rio Protection Act establishes permanent protections for federal lands in New Mexico by creating the Caja del Rio Special Management Area and the Caja del Rio National Conservation Area. This legislation safeguards the region's cultural, spiritual, and ecological values while prioritizing Tribal consultation and management roles. The bill restricts new roads and motorized vehicle use while explicitly allowing existing grazing and protecting municipal water rights for Santa Fe. Finally, it withdraws an additional area from all forms of resource extraction and development.

The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2026 aims to increase patient access to physical therapy services in underserved areas. This bill expands the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program to include physical therapists, helping to address shortages. It also allocates dedicated funding for this expansion and ensures Medicare coverage for physical therapy services provided by Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

The No Immunity for Glyphosate Act aims to hold manufacturers of glyphosate-based herbicides and elemental phosphorus accountable for harm caused by their products. This legislation explicitly removes any existing legal immunities that shield these companies from civil liability. It establishes a clear right for injured individuals to sue manufacturers in federal court for damages related to exposure.

The WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act of 2026 ensures continued financial support for the region surrounding the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. By removing the current 14-year payment cap, the bill authorizes economic assistance payments to continue annually until all transuranic waste shipments to and from the facility have officially concluded.

The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to transform school outdoor spaces into park-like, ecological learning environments. These grants support schools in creating sustainable, nature-based play and educational areas, with a focus on prioritizing underserved communities and schools vulnerable to extreme climate conditions. The Act also mandates the creation of a national clearinghouse to provide resources, best practices, and design models for outdoor learning spaces.

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act of 2026 increases the annual stipend for books, supplies, and equipment for veterans utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Additionally, the bill mandates that these stipend amounts be adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation, ensuring educational support remains consistent with rising costs.

The Tariff Refunds for Working Families Act proposes using revenue from specific foreign import tariffs to provide direct tax relief to eligible households. The bill establishes a refundable tax credit of $600 per adult and qualifying child, with advance payments scheduled to begin in 2025. This initiative aims to support working families through income-based tax credits while ensuring the funds are distributed efficiently to residents across the U.S. and its territories.

The Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act of 2026 expands federal conservation programs to better support wildlife migration corridors and habitat connectivity for native big game species. The bill increases financial incentives for landowners, integrates modern tools like virtual fencing into conservation standards, and prioritizes research to improve range health and habitat restoration.

The Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act establishes a federal income tax credit covering 40% of the cost of zero-emission electric landscaping equipment. Designed to incentivize sustainable practices, the credit applies to purchases made after December 31, 2024, and includes options for elective payment or transferability. This initiative supports the transition to cleaner technology by providing significant financial relief for businesses and individuals upgrading to electric lawn and garden tools.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It encourages the nation to observe this week with activities that celebrate and demonstrate support for the vital contributions of Tribal Colleges and Universities.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to complete the trail as an unbroken, continuous route within 10 years. The bill establishes a joint federal team to coordinate this effort, develop a comprehensive completion plan, and foster partnerships with volunteer and nonprofit organizations. It emphasizes the use of easements from willing sellers while clarifying that no new eminent domain authority is granted.