Legislative Activity

This bill significantly restructures the State Department's public diplomacy efforts by establishing a new, high-level Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to oversee all foreign communication strategy. It also creates two new subordinate positions: an Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs and an Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications. Finally, the legislation authorizes necessary appropriations for these new roles for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The Stress Testing Accountability and Transparency Act mandates that the Federal Reserve establish clear, public rules for the models and assumptions used in financial stress tests. It requires the public disclosure of stress test scenarios at least 60 days in advance. Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits the Federal Reserve from conducting climate-related stress tests on bank holding companies or nonbank financial companies.

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 ensures that essential Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, including law enforcement and critical support staff, continue to receive pay and allowances during a government shutdown. This automatic funding remains active until a new budget is passed or until January 1, 2027. The goal is to maintain critical national security operations even without full appropriations.

The Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act expresses strong U.S. support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan, citing concerns over military influence and recent election interference. This legislation directs the President to identify and impose sanctions on Pakistani officials responsible for undermining democratic processes or committing serious human rights abuses. The Act emphasizes the need for civilian control over the military and sets an expiration date for its provisions in September 2030.

The Peace Corps Modernization Act aims to increase efficiency and strategic alignment for the agency. It strictly caps administrative overhead at 15% of the budget, ensuring the majority of funds directly support volunteers. The bill also mandates that Peace Corps placements align with U.S. foreign policy priorities set by the State Department. Finally, it establishes a dedicated fast-track pathway for former volunteers seeking to join the Foreign Service.

The FDIC Board Accountability Act modifies the structure and tenure of the FDIC Board of Directors. It mandates specific experience requirements for four Presidentially-appointed members and limits total service to twelve years per individual. Additionally, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection will now attend Board meetings as a non-voting observer.

The BRAVE Burma Act extends existing accountability measures and strengthens U.S. efforts against the Burmese military regime. It mandates annual reviews of sanctions targeting Burmese state-owned businesses and the jet fuel industry. Crucially, the bill establishes a Senate-confirmed U.S. Special Envoy for Burma to coordinate policy, push for international sanctions, and advocate for a return to civilian-led democracy. The Act also directs the Treasury to oppose increases in Burma's shareholding at the IMF while the military junta is in power.

This bill amends the Arms Export Control Act to streamline defense trade cooperation rules specifically for AUKUS partners. It removes automatic denial presumptions for exporting certain sensitive technology to trusted allies, including NATO, Major Non-NATO Allies, and Five Eyes nations. The legislation also clarifies numbering within the Act and explicitly excludes Missile Technology Control Regime matters from certain trade provisions.

The Clear the ROADS Act mandates that states actively prevent dangerous and reckless obstruction of federal-aid highways by non-government actors. If a state fails to demonstrate a good-faith effort to clear these hazards, the federal government will begin withholding 10% of its federal highway funds. The Secretary of Transportation is tasked with establishing the necessary rules to implement this requirement.

The Restoring American Freedom Act prohibits the State Department, its employees, and its funded entities from censoring the free speech of United States citizens. This legislation strictly forbids the use of federal funds to support or facilitate such censorship activities, including the creation or use of advertising blacklists. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must promptly notify Congress and the affected citizen if any censorship is discovered.

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act mandates that the Secretaries of State and Defense map critical global ports and report on any efforts by the People's Republic of China to gain influence over them. This legislation requires a detailed study assessing the national security and economic risks posed by Chinese control of these strategic locations. The resulting report must include a proposed strategy for securing trusted investment and protecting these vital maritime assets from foreign influence.

The Accredited Investor Definition Review Act updates the criteria for who qualifies as an accredited investor under federal securities law. This bill specifically empowers the SEC to recognize additional professional certifications and credentials as a basis for accredited investor status. Furthermore, it mandates that the SEC periodically review and update this list of recognized credentials to ensure investor protection.

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025 directs the SEC to establish new rules for allowing companies to deliver required investment documents to investors electronically rather than by mail. These rules must ensure investor choice, maintain readability, and protect personal information during the transition. The legislation only changes the method of delivery, not the content or timing requirements of the regulatory documents themselves.

The Chip Security Act mandates the installation of security mechanisms on advanced integrated circuit products before they are exported from the United States. These requirements aim to verify chip location, prevent diversion, and protect U.S. technological leadership. The Secretary of Commerce must also study and implement additional security features to enhance export control enforcement and national security.

This bill, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Commission Act, restructures the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by replacing its single Director leadership with an independent, five-member commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The legislation updates numerous federal laws to replace references to the "Director" with the "Commission" or "Bureau" to reflect this new governance structure. The commission will oversee the agency's core rulemaking and enforcement authority, with a Chair selected from among its members to manage day-to-day operations.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the nation's long-term fiscal health, aiming to reduce the national debt ratio to 100% of GDP by 2039. This Commission, composed of appointed members from both chambers of Congress and outside experts, must submit its final report and proposed legislation within a specific timeframe. The Act also creates an expedited, amendment-free process for Congress to consider and vote on any resulting "implementing bills."

The Made in America Motors Act introduces a new, above-the-line tax deduction for individuals paying interest on loans used to purchase qualifying motor vehicles. This deduction is capped at \$2,500 annually and only applies to interest paid on loans taken out after January 1, 2025, for vehicles assembled in the United States. The provisions governing this new deduction take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2025 amends federal public works funding rules to explicitly include the construction and improvement of youth sports facilities. This allows communities to apply for grants specifically for these projects, provided they meet goals focused on improving health, serving low-income and rural children, and boosting local economies. The bill prioritizes facilities that address sedentary lifestyles and provide safe recreational spaces in underserved areas.

The CEMAC Act addresses a dispute where the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) is forcing international oil companies to deposit site restoration funds with its central bank, which the CEMAC countries incorrectly count as foreign exchange reserves. This legislation mandates that the U.S. must withhold approval for certain IMF actions affecting CEMAC nations until the IMF publicly confirms these restoration funds cannot be counted as official reserves. The bill asserts that failure to clarify this rule risks billions in American investment and harms the region's economic stability.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' goal that nearly every student in the U.S. achieves grade-level reading proficiency, which is essential for success in school, work, and life. It encourages the use of structured literacy approaches, diagnostic assessments, and one-on-one tutoring to improve reading levels. The bill also urges state and local governments to collaborate with private groups to implement effective literacy programs for both students and adults.