Legislative Activity

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates funding for existing regional ocean partnerships through fiscal year 2031. This legislation amends previous law to ensure continued support for these vital ocean management initiatives. It also adjusts reporting requirements to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the partnerships.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to establish a committee to review and recommend updates to policies regarding the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions. The bill mandates regulatory updates to encourage aviation personnel to seek mental health care without fear of penalty. Furthermore, it allocates funding to enhance the FAA's capacity to process reviews and launches a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma within the industry.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

The FARM Stability Act introduces a two-tier wage system for H-2A agricultural workers based on skill level to better reflect experience and training. Additionally, the bill establishes a housing credit, allowing employers to offset a portion of required cash wages based on the fair market value of provided housing.

The Save Struggling Hospitals Act permanently codifies a policy to increase Medicare payments for hospitals with low wage indices. By adjusting the area wage index for these facilities, the bill aims to provide financial support to struggling hospitals while maintaining budget neutrality. These adjustments include specific protections to ensure that other hospitals do not face significant payment reductions.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Main Street Depositor Protection Act establishes a new federal insurance program for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts at community banks and credit unions. This legislation provides coverage for these accounts up to $5 million, separate from standard deposit insurance limits, to enhance financial stability for businesses and individuals. Small institutions are granted a 10-year exemption from special assessments to support this transition.

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of a new National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation ensures the monument’s site selection complies with specific federal location requirements while remaining subject to the broader planning and construction standards of the Commemorative Works Act.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026 establishes grant programs to expand urgent care, triage, and primary care services in rural communities. By providing funding to health centers and local public health departments, the bill aims to improve emergency response times and increase access to essential medical resources. These initiatives are supported by $50 million in annual authorized funding through 2031.

The FARM Home Loans Act of 2026 expands access to rural housing financing by increasing the population threshold for eligible areas from 2,500 to 10,000 residents. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of rural housing to explicitly include accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as eligible for financing. These changes aim to increase the availability of home loans in growing rural communities.

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and associated human rights abuses. The bill mandates the creation of a public list of vessels and owners engaged in illicit fishing, imposes visa sanctions on identified offenders, and enhances international enforcement and data-sharing capabilities. Additionally, it authorizes funding for fisheries management and research to ensure the sustainability of global fish stocks.

The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act of 2026 establishes a specialized task force to study the use of AI and automatic speech recognition technology within the U.S. judicial system. This task force will assess the impact of these technologies on court record accuracy, constitutional rights, and cybersecurity. Ultimately, the group will provide Congress with comprehensive recommendations to ensure the responsible and equitable integration of these tools in courtrooms nationwide.

This resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to honor the vital contributions of women across the agricultural industry. It celebrates the essential roles women play as producers, educators, and leaders, while encouraging the nation to support and empower the next generation of female agricultural professionals.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

This resolution formally recognizes 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists." It highlights the vital ecological and economic contributions of rangelands while honoring the generations of ranchers and land managers who sustain them. The measure encourages nationwide efforts to promote education, research, and sustainable management practices for these essential landscapes.

This resolution officially designates **March 6, 2026, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day."** The day aims to recognize the essential role of speech and debate in developing vital 21st-century skills like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. It encourages the entire nation to celebrate and promote the lifelong impact of this education.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.