Legislative Activity

The Kira Johnson Act aims to eliminate maternal health disparities by funding community-based organizations that provide evidence-based support to high-risk populations. The legislation also establishes grant programs to implement anti-bias training for maternity care providers and creates compliance programs to address racism and discrimination in clinical settings. Through these initiatives, the bill seeks to ensure respectful, culturally congruent care and improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Data to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes and eliminate disparities by enhancing data collection, research, and public awareness. The bill provides funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees, supports community-based organizations addressing social determinants of health, and mandates training for providers on implicit bias and culturally congruent care. Additionally, it authorizes comprehensive studies and grant programs focused on high-risk populations, including racial and ethnic minority groups and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The Perinatal Workforce Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by expanding and diversifying the perinatal health workforce. The bill establishes grant programs to support training for midwives, nurses, and other perinatal health workers, with a focus on recruiting individuals from underserved and minority communities. Additionally, it mandates national campaigns, federal coordination, and research to promote culturally congruent care and address systemic barriers to maternal health access.

The Extending WIC for New Moms Act increases the duration of WIC eligibility for postpartum mothers from six months to 24 months. It also extends the period for receiving enhanced breastfeeding food packages to 24 months. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating the impact of these extensions on maternal and infant health outcomes.

The Unserialized Firearm Harm Oversight and Serialization Act of 2026 classifies firearm assembly kits as firearms and mandates the serialization of 3D-printed and other non-traditionally manufactured firearms. The bill requires licensed dealers to serialize any unserialized firearms they take into inventory while establishing a federal tax credit to help offset the associated compliance costs. These measures aim to improve firearm tracking and oversight without overriding existing state laws.

The Energy Bills Relief Act is a comprehensive bill designed to lower energy costs for American families, accelerate the deployment of low-cost, clean energy, and modernize the nation's electricity grid. It achieves this by reversing harmful policies against renewables, expanding energy assistance programs, streamlining grid connection processes, and increasing transparency in utility regulation. Ultimately, the legislation aims to create a more reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy system while ensuring communities have a stronger voice in energy development.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By addressing social determinants of health, expanding nutritional and mental health support, and investing in a diverse, culturally competent workforce, the bill provides a holistic framework for improving care. Through targeted federal grants, enhanced data collection, and innovative technology, the Act aims to ensure that all pregnant and postpartum individuals receive the equitable, high-quality care they deserve.

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure essential wage and overtime protections for caregivers. By updating definitions and removing outdated exemptions, the bill guarantees that home care workers receive the fair compensation and labor standards they deserve.

The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to help local educational agencies recruit, prepare, and retain educators, with a specific focus on rural areas, high-need subject fields, and increasing workforce diversity. The legislation supports evidence-based initiatives such as teacher residencies, mentorship programs, and "Grow Your Own" pathways to address critical staffing gaps. Additionally, the Act mandates rigorous performance evaluations for grant recipients to ensure program effectiveness and long-term teacher retention.

The Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2026 restricts the Department of Defense from selling or purchasing certain military-grade weapons and ammunition from commercial entities. It establishes strict requirements for dealers wishing to sell firearms or ammunition to the DoD, including enhanced background checks, electronic recordkeeping, and limits on ammunition sales. The bill aims to prevent military weaponry from entering the commercial marketplace and ensure accountability among defense contractors.

This resolution formally honors the life and enduring legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Louis Burns Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, including his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his founding of Operation PUSH. The bill specifically urges the President to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in his memory.

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026 mandates comprehensive, cost-free insurance coverage for HIV prevention services (PrEP and PEP) across private health plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and veteran health programs. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage or increasing premiums based on the use of HIV prevention medication and establishes robust patient confidentiality protections. Additionally, it authorizes national public health education campaigns and provides grant funding to expand access to prevention services for uninsured and underinsured populations.

The WELLS Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by mandating comprehensive discharge planning for pregnant patients in Medicare-participating hospitals. The bill also expands rural obstetric training programs with a focus on racial bias, establishes a research initiative to evaluate maternal healthcare training models, and creates a public dashboard to track national maternal health data.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, government-owned online tax filing system within the IRS, ensuring taxpayers have a simplified and accessible way to file their returns. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict the government's ability to provide these services and mandates the integration of state tax filing options. Additionally, it streamlines the tax process by setting new filing deadlines for employer information returns to improve efficiency for all taxpayers.

The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency and security in U.S. elections. It closes loopholes to ban foreign national spending in elections, mandates disclosure for "dark money" political spending, and requires clear funding disclosures on political ads. The bill also centralizes legal challenges to campaign finance laws in Washington, D.C., for faster resolution.

This resolution honors the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his pivotal role as a civil rights leader, his groundbreaking political campaigns, and his global advocacy for human rights and equality. The measure encourages all Americans to continue his work by moving forward with hope rather than fear and division.

The African American History Act of 2026 authorizes the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop and expand educational resources, curricula, and digital programming for students and educators nationwide. By providing $10 million in annual funding through 2030, the Act aims to promote a deeper understanding of African American history through a social justice and anti-bias lens. Additionally, the legislation encourages the development of similar educational initiatives across other Smithsonian museums dedicated to diverse American histories.

This resolution formally recognizes the historical significance of the *Clotilda*, the last known slave ship to arrive in the U.S. in 1860. It condemns the role of the United States in the Atlantic slave trade and acknowledges the lasting, intergenerational impact of this crime on African Americans, particularly the descendants who founded Africatown. The resolution encourages the establishment of a memorial on Capitol Grounds to honor the victims.

The Tariff Free Farming Act protects the agricultural industry by capping tariffs on essential farming inputs—such as machinery, fertilizer, fuel, and seed—at their January 2025 levels. This legislation ensures that farmers remain shielded from future tariff increases on critical supplies imported from countries with normal trade relations.

The Healthy Hair Act prohibits the sale of hair straightening and smoothing products that contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances. Additionally, the bill mandates that the FDA and NIOSH conduct comprehensive studies on the health impacts of these chemicals, particularly for salon workers, to inform future regulatory actions.