Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, updating its governing structure and expanding the scope of its oceanographic research and data-sharing capabilities. It also mandates improved collaboration between regional and federal observing systems to enhance data integration. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $47.5 million in annual funding for these initiatives from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The Save Our Sequoias Act establishes a comprehensive, multi-agency framework to protect and restore giant sequoia groves from the escalating threats of wildfire, insects, and drought. The legislation creates a collaborative coalition to assess grove health, streamlines emergency protection projects, and authorizes dedicated funding and strike teams to accelerate reforestation and forest management efforts. By fostering partnerships between federal, state, and Tribal entities, the Act aims to ensure the long-term resilience and survival of these iconic trees.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. policy by imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign persons and financial institutions that support Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, drone, and terrorist activities. The bill specifically targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to cut off funding for these malign programs. Additionally, it expands the State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program to incentivize the reporting of individuals who evade these sanctions.

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 By updating definitions and removing outdated exemptions, the bill guarantees that home care workers receive the fair compensation and labor standards they deserve.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 Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 improves patient care by officially recognizing doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians within the Medicaid program. Additionally, the bill streamlines Medicare documentation requirements to ensure patients with diabetes have better access to essential therapeutic footwear.

The Geothermal Energy Opportunity (GEO) Act mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must continue processing geothermal leasing applications, including permits and rights-of-way, even if a related civil lawsuit is pending. This requirement remains in effect unless a federal court has specifically enjoined or vacated the lease or authorization. The bill ensures that administrative review proceeds unless explicitly halted by a court order.

The BRUSH Fires Act mandates a comprehensive, one-year study by the Forest Service to evaluate the effectiveness of current wildfire mitigation methods in shrubland ecosystems. This study must analyze fuel management, ignition source control, and implementation hurdles to determine best practices. The resulting report will provide Congress with recommendations for improving fire risk reduction and enhancing partnerships to protect communities near wildlands.

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 Act modernizes the Title I property improvement and manufactured home loan programs by significantly increasing maximum loan amounts and expanding eligible uses, including for accessory dwelling units. It also establishes a requirement for the Secretary to periodically adjust and annually index these loan limits based on updated data. Furthermore, the bill mandates a HUD study on the cost-effectiveness and quality of off-site construction housing methods.

The RELIEF Act establishes a mandatory refund process for certain tariffs collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection starting January 1, 2025, specifically those imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This legislation requires the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to automatically issue refunds to importers within 90 days of enactment. Importers will receive these refunds without needing to file an application or protest.

The ACERO Act establishes a NASA project to enhance the use of aircraft in fighting wildfires through advanced research and development. This initiative focuses on developing new aircraft technologies, improving real-time data sharing, and creating interoperable tracking systems for aerial assets. The bill also mandates coordination with various agencies and places restrictions on purchasing drones from certain foreign entities.

This resolution supports the goals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by recognizing CTE's vital role in preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers. It affirms that CTE is crucial for American economic competitiveness and encourages promotion of these educational pathways. The resolution celebrates the contributions of CTE programs across the nation.

The PETSAFE Act of 2026 allows states, local, and tribal governments to use federal emergency preparedness grants to support companion animals during disasters. This funding can cover essential supplies, veterinary care, and emergency sheltering equipment. Furthermore, the bill increases the federal cost share for these specific animal preparedness activities to 90 percent.

This bill, the "Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act," exempts recipients of the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor from paying standard U.S. passport fees. It directs the State Department to coordinate with the Department of Defense to establish verification procedures for these eligible applicants.

The Opportunities in Organic Act renames and significantly expands the existing organic certification cost-share program. This new program will provide financial assistance for organic certification costs, while also offering crucial support and technical assistance for farmers transitioning to organic management. The bill directs funding to eligible nonprofits to build capacity, offer direct producer support during transition, and strengthen the organic supply chain. Finally, it mandates increased reporting to Congress on program outcomes and barriers faced by participants.

The True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees and certain contract employees receive their full pay and benefits during any government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It also mandates retroactive contract price adjustments to compensate contractors for costs incurred during previous shutdowns. Furthermore, the bill prohibits federal agencies from implementing workforce reductions or placing employees on extended administrative leave during funding lapses.

This bill mandates the President to withdraw all United States Armed Forces from Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has formally declared war or passed specific legislation authorizing the use of military force in that country.

The Buying American Cotton Act of 2026 establishes the Domestic Cotton Consumption Credit to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton in products sold domestically. This new business tax credit is calculated based on the volume of U.S. cotton used, the market price, and where the product was processed. The bill mandates digital tracing to verify the supply chain and offers significantly increased credit multipliers for products containing U.S.-made cotton yarn or fabric.

The AI for Main Street Act directs Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to assist small businesses in evaluating and implementing artificial intelligence in their operations. This support includes providing guidance, training on best practices, and outreach regarding AI use for planning, security, and compliance. The bill also formally defines artificial intelligence within the Small Business Act.