Legislative Activity

Logan's Law establishes a publicly accessible **Violent Criminal Offender Database** containing federal and state records of qualifying convictions. It mandates that states receiving Byrne JAG grants must submit this conviction data or risk losing funding. Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to report on and recommend improvements for criminal record sharing between states and federal entities.

The End H–1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 institutes a three-year pause on new H-1B visa issuance while enacting sweeping reforms to the program, including eliminating dual intent and drastically increasing employer fees. The bill significantly restricts H-1B employment by setting a low annual cap, mandating high minimum wages, and prohibiting third-party staffing arrangements. Furthermore, it eliminates dependent visas for H nonimmigrants, bars federal employment of visa holders, and severely restricts nonimmigrants from adjusting status or changing visa classifications while in the U.S.

This bill seeks to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to update the definition of eligible food items for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would explicitly add hot rotisserie chicken to the list of items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The legislation also includes minor technical formatting updates to the existing law.

The "Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act" repeals the Corporate Transparency Act, eliminating the requirement for companies to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). It also makes necessary technical adjustments to Title 31 of the United States Code, specifically sections related to financial recordkeeping and reporting of currency and foreign transactions, to reflect the repeal.

The Army Security Agency Monument Act authorizes the placement of a monument at Arlington National Cemetery to honor veterans who served in the Army Security Agency between 1945 and 1976. The legislation requires the National Army Security Agency Association to fund all costs associated with the design, installation, and maintenance of the memorial.

The Designating Hamas Affiliates in America Act of 2026 mandates the designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224. This legislation requires the freezing of all CAIR assets, prohibits transactions with the organization, and revokes its tax-exempt status. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a formal report to Congress regarding CAIR’s eligibility for this designation.

The **Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026** provides comprehensive funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s operations, including border security, emergency management, and cybersecurity, while implementing new oversight and transparency mandates. The legislation also includes short-term funding extensions to prevent government shutdowns and incorporates the **SAVE America Act**, which establishes nationwide requirements for proof of citizenship and photo identification in federal elections.

The 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026 mandates that state and local law enforcement agencies participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program to remain eligible for Department of Justice COPS grants. Agencies that fail to enter into a 287(g) agreement within 180 days of the bill's enactment will be disqualified from receiving this federal funding. This requirement applies to all COPS grant applications beginning in fiscal year 2027.

The American Petroleum First Act proposes an exemption to U.S. maritime laws, allowing foreign-built or foreign-reflagged vessels to transport crude oil and petroleum products between U.S. ports. This exemption explicitly excludes vessels, owners, or crew members associated with Russia or China.

The SNAP Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 mandates that states submit detailed annual reports to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture regarding fraud investigations, recoveries, and enforcement actions within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability by requiring the federal government to compile and publish this data for Congressional review. States that fail to comply with these reporting requirements will face a withholding of administrative funding.

The SILVER Act (System Integrity through Licensed Vault Expansion and Resilience Act) aims to enhance market liquidity and reduce systemic risk by diversifying the geographic storage locations for precious metals used in futures contracts. The bill mandates that derivatives clearing organizations establish transparent selection criteria for depositories and ensure that approved storage facilities are distributed across all four U.S. time zones. By promoting competition and reducing geographic concentration, this legislation seeks to lower costs and improve market access for participants nationwide.

The American LNG First Act of 2026 streamlines the domestic transport of liquefied natural gas by creating a targeted exemption to U.S. coastwise trade laws. This legislation allows for the certification of specific vessels to carry LNG while explicitly prohibiting any involvement from Russian or Chinese interests, including ownership, flagging, or crew participation.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make non-citizens inadmissible to and deportable from the United States if they commit fraud against the government or unlawfully receive public benefits. Additionally, the bill renders individuals convicted of these offenses ineligible for any form of immigration relief.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act prevents federal agencies from banning the use of lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. Exceptions to this rule are only permitted if specific, site-based field data proves lead is causing a wildlife population decline and the action is approved by or consistent with state wildlife policies.

This bill amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to increase government transparency. It mandates that information regarding federal awards be published online within three days of issuance, significantly accelerating the current 30-day reporting requirement to provide the public with near real-time access.

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 Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026 strengthens privacy protections by requiring warrants for searching U.S. person data under FISA and prohibiting government agencies from purchasing sensitive personal information from data brokers. The legislation enhances judicial oversight of surveillance programs and closes legal loopholes that previously allowed agencies to bypass Fourth Amendment requirements. By mandating stricter court procedures, the bill ensures that digital records remain protected from unauthorized government access.

The No Free Rides Act of 2026 prohibits public transportation agencies receiving federal funding from implementing universal fare-free policies. While it mandates fare collection for general riders, the bill allows for targeted discounts for specific groups like seniors, students, and low-income individuals. Additionally, agencies may seek a waiver from the Secretary of Transportation if they can secure dedicated non-federal funding to cover the costs of a fare-free program.

The "Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act" aims to prevent state and local governments from banning dog ownership by restricting federal funding to any jurisdiction that implements such a prohibition. Congress asserts that the right to own a dog is an American right and that Sharia law is a foreign concept contrary to the pursuit of happiness.

This act simplifies annual reporting for employee benefit plans by modernizing the Form 5500 filing process. It extends the filing deadline and allows for the use of electronic signatures on required reports. These changes aim to streamline compliance for plan administrators.