Legislative Activity

This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to mandate that voters provide valid photo identification for all federal elections. It establishes specific requirements for both in-person and mail-in voting, while outlining acceptable forms of identification and providing limited exceptions. Additionally, the legislation requires states to assist voters in meeting these requirements by providing access to document-copying services and ensuring clear notification of the new rules.

This bill amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to establish a ten-year statute of limitations for both civil and criminal enforcement actions. This ensures that legal proceedings for export control violations must be initiated within a decade of the date the violation occurred.

The China AI Power Report Act requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of State to produce comprehensive annual reports assessing the People's Republic of China’s (PRC) advancements in artificial intelligence. These reports will evaluate critical areas including AI chip development, semiconductor fabrication, AI model capabilities, and the effectiveness of U.S. export controls. By analyzing these technological developments and their national security implications, the Act aims to provide Congress with the data necessary to monitor and address the PRC's growing AI power.

The New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act clarifies and streamlines Clean Air Act regulations regarding facility modifications and construction permits. By refining the definitions of "modifications" and "construction," the bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens for projects focused on safety, reliability, and efficiency improvements. It ensures that only projects resulting in significant actual emission increases are subject to stringent preconstruction requirements.

The ADVERSARIES Act mandates a comprehensive government review to assess how U.S.-based affiliates of restricted foreign entities may be exploiting loopholes to bypass export controls. This legislation aims to identify national security risks posed by foreign adversary access to sensitive technology and services. The findings will be reported to Congress to help strengthen U.S. export regulations and protect critical infrastructure.

The BIS STRENGTH Act authorizes the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to bypass standard civil service hiring requirements to recruit up to 25 highly qualified outside experts for specialized roles. This temporary authority aims to address critical knowledge gaps in export controls and technological oversight. The bill also mandates annual reporting to Congress to ensure transparency and evaluate the impact of these appointments on the agency's mission.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio. The building will now be known as the "Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building." This designation standardizes its name across all federal records and documents.

This joint resolution seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency rule that granted California a waiver to enforce its own stricter vehicle emission standards. By disapproving this rule, the resolution prevents California from implementing the Advanced Clean Car Program and ensures that federal emission requirements remain the standard.

The First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act allows individuals to make tax-free withdrawals of up to $35,000 from long-term 529 education savings accounts to fund a first-time home purchase. This provision shares a lifetime $35,000 cap with existing Roth IRA rollover rules, ensuring flexible use of long-standing education savings. To qualify, accounts must be at least 15 years old, and funds must be used for a principal residence within 60 days of distribution.

The CHAT Act 2.0 establishes comprehensive safety and privacy standards for "companion AI" chatbots used by minors. The bill mandates age verification, parental controls, and strict operational safeguards—such as crisis detection and identity disclosures—to protect children from emotional dependency, exploitation, and harmful content. It also grants the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general authority to enforce these protections and hold companies accountable for non-compliance.

The Ratepayer Protection Act requires large-scale data centers and computational facilities with a demand of 100 megawatts or more to cover the full cost of any necessary grid upgrades. By mandating upfront financial assurances, the bill ensures that these infrastructure expenses are borne by the large-load customers rather than passed on to everyday utility ratepayers. States are required to review and implement these standards to ensure grid costs are fairly allocated.

The U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan Act of 2026 establishes a voluntary certification program to enhance biosecurity, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness across the swine industry. The bill mandates the creation of a federal advisory committee and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to finalize program regulations within one year. It further authorizes $4.5 million in annual funding through 2031 to support these national health and traceability efforts.

The INVEST Act mandates that all federal agencies must identify and sell their equity stakes in private, for-profit companies. Proceeds from these liquidations must be directed to the U.S. Treasury to directly reduce the national debt. This process requires agencies to divest all covered investments within eight years of enactment or acquisition.

The Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust Act (CONNECT Act) updates the Chafee Foster Care Program to prioritize helping older youth in foster care build and maintain supportive, lifelong relationships. The bill mandates the development of federal guidance for states and tribes on best practices for facilitating peer support, mentoring, and connection-building activities. This aims to reduce isolation and better support youth in achieving their permanency goals.

This resolution officially designates May 3 through May 9, 2026, as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week." It aims to raise national awareness about the mental health challenges facing young people and the critical need for early detection, treatment, and prevention. The bill supports efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to essential mental health resources for all children.

The Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Education to prioritize program reviews for institutions that disburse federal financial aid to students whose applications show a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud. This ensures heightened scrutiny of schools where potential fraud is detected, unless the institution can prove it followed strict identity verification procedures before disbursing the aid. The identification serves as a flag for oversight activities and is not a standalone determination of non-compliance.

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the feasibility of using satellite technology in broadband projects managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission. This study will specifically examine the effectiveness, economic impact, and cost-efficiency of satellite broadband for business use in the region. The goal is to determine if satellite solutions can effectively promote economic development across Appalachia.

The No Fentanyl on Social Media Act requires the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and report on how minors access and purchase fentanyl through social media platforms. This report, developed with key agencies, will detail the risks, marketing tactics used by sellers, and platform design impacts. Ultimately, the legislation seeks recommendations for Congress on how to prevent minors from obtaining dangerous drugs online.

Sammy’s Law requires large social media platforms to provide parents and guardians with free tools to monitor and manage their children's accounts, including private messages, content, and privacy settings. The legislation mandates that platforms offer secure API access to authorized third-party safety software to help facilitate this oversight. Additionally, the bill establishes federal enforcement through the FTC to ensure these safety standards are upheld consistently across the country.

This bill amends the Help America Vote Act to establish a federal requirement for voters to provide valid photo identification when casting ballots in person or by mail. It outlines specific acceptable forms of ID and provides limited exceptions for religious objections, lack of access, or specific voter categories. Additionally, the legislation mandates that states provide public access to free copying services to assist voters in meeting these identification requirements.