Legislative Activity

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act aims to establish comprehensive standards for the care, health services, and housing of pregnant individuals in federal custody, including those held by the Bureau of Prisons, CBP, ICE, and ORR. The bill mandates extensive data collection on the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women and strictly prohibits the use of restraints and restrictive housing during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, with very limited exceptions. Furthermore, it requires federal agencies to provide essential services like family unity programs, specialized medical care, and comprehensive education for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

This bill, the Assault Weapon Financing Accountability Act, prohibits the use of "Buy Now, Pay Later" loans for the purchase of semiautomatic assault weapons. It makes it illegal for lenders to issue these loans and for gun dealers to knowingly accept them for these specific firearm sales. Violations carry a significant civil penalty of $100,000 per offense.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason." It recognizes reason as fundamental to human progress, U.S. founding principles, and the protection of civil liberties. The bill encourages Americans to observe the day by promoting critical thought and the scientific method.

The Safe Transit for All Act of 2026 mandates that larger federally funded transit agencies establish programs to collect detailed data on street harassment and assaults targeting passengers. This data collection must include incident specifics, demographic information, and the impact on ridership, with the goal of improving public transportation safety. Agencies are required to publish this non-identifiable data publicly and establish response protocols for reported incidents.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. It recognizes the vital role of public school teachers and highlights their key priorities, including support for existing federal protections and funding. Furthermore, the bill encourages leaders to engage directly with teachers to ensure their expertise informs education policy.

The Honor Our Commitment Act of 2026 prohibits the detention and removal of certain long-term Vietnamese nationals already in the U.S. who are subject to a final removal order. This legislation also mandates that the Department of Homeland Security issue work permits to these protected individuals. Furthermore, the Act requires the government to notify these nationals of their rights and allows for judicial review of any violations.

The New Pathways Act amends the Second Chance Act to require the Bureau of Prisons to assist certain returning citizens in obtaining crucial identification documents before their release. This includes providing U.S. citizens with a REAL ID-compliant identification card and helping noncitizens secure proof of lawful status. The goal is to ensure individuals have necessary documentation for successful reentry into their communities.

The Reward Work Act aims to shift corporate focus from shareholder enrichment to worker investment. It achieves this by prohibiting publicly traded companies from conducting open market stock buybacks and mandating that large companies reserve at least one-third of their board seats for employee representatives. This legislation requires the SEC to establish regulations ensuring fair employee elections for these director positions.

This bill reauthorizes and improves the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program. It secures \$250 million annually from the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support active transportation projects. The funding is dedicated specifically for this program and must be administered under existing federal highway funding rules.

The Lowering Utility Bills Act aims to reduce consumer energy costs by establishing stricter federal and state guidelines for how electric transmission providers and investor-owned utilities calculate their allowed rate of return. The bill mandates using the lowest reasonable return on equity based on market data and explicitly bans passing numerous lobbying, administrative, and political expenses onto customers. Furthermore, it requires utilities to prioritize lower-cost, grid-enhancing technologies when planning new capital expenditures.

The Special Election Timeliness (SET) Act mandates that states hold special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives within 180 days of the vacancy occurring, unless a general election is already scheduled during that period. This ensures timely representation for affected districts. The bill provides enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General or affected parties to sue to compel compliance.

The Housing FIRST Act amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to establish formal standards for tenant screening reports, treating them similarly to employment reports. This bill strictly limits the types of criminal and financial history landlords can use when evaluating rental applicants. Furthermore, it mandates specific disclosure and adverse action notification requirements for landlords using these reports.

The Second Look Act of 2026 establishes a process for individuals serving long federal prison sentences to petition a court for a sentence reduction after serving at least 10 years. Courts must consider factors like rehabilitation and community safety when deciding on a modification. The bill also creates a rebuttable presumption for release for defendants aged 50 and older and mandates annual reporting by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to fund community reentry centers and statewide assistance hotlines. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services to individuals post-conviction or incarceration to reduce recidivism. The Act prioritizes hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and mandates rigorous evaluation and reporting on program outcomes.

The Directly Impacted Child Rehab and Safety Act amends federal juvenile justice laws to raise the minimum age for prosecution as an adult and limits murder convictions for those under 18 to intentional killings. The bill also mandates comprehensive federal data collection on incarcerated youth and authorizes grants to improve collaboration between state child welfare and juvenile justice systems. These measures aim to prioritize rehabilitation and better address the needs of children in the justice system.

This bill officially designates the week of April 24th through April 30th as "National Reentry Week." It recognizes the challenges of mass incarceration and the high rates of recidivism facing formerly incarcerated individuals. The legislation encourages increased support and investment in programs that promote successful reentry, including access to housing, education, job training, and mental health services. Ultimately, the goal is to foster safer communities by supporting the stability and success of those returning to society.

This resolution expresses strong support for library staff across the United States and recognizes the essential, expanding community services they provide. It advocates for commensurate funding, defends the right of all citizens to freely access information, and supports the civil rights and union voice of library workers. Furthermore, the bill condemns threats to library access and staff, such as book bans and funding cuts.

The Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2026 aims to expand access to childhood immunizations by broadening eligibility for the VFC program and setting minimum payment rates for vaccine administration under Medicaid and CHIP. The bill mandates that Medicaid and CHIP programs pay providers at least 100% of the Medicare Part B rate for vaccine administration and counseling services through 2028. Additionally, it increases the federal Medicaid matching rate contingent upon states implementing culturally competent vaccination outreach efforts.

The Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act of 2026 encourages states to adopt comprehensive rights for crime survivors, ensuring access to trauma recovery, housing stability, and financial relief. The bill establishes a federal grant program to provide flexible, direct cash assistance to survivors through community-based organizations, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, it funds state-level surveys to better understand the unmet needs of survivors, particularly those who interact with the justice system.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.