Legislative Activity

The Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2026 significantly overhauls U.S. surveillance law by imposing new warrant requirements for accessing Americans' digital communications collected under foreign intelligence authorities. It bans federal agencies from purchasing personal data from commercial brokers and strengthens privacy protections for vehicle data and stored electronic records. Ultimately, the bill aims to enhance civil liberties and transparency while reauthorizing key intelligence collection programs through 2030.

The Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act of 2026 strengthens federal oversight by mandating rigorous pathogen testing, stricter manufacturing facility standards, and rapid reporting of contamination. The bill requires manufacturers to promptly notify the FDA of positive test results and ensures that Congress is kept informed of critical safety and inspection issues. These measures aim to enhance the safety and quality of infant formula products for all consumers.

This resolution directs the President, under the authority of the War Powers Resolution, to immediately remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that military action must cease unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of force. The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize new military action nor does it impede necessary self-defense against an immediate attack.

The DROUGHT Act of 2026 increases federal financial support—up to 90 percent of total project costs—for critical water infrastructure projects in drought-stricken areas. By prioritizing projects that improve water reliability, affordability, and sustainability, this legislation provides essential resources to communities facing severe water shortages.

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.

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.

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 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 Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family health needs, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act prohibits employer retaliation for using this leave and ensures existing, more generous leave policies are not diminished.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

The GRADUATE Act amends tax law to transform the existing student loan interest deduction into a broader education loan deduction, effective after 2025. This new deduction allows taxpayers to deduct the total amount paid on qualified education loans, up to a maximum of \$10,000 plus an additional \$500 per dependent. The maximum deduction amount is subject to an income-based phase-out, beginning when Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds \$125,000 for individuals or \$250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

This resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

This bill immediately halts all hiring and transfers of personnel to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using federal funds. The hiring freeze will remain in effect until Congress passes and enacts a new law specifically designed to supersede this provision.

The Drain ICE Act of 2026 aims to fundamentally reform immigration enforcement by repealing specific sections of a prior law (Public Law 11921) and rescinding associated funding. This legislation is introduced in response to Congressional findings detailing concerns over mass deportation policies, inhumane detention conditions, and the detention of non-criminal individuals under the Trump Administration. The bill seeks to end practices deemed contrary to constitutional protections and human rights in immigration enforcement.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

The Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026 mandates minimum health, safety, and legal standards for all ICE detention facilities, prohibiting funding for non-compliant sites. It establishes rigorous, real-time health reporting systems and requires unannounced inspections with penalties, including contract termination, for facilities that fail to meet these standards. Furthermore, the bill creates anonymous complaint channels and mandates annual audits focusing on gender-related health protections.

This act mandates the Congressional Budget Office, in collaboration with the Council of Economic Advisers, to conduct a comprehensive study on the long-term economic impacts of potential mass deportation policies enacted after January 20, 2025. The study will analyze effects on industries, public safety, GDP, tax revenue, and more over a 20 to 40-year period. Relevant federal agencies are required to provide necessary data to complete this analysis.

The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act establishes minimum standards for health screening, nutrition, sanitation, and shelter for individuals detained by ICE and CBP. This bill mandates specific protocols for medical care, facility conditions, and personnel training to ensure humane treatment. It also requires regular inspections and public reporting on compliance and sexual abuse complaints.

The Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act of 2026 permanently establishes a federal grant program to fund transit-oriented development planning and predevelopment activities. This program supports projects related to new or existing fixed guideway transit systems. Funds will specifically aid in site preparation, design, and improving accessibility for all users near transit hubs.

The Evan Anzoo Memorial Act mandates a comprehensive report by the Comptroller General investigating deaths resulting from the cessation of USAID activities. This report must estimate fatalities in 2025 and the subsequent five years, and specifically determine if ten named individuals died due to these actions. An interim update is required within 180 days, with the final report due one year after enactment.