Legislative Activity

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

The Water Cyber Shield Act of 2026 strengthens the nation’s water infrastructure by mandating comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments and emergency response planning for community water systems and wastewater treatment facilities. The bill establishes federal baseline cybersecurity standards, provides $600 million in annual assistance to support infrastructure resilience, and mandates new cyber incident reporting obligations. By integrating these protections into existing regulatory frameworks, the Act ensures that critical water services are better equipped to detect, mitigate, and recover from malicious cyber threats.

This resolution designates the first week of August 2026 as "National Community Health Center Week" to honor the vital role these centers play in providing accessible, comprehensive primary care to millions of Americans. It celebrates the 60-year legacy of community health centers and encourages the public to visit their local facilities to recognize the dedicated staff and patients who strengthen our nation's health system.

The Afghan Ally Records and Credential Heritage (ARCH) Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a secure, long-term process for preserving the service records and biometric data of eligible Afghan allies. This program provides a pathway for former Afghan military, intelligence, and justice sector personnel who supported the U.S. mission to verify their credentials. The initiative ensures these critical records are maintained for future use, including an established process for application, review, and appeal.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

The Bring Our Heroes Home Act mandates the collection and prompt public disclosure of all U.S. government records concerning Armed Forces and civilian personnel missing since December 7, 1941. It establishes an independent Review Board to oversee the transfer of these records to the National Archives and to rule on any proposed postponements of disclosure. The Act aims to provide the fullest possible accounting to the American public and the families of the missing, with only narrow, clearly defined exceptions to release.

This resolution commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, honoring the nation's democratic journey and its resilience against Russian aggression. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while advocating for continued diplomatic support and security cooperation. Additionally, the resolution encourages ongoing democratic reforms in Ukraine and the integration of lessons learned from the conflict to strengthen trans-Atlantic security.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By investing in social determinants of health, expanding nutritional support, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection, the bill seeks to provide holistic, equitable care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also addresses critical gaps in maternal health for veterans, incarcerated individuals, and those impacted by climate change and public health emergencies.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act establishes a competitive grant program to provide low-income individuals with training and support for high-demand careers in the healthcare sector. The legislation funds comprehensive career pathways, including case management, childcare, and transportation assistance, to help participants earn recognized credentials and secure well-paying jobs. Additionally, the bill mandates specific demonstration projects focused on individuals with past criminal records and maternal health professionals, such as doulas and midwives.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The RANCH Act establishes a USDA program to incentivize the conversion of eligible cropland into perennial grazing land through 10- to 15-year contracts. Participants receive rental payments, cost-sharing for cover establishment, and technical assistance to support sustainable grazing and wildlife habitat. The program prioritizes beginning farmers and ranchers while providing flexibility for emergency haying and disaster response.

The Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026 designates Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through July 1, 2029, allowing eligible Afghan nationals currently in the United States to live and work legally. The bill mandates expedited processing for TPS applications and provides for fee waivers for qualified applicants. Additionally, it establishes clear requirements for background checks and emergency travel authorization for those granted status.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The Children's Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the risks, educational impacts, and ethical concerns surrounding AI-enabled toys for children. Additionally, the bill requires the FTC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop a joint action plan to establish safety standards, marketing regulations, and consumer protections for these products.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Runway SAFE-T Act aims to enhance airport safety by establishing a dedicated task force to modernize driver training programs for personnel operating in airport movement areas. Additionally, the bill authorizes federal grant funding from 2027 through 2031 to help airports acquire advanced safety technologies and training systems. These measures are designed to reduce vehicle-involved surface incidents and improve overall situational awareness at airports nationwide.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act ensures that individuals held in custody while awaiting trial maintain access to essential health care. By removing current exclusions, the bill allows these individuals to remain covered under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and Department of Veterans Affairs programs. This legislation aims to provide continuity of care for those who have not yet been convicted of a crime.

The College Transparency Act establishes a secure, privacy-protected federal data system to track postsecondary student outcomes, including enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings. By repealing the existing ban on a national student-level database, the bill aims to provide students and families with transparent, customizable information to help them make informed educational decisions. The system is designed to streamline institutional reporting requirements while strictly prohibiting the use of personal data for law enforcement, immigration, or federal ranking purposes.

The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act strengthens federal law by closing loopholes that allow abusive dating partners and individuals subject to emergency protective orders to possess firearms. The bill expands the definition of prohibited domestic abusers and establishes a federal grant program to assist state, tribal, and local governments in the safe removal and storage of firearms from those under domestic violence restraining orders. By setting a national standard, this legislation aims to reduce intimate partner homicides and enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence.