Legislative Activity

This resolution officially recognizes the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, honoring the legacy of Luís Vaz de Camões and the cultural contributions of Portuguese Americans. It reaffirms the long-standing friendship and diplomatic alliance between the United States and Portugal. The bill also supports the commemoration of Portuguese heritage in the U.S.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to speed up the process of securing a first collective bargaining agreement after a union is certified. It establishes a mandatory timeline, including mediation and binding arbitration, if an agreement is not reached within 90 days of bargaining. This process is designed to prevent lengthy delays that currently weaken the union's position. The bill also requires a GAO report on current time-to-contract averages.

The Ukraine Support Act comprehensively bolsters Ukraine's defense and recovery through diplomatic, financial, and security measures. It condemns Russian aggression, establishes mechanisms for reconstruction funding, and extends crucial military assistance to Ukraine and its NATO allies. Furthermore, the bill institutes a mandatory, escalating sanctions regime against Russia based on its actions in the war.

The **SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026** strengthens protections for veterans by reinstating and expanding penalties against unaccredited representatives who charge unauthorized fees for VA benefit claims assistance. The bill mandates increased transparency by requiring the VA to maintain searchable lists of accredited representatives and improve public warnings about predatory practices on all VA websites. Furthermore, it requires new data collection on paid assistance and establishes a high-availability accreditation system for recognized agents and attorneys.

This bill seeks to disapprove the Department of Education's final rule regarding the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program." By utilizing the Congressional Review Act, this legislation prevents the new regulations from taking legal effect. Consequently, the Department of Education cannot implement the changes outlined in that specific rule.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative gold and silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and survivors, with designs selected in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges from the sale of these coins will be paid directly to the Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance.

This bill directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran, as authorized under the War Powers Resolution. The only exception allows the President to maintain forces necessary for self-defense or the defense of allies against an imminent attack, provided specific reporting requirements are met. Any continued military engagement without a declaration of war requires explicit congressional authorization.

The FORTIFY Act streamlines defense cooperation among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania by removing the requirement for Presidential consent for the transfer of U.S.-provided defense articles and services between these Baltic states. This legislation aims to enhance regional security and deter aggression by allowing the Baltic nations to more flexibly share military assets. It also mandates the creation of a shared ammunition system among the three allies.

This bill officially designates the United States Chancery building in Pristina, Kosovo, as the "Eliot L. Engel Building." It ensures all official federal records are updated to reflect this new name.

The YALI Act of 2025 formally establishes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative to invest in emerging African leaders across sub-Saharan Africa. This legislation mandates the creation of professional development, training, and networking opportunities focused on business, civic engagement, and public administration. The bill specifically supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship and requires the establishment of regional leadership centers and online networks to foster ongoing engagement and U.S.-Africa ties.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes permanent, universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students at participating schools, eliminating income tests and meal debt collection. The bill significantly updates federal funding mechanisms by replacing reliance on free and reduced-price lunch data with new measures for identifying economically disadvantaged students across various education and social programs. Furthermore, it expands access to summer and afterschool meals while making technical amendments across several federal education and nutrition laws.

The MISSION Rx Act aims to lower prescription drug costs for servicemembers, veterans, and federal procurement programs. It caps the cost-sharing amounts paid by TRICARE beneficiaries and veterans for certain drugs at the level paid by Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Furthermore, the bill limits the price federal agencies pay for these same negotiated drugs under existing procurement agreements.

The FORGE Act establishes the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program within the Department of State. This program aims to promote the responsible international deployment of U.S. civil nuclear energy, particularly Small Modular Reactors. It focuses on advocating for U.S. technology abroad while ensuring partner countries adhere to high safety and nonproliferation standards.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The measure aims to increase public awareness regarding the significant impact of brain tumors and the urgent need for advances in research and treatment. It honors those affected by brain tumors and supports efforts to improve outcomes for patients.

This bill temporarily suspends the federal excise tax on gasoline when the national average price exceeds \$3.99 per gallon, with the reduction matching the amount the price is over the threshold. To offset lost revenue, the general fund will reimburse the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Furthermore, during these high-price periods, certain tax deductions and credits for oil and gas companies will be suspended.

This Act nullifies three specific Department of State rules concerning foreign assistance, effectively treating them as if they never existed. It prohibits any federal agency from implementing or enforcing these rules, or any substantially similar future policies. The legislation aims to prevent the enforcement of rules related to "Protecting Life," "Discriminatory Equity Ideology," and "Gender Ideology" in foreign aid.

The Clean Energy Workforce Act establishes grant programs to bolster career and technical education for jobs in clean energy and related fields. These grants will support the development of specialized curricula and the modernization of educational facilities to align with renewable energy practices. The goal is to prepare students for in-demand careers in climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sectors.

This resolution commends the Holy See for its enduring diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and affirms Congress's strong support for its preservation. It highlights Taiwan's exemplary record on religious freedom compared to the People's Republic of China. The bill encourages further high-level engagement between the Vatican and Taiwan to strengthen their partnership.

The Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025 affirms the critical importance of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to U.S. national security amidst Russian aggression. This bill mandates that the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense deliver a comprehensive report to Congress detailing emerging military, cyber, and political threats to the Baltic states. The report must also recommend specific actions to enhance U.S. and NATO defense cooperation and bolster Baltic resilience.

The Civics Learning Act of 2026 aims to combat political polarization and strengthen democracy by improving civics education nationwide. This bill amends existing law to expand a federal grant program, prioritizing funding for innovative, hands-on civics learning in high-need schools. Funds will support activities covering the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the history of the civil rights movement. The legislation authorizes $70 million for fiscal year 2027 to support these essential educational efforts.