Legislative Activity

The Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2026 reaffirms the United States' commitment to the security and strategic partnership of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The bill mandates a comprehensive report from the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to analyze emerging regional threats and provide recommendations for strengthening deterrence, cybersecurity, and democratic resilience in the Baltic region.

The PEARL Act establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters. These rescued dogs will be trained to serve as support animals within the agency's existing Support Canine Program.

The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act aims to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income individuals by establishing an alternative maximum tax rate based on cost-of-living exemptions. To offset these reductions, the bill introduces a progressive tax surcharge on high-income earners. These changes are slated to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has formally declared war or provided specific authorization. It asserts that the ongoing military action, "Operation Epic Fury," lacks the necessary Congressional approval required by the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution. The bill specifically excludes defensive actions against direct attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities, as well as intelligence sharing and defensive support for allies attacked by Iran.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran. It mandates the cessation of military action unless Congress provides a formal declaration of war or specific authorization for the use of force. The bill preserves the military's authority to defend against direct attacks and support partner nations in defensive operations.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act significantly updates existing law to expand online privacy protections for individuals aged 13 to 16. It broadens the definition of personal information collected online and imposes stricter requirements on operators regarding notice, verifiable consent, and data use for advertising. The bill also mandates studies on application oversight and the privacy risks associated with teens using financial technology products.

This joint resolution disapproves a Department of Commerce rule that would have suspended the expansion of export controls targeting affiliates of certain listed entities. By disapproving the rule, Congress ensures that the expanded end-user controls remain in effect.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It reinforces Congress's constitutional authority over war powers while maintaining the military's ability to defend U.S. personnel and provide defensive support to allies. The measure does not grant any new authorization for the use of military force.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

The Highway Formula Fairness Act establishes a new framework for distributing federal highway funds to states beginning in fiscal year 2027. This legislation ensures a more equitable allocation by guaranteeing that each state receives at least 95 percent of its proportional contribution to the Highway Trust Fund.

The EDA Short Form Application Act streamlines the grant process for small rural communities by requiring the Economic Development Administration to create a simplified application form. This legislation mandates stakeholder input to reduce administrative burdens and increases transparency by providing public access to guidance, evaluation criteria, and sample applications.

The FLOWS Act of 2026 establishes an EPA-led grant program to help rural communities modernize their water and wastewater infrastructure through digital technology. The legislation provides funding for the implementation of smart monitoring tools, cybersecurity, and workforce training, with a focus on supporting small and underserved water systems. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive study to evaluate the long-term impact of these digital upgrades on water system efficiency and resilience.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates the inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation on veterans' benefits within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) preseparation counseling. This legislation ensures service members receive expert guidance on navigating VA benefits with the support of recognized veterans service organizations. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements to track participation and ensure the program's ongoing effectiveness.

This resolution officially recognizes the annual Army-Navy football game as "America's Game" due to its deep patriotic tradition and role in inspiring military service. It urges that the game maintain its exclusive television time slot on the second Saturday of December to maximize national attention. The resolution calls on networks and associations to avoid scheduling competing games during this time to honor the service members involved.

The Maverick Act authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer decommissioned F-14 Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This legislation enables the restoration and public display of these aircraft for educational and commemorative purposes. All costs associated with the transfer, maintenance, and operation of the aircraft are the sole responsibility of the Commission.

The Respect for Local Communities Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to obtain formal consent from local government officials and state leadership before acquiring, building, or modifying any immigration processing site or detention center. The bill mandates comprehensive impact assessments, public notice periods, and economic reviews to ensure transparency and local oversight. Ultimately, federal agencies are prohibited from proceeding with such projects without a signed agreement from the affected local jurisdiction.

The Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026 prohibits retail food stores from charging grossly excessive prices and bans the use of surveillance technology to set customized prices for individual consumers. The law mandates that all prices must be displayed using clear, non-digital methods like physical labels, and it grants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce these provisions. Violators face significant civil penalties, and consumers are granted the right to sue for damages.

The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nonprofit corporation to exclusively support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. This corporation will operate as a 501(c)(3) entity, allowing the Secretary to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to fund and manage athletics. The bill also outlines provisions for leasing Academy property and managing trademarks to generate revenue for the athletic programs and Academy recruiting efforts.