Legislative Activity

This resolution designates August 7, 2026, as "National Lighthouse Day" to honor the 237th anniversary of the first federal lighthouse law. It celebrates the historical significance of lighthouses and their keepers while encouraging public support for the ongoing preservation of these vital maritime landmarks.

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 bill establishes the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, aiming to formally recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a distinct occupational category for them in the federal classification system. The legislation also authorizes significant federal grants to states to establish or expand paid family and medical leave programs. If a separate DSP classification is not created, a report explaining the decision must be submitted to Congress.

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.

This resolution designates August 16, 2026, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the historic contributions and sacrifices of United States airborne forces. It recognizes the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump and pays tribute to the bravery of airborne units serving from World War II to the present day.

The Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026 directs NOAA to integrate environmental DNA (eDNA) technology into federal fish stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring to improve data accuracy and efficiency. The bill also establishes a multi-agency National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network to standardize eDNA practices, foster technological innovation, and strengthen the U.S. workforce. Together, these measures aim to modernize fisheries management while enhancing national competitiveness in aquatic monitoring services.

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 Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act of 2026 authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements to improve operational efficiency. This legislation streamlines administrative processes while ensuring congressional oversight by requiring notification to relevant committees whenever this authority is exercised.

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 Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve college accessibility for students with disabilities by streamlining the documentation process for accommodations. The bill also mandates that colleges report data on students with disabilities and authorizes $10 million in funding for a national technical support center. These measures ensure greater transparency and support for students navigating the transition to postsecondary education.

The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 aims to stabilize Medicare physician payments by modernizing budget neutrality thresholds and capping year-to-year payment fluctuations. The bill mandates periodic updates to practice expense data to reflect current costs and establishes a reconciliation process to correct inaccuracies in estimated service utilization. These measures are designed to ensure more predictable and accurate reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.

The Restoring Justice for Workers Act prohibits employers from forcing workers to sign away their right to pursue legal claims in court or join class-action lawsuits as a condition of employment. The bill bans mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements and ensures that any agreement to arbitrate or waive collective action rights made after a dispute arises is strictly voluntary and informed. By amending the National Labor Relations Act and the Federal Arbitration Act, this legislation protects workers' rights to act collectively and seek justice for workplace violations.

This resolution designates August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week." It recognizes the vital role these markets play in supporting local economies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving community access to fresh, healthy food.

This resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day," honoring the historical significance of the end of slavery in the United States. It celebrates the resilience of African Americans and encourages nationwide reflection on the history and heritage that have shaped our democracy.

The SHIELD Our Elections Act strengthens election integrity by establishing a private right of action against voter intimidation and extending the statute of limitations for election-related crimes. The bill also protects election records by restricting the seizure of voting materials and provides federal grants to states to implement comprehensive, transparent absentee ballot tracking programs.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and increasing transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. The bill also fosters competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs and establishes new support programs to provide affordable insulin access for uninsured individuals.

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of "renewable biomass" eligible for federal renewable fuel programs. By including a wider range of forest residuals and vegetation sourced from wildfire risk reduction and restoration activities, the bill incentivizes the removal of hazardous fuels from both public and private lands. This legislation streamlines the certification process to encourage the use of forest materials in renewable energy production.