Legislative Activity

This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI). It honors the organization’s century-long commitment to establishing technical and safety standards that ensure the reliable interoperability of firearms and ammunition. Furthermore, it recognizes SAAMI’s ongoing contributions to public safety, industry innovation, and responsible firearm practices.

The DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026 mandates the creation of a centralized online toolkit to help businesses navigate government solicitations and funding opportunities under the Defense Production Act. The bill requires federal agencies to develop and annually update outreach plans to better engage the private sector. Additionally, it establishes new reporting requirements to ensure transparency regarding agency outreach activities and contract awards.

The Military Financial Literacy Act of 2026 expands and enhances financial and housing counseling services for members of the Armed Forces. The bill mandates a new, personalized one-on-one counseling program focused on credit management, budgeting, and homeownership, delivered through partnerships with qualified veteran-focused organizations. Additionally, it requires the Department of Defense to report on the program's effectiveness in improving financial stability and housing outcomes for service members.

The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act ensures that specialized local government entities, known as special districts, are explicitly recognized as eligible recipients for federal financial assistance. This legislation mandates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue clear guidance on recognizing these districts for grants and loans. The goal is to standardize how federal agencies distribute financial aid to these essential local service providers.

This bill, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, mandates that Members of Congress will not receive pay for any day a government shutdown is in effect. For shutdowns occurring before November 2026, the pay will be withheld and held in escrow, to be released after the pay reduction requirement takes effect. This ensures that congressional salaries are directly impacted by lapses in government appropriations.

The Save Our Sequoias Act establishes a comprehensive, multi-agency framework to protect and restore giant sequoia groves from the escalating threats of wildfire, insects, and drought. The legislation creates a collaborative coalition to assess grove health, streamlines emergency protection projects, and authorizes dedicated funding and strike teams to accelerate reforestation and forest management efforts. By fostering partnerships between federal, state, and Tribal entities, the Act aims to ensure the long-term resilience and survival of these iconic trees.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. policy by imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign persons and financial institutions that support Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, drone, and terrorist activities. The bill specifically targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to cut off funding for these malign programs. Additionally, it expands the State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program to incentivize the reporting of individuals who evade these sanctions.

This resolution recognizes the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 114th birthday and designates March 12, 2026, as "Girl Scouts of the United States of America Day." It celebrates the organization's legacy of empowering girls through leadership, character development, and community service. Additionally, the bill honors the 2025 Gold Award recipients and encourages the continued support of future women leaders.

The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 improves patient care by officially recognizing doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians within the Medicaid program. Additionally, the bill streamlines Medicare documentation requirements to ensure patients with diabetes have better access to essential therapeutic footwear.

The American Lending Fairness Act of 2026 grants states the authority to opt out of certain federal interest rate rules for loans made by financial institutions chartered within their borders. This allows states to establish their own interest rate standards for state-chartered banks and credit unions through legislative action or voter approval. The bill repeals an existing, similar provision from 1980, applying the new opt-out mechanism retroactively to prior state actions.

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.

The CDFI Fund Transparency Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide annual testimony to Congress regarding the operations and performance of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. This legislation aims to increase oversight and accountability by ensuring the Fund’s activities are regularly reviewed by the House and Senate banking committees.

The Dalilah Law restricts the issuance of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and specific work visa holders. The bill mandates English language proficiency for all CDL applicants and requires states to recertify existing license holders. States that fail to comply with these eligibility and testing requirements face the loss of federal transportation funding.

The MINT Act, or Municipal Investment and Neighborhood Transformation Act, modernizes rules regarding Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bonds. This legislation removes an outdated time restriction on when FHLB guarantees can be used with these bonds. Furthermore, it grants the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency the authority to set the necessary safety and soundness requirements for these guarantees.

This bill, the "Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act," prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from hiring or retaining individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. It also amends federal law regarding which firearm restrictions apply to government entities, updating specific exemptions related to firearm sales and possession.

The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support the Iranian people by expanding access to uncensored internet and communication technologies. The bill strengthens U.S. policy against regime repression by mandating investigations into human rights abuses and establishing a new Treasury initiative to combat corruption and money laundering by Iranian officials. Additionally, it enhances congressional oversight of sanctions and promotes independent media to counter state-sponsored censorship.

The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act aims to promote de-escalation by exempting specific, clearly defined less-than-lethal projectile devices from federal firearm restrictions and excise taxes. This legislation provides a formal process for determining which devices qualify for these exemptions under both federal law and the National Firearms Act. The bill also modernizes tax regulations by exempting qualifying less-than-lethal devices and their ammunition from federal excise taxes.

This bill establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate joint research, development, and integration of critical defense technologies. The initiative focuses on key areas like AI, missile defense, and counter-drone systems to enhance the security and technological edge of both nations. It mandates regular reporting to Congress on progress and authorizes funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.

The Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct Act (SCAM Act) holds online platforms accountable for displaying fraudulent or deceptive paid advertisements. It mandates that platforms implement strict advertiser verification procedures and actively detect and remove scam ads. This legislation establishes a private right of action for injured consumers and clarifies that existing Section 230 immunity does not apply to violations of this Act.

This bill officially recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year, specifically in 2026, the Year of the Horse. It expresses deep respect for Asian American communities and all who celebrate this important occasion. The resolution concludes by offering wishes for a happy and prosperous new year to all observers.