Legislative Activity

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act establishes a process for victims of human trafficking to seek the expungement of federal arrests and the vacatur of certain federal criminal convictions resulting from their victimization. It also creates a new duress defense in federal criminal trials for individuals who committed offenses while being trafficked. Furthermore, the bill allows courts to reduce the sentences of current prisoners who committed offenses as a direct result of trafficking.

The AI OVERWATCH Act establishes strict new licensing requirements for exporting advanced integrated circuits to designated countries of concern, including China and Russia. This legislation mandates detailed national security certifications to Congress before any license can be approved for these high-performance technologies. Furthermore, the bill creates an exemption process for trusted U.S. companies while terminating existing licenses for these sensitive exports.

The American Cooperation with Our Neighbors Act establishes a strategy for the U.S. government to enhance local and state-level cooperation with Mexican partners to combat fentanyl trafficking. It also mandates a review by the State Department to explore ways to improve access to financial services within Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states. The bill focuses on strengthening security coordination, sharing resources, and building local capacity on both fronts.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act supports key Eastern Mediterranean nations—Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel—as strategic partners for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The bill directs the U.S. to prioritize diplomatic engagement, energy security, and defense cooperation in the region. It also mandates several reports to Congress detailing implementation, multilateral initiatives, and potential expansions of successful U.S.-Israel partnership models to other regional allies.

The PRESS Act establishes a new federal crime for manufacturing or distributing equipment used to make illegal drugs if that equipment is intended for substances that will be unlawfully imported into the United States. This legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act to create specific prison sentences for these supply chain offenses. The Act also directs the Sentencing Commission to update federal guidelines to reflect these new penalties.

The Shutdown Fairness Act automatically appropriates necessary funds to ensure federal employees and essential contractors receive their regular pay during a government shutdown. This legislation mandates timely payment for covered personnel, regardless of whether they were deemed "excepted" or furloughed. The funds are charged against the agency's subsequent regular appropriations once they are enacted.

The PORCUPINE Act amends the Arms Export Control Act to formally include Taiwan in existing certification and reporting requirements. It also mandates a feasibility study for expediting the licensing process for allied nations transferring U.S.-origin military equipment to Taiwan. The legislation is intended to enhance security cooperation while affirming that it does not alter existing U.S. policy as defined by the Taiwan Relations Act.

The Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems, and Initiatives for Sepsis Act (SEPSIS Act) establishes a new federal sepsis program within the CDC to combat the high rates of sepsis-related illness and death. This program will focus on leading education campaigns, improving data collection, and developing outcome measures for sepsis. The bill also authorizes funding to support these critical efforts and may establish a voluntary recognition program for hospitals with effective sepsis protocols.

The Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act of 2026 mandates that state Medicaid programs cover whole genome and whole exome sequencing for children with specific medical conditions, effective January 1, 2027. This sequencing is to be covered as a first-tier diagnostic test for genetic disorders, rare diseases, or conditions of unknown origin. The bill also directs the HHS Secretary to promote awareness and address implementation challenges for this new mandatory benefit.

The No Aid for Russian Energy Act prohibits U.S. persons and entities from exporting petroleum-related equipment, technology, and services to the Russian Federation. It further mandates strict sanctions, including asset blocking and visa restrictions, against any foreign persons or companies that facilitate such trade with Russia. The bill provides limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and medical supplies while granting the President authority to issue temporary national security waivers.

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026 establishes a Department of Justice Task Force dedicated to combating anti-Sikh hate and discrimination. This Task Force is charged with formally defining anti-Sikh hate, developing educational programs for law enforcement and schools, and collaborating with the Sikh community. The bill mandates annual reporting to Congress on hate crimes, legal actions, and ongoing threats against Sikhs.

The PATH to Education Act establishes a new federal grant program to improve public transit access for students attending community colleges, technical schools, and Head Start programs. These grants will fund projects like adding new routes or increasing service frequency to better connect students with their educational institutions. Priority will be given to partnerships serving institutions with a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients.

The Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act of 2026 establishes a special pay system to increase the base pay for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional officers by 35 percent. This legislation also provides a similar 35 percent wage increase for certain hourly BOP employees involved in inmate custody. The new pay authority is set to expire after five years, unless the Department of Justice Inspector General reports measurable progress in reducing the use of non-custodial staff for officer duties and excessive overtime.

The Community Passport Services Access Act authorizes eligible public libraries to serve as official passport acceptance facilities. This allows these libraries to collect and retain the associated execution fee for processing passport applications. The bill ensures that libraries already performing this function can continue to do so.

This bill officially designates January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers nationwide. It also establishes National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th) to commemorate officers who have died in the line of duty. The legislation encourages the President to issue annual proclamations recognizing these days and calls for flags to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a comprehensive review of veteran suicides over the preceding five years, focusing on prescription practices. This review will analyze medication use, diagnoses, and demographic data for veterans who died by suicide while receiving VA care. The VA must then submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the public.

The Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025 imposes comprehensive sanctions on Russia's financial, military, and energy sectors in response to its war against Ukraine. This legislation cuts off major Russian banks from the U.S. financial system and bans new American investment in Russia. Additionally, the bill makes the existing sanctions authority against Iran permanent by removing its expiration date.

This bill officially renames Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, to the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station." It mandates that all future federal references to the station must use this new designation.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Safer Schools Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program managed by the Attorney General to award grants to public schools for security enhancements. These grants fund independent facility security risk assessments and "hard security improvements," such as physical infrastructure upgrades. Priority is given to schools that have experienced past incidents of deadly harm, and recipients must report on the effectiveness of the improvements.