Legislative Activity

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary guidelines to help federal agencies prepare their datasets for use in training artificial intelligence models. These guidelines will cover data formatting, quality, labeling, and maintenance to ensure data is "AI-ready." NIST may also launch pilot programs to test these guidelines in specific high-priority sectors.

The LIFT the BAR Act repeals decades-old restrictions that barred many lawfully present noncitizens from accessing essential federal public benefits. This legislation restores eligibility for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and housing assistance for qualified noncitizens. The bill also updates terminology, replacing "alien" with "noncitizen" throughout relevant statutes.

This bill, the Great American Outdoors Act 250, significantly reforms and renames the existing public lands restoration fund to the America’s Legacy Restoration Fund. It secures dedicated funding streams, primarily from energy revenues and new fees on foreign visitors, to address critical deferred maintenance across the National Park Service, Forest Service, and other public land agencies. The legislation establishes strict spending priorities for infrastructure repair while also creating pilot programs for enhancing outdoor recreation and sportsmen's access. Finally, it mandates increased transparency and accountability through standardized metrics and public reporting on all funded projects.

This bill directs the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the crew of the Artemis II mission to recognize their historic achievements in returning humans beyond low Earth orbit. The medals will honor the crew's role in setting new space exploration records and paving the way for future lunar and Mars missions. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike these medals and produce bronze duplicates for sale.

The CHILD Labor Act significantly strengthens protections against child labor by expanding the definition of oppressive child labor and requiring updated regulations for hazardous work under the Fair Labor Standards Act. It enhances enforcement through supply chain accountability, extended "hot goods" restrictions, liability for successor businesses, and increased civil and criminal penalties for violations. Furthermore, the Act imposes strict child labor requirements on federal contractors and recipients of federal financial assistance.

The Local Communities Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026 establishes a voluntary Urban Bird Treaty Program to protect and restore bird habitats within urban areas. Through partnerships and a competitive grant program, the initiative supports local organizations in reducing urban hazards, conducting scientific monitoring, and engaging communities in conservation efforts.

The "No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026" amends federal law to deem specific toxic chemicals, including certain phthalates, PFAS, and Bisphenols, unsafe for use in food contact materials. This legislation mandates that the FDA consider the impact on vulnerable populations when reviewing alternatives to these banned substances. Furthermore, the Act preserves the authority of states and local governments to enact stricter regulations regarding food additives and contact substances.

This bill, the "Child Care Modernization Act of 2026," reauthorizes and significantly updates the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. It aims to increase child care quality and access by updating eligibility definitions, strengthening state planning requirements, and establishing new grant programs for supply expansion and facility improvements. Key changes include mandating that payment rates cover the full cost of care and enhancing support for the child care workforce.

This bill, the "Right to Record Act of 2026," establishes an explicit federal right to record, observe, or peacefully protest federal law enforcement activities in public view. It creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue officers and the United States for violations of this right, including provisions for statutory damages and attorney's fees. The Act mandates training for federal officers and requires courts to interpret its provisions broadly to protect these expressive activities.

This bill expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designations aim to honor the nearly 47,000 people killed by gunfire each year and raise public awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence. The resolution encourages the public to wear orange on that day and focus on community efforts to promote gun safety.

This act, the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, prohibits the construction of any new triumphal arches in Lady Bird Johnson Park. It also restricts the building of any triumphal arch over 50 feet tall on other National Park Service land within the capital region unless explicitly authorized by Congress. The legislation aims to protect the visual landscape surrounding Arlington National Cemetery.

The Celiac Safety Act of 2026 amends federal law to officially classify gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, and barley) as a major food allergen. This change mandates that foods containing these grains must be clearly labeled as such, similar to existing major allergens like peanuts or milk. This new labeling requirement will take effect 18 months after the Act's enactment.

The Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026 establishes rigorous "fitness-to-operate" standards for offshore oil and gas operators, requiring certification based on environmental compliance, safety records, and financial solvency before issuing or extending leases. The bill also mandates that leaseholders fully fund future decommissioning liabilities through interest-bearing escrow accounts, with required payments scheduled to cover estimated costs within five years. Furthermore, it restricts the temporary abandonment of offshore wells to a maximum of three years, subject to strict operational or environmental justification.

The Ending Fossil Fuel Bailouts Act of 2026 fundamentally reforms federal bankruptcy law concerning fossil fuel companies. This legislation prioritizes cleanup and employee obligations over other claims when these companies file for bankruptcy. It also prevents fossil fuel assets from being abandoned and makes certain environmental debts non-dischargeable.

The American High-Speed Rail Act significantly expands federal support for high-speed and higher-speed rail development by increasing funding limits, broadening eligibility for public-private partnerships, and establishing new planning and safety requirements. The bill authorizes substantial funding through 2031 for corridor development and planning, while also creating pathways for acquiring necessary right-of-way property and ensuring labor protections on federally-funded infrastructure. It also refines definitions, setting the threshold for true "high-speed rail" at 186 mph or more, and introduces a new category for "higher-speed rail."

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Elder Pride Act of 2026 establishes a new rural outreach grant program under the Older Americans Act. This program aims to reduce isolation and improve care access for older LGBTQI individuals and members of other protected classes in rural areas. Grants will fund partnerships that provide essential services, including comprehensive sexual health support for all older residents.

The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 aims to improve the accuracy and predictability of Medicare physician payments. The bill reforms budget neutrality calculations, mandates periodic updates to practice expense cost data, and establishes a 2.5% cap on annual conversion factor fluctuations. These measures are designed to ensure more stable reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.

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.