Legislative Activity

The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated, interest-bearing account within the U.S. Treasury to manage non-federal contributions for the program. This legislation streamlines the handling of state funding and clarifies the investment authority and expenditure processes for these conservation resources.

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.

The Geothermal Energy Opportunity (GEO) Act mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must continue processing geothermal leasing applications, including permits and rights-of-way, even if a related civil lawsuit is pending. This requirement remains in effect unless a federal court has specifically enjoined or vacated the lease or authorization. The bill ensures that administrative review proceeds unless explicitly halted by a court order.

This resolution formally honors the life and enduring legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Louis Burns Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, including his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his founding of Operation PUSH. The bill specifically urges the President to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in his memory.

The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency and security in U.S. elections. It closes loopholes to ban foreign national spending in elections, mandates disclosure for "dark money" political spending, and requires clear funding disclosures on political ads. The bill also centralizes legal challenges to campaign finance laws in Washington, D.C., for faster resolution.

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to create and maintain a single, unified list of designated critical minerals and materials. This list must incorporate existing designations from both the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy. Federal agencies must use the most current version of this unified list when administering relevant programs.

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 Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026 updates the membership requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee. This legislation ensures the committee includes diverse representation from veterans service organizations, State homes, and licensed nursing home administrators to better support aging veterans.

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.

The After Hours Child Care Act establishes a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to care for parents working nontraditional hours. This fund supports a competitive pilot grant program managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Grants will help eligible entities expand capacity, contract services, or establish new programs specifically serving families with irregular work schedules. The goal is to help these parents maintain employment and advance their careers.

The PETSAFE Act of 2026 allows states, local, and tribal governments to use federal emergency preparedness grants to support companion animals during disasters. This funding can cover essential supplies, veterinary care, and emergency sheltering equipment. Furthermore, the bill increases the federal cost share for these specific animal preparedness activities to 90 percent.

The HARM Act 2.0 addresses the continued threat posed by successor entities to the Wagner Group, which Congress finds are now integrated into the Russian Ministry of Defense. This bill mandates the Secretary of State to report on these successor groups, including the Africa Corps, and individuals who direct them. Ultimately, the legislation establishes a process for the executive branch to designate these entities as terrorist organizations and apply appropriate U.S. sanctions.

The Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act ensures that Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) receive the full 340B discounted price for drugs at the point of purchase. This legislation prohibits manufacturers from requiring FQHCs to pay more than the established ceiling price upfront, regardless of any later rebates or reimbursements. The goal is to guarantee immediate, upfront savings for these vital health centers.

The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act aims to prevent certain Social Security benefits from being subject to federal income tax for a limited time. This legislation specifically excludes payments resulting from changes made by the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. The exclusion applies to benefits paid for months between the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2026.

The Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act establishes a clear process for paying a veteran's pension that was awarded by the VA before their death but issued afterward. This legislation prioritizes payment to the veteran's spouse, children, or dependent parents before the estate. The bill also makes a minor extension to the expiration date of certain existing pension payment restrictions.

The Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026 updates existing law to better support environmental protection and cultural preservation in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This bill specifically includes the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California in land acquisition and management programs, recognizing the Basin as their homeland. It also expands the use of federal funds to cover land management activities and authorizes the Tribe to acquire culturally significant lands.

This resolution seeks to disapprove the Department of Veterans Affairs' final rule concerning "Reproductive Health Services" issued in September 2024. If enacted, this disapproval, made under the Congressional Review Act, would prevent the VA rule from taking legal effect.

The Gerald's Law Act expands eligibility for a veteran's burial allowance. It now covers survivors whose veteran died at home while receiving VA hospice care, provided that care immediately followed a stay in a VA hospital or nursing home. This change ensures benefits for veterans transitioning from facility care to end-of-life care at home.

The China AI Power Report Act mandates the Secretary of Commerce to deliver an annual, detailed report to Congress for three years assessing China's advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and supply chains. This legislation emphasizes the need for dynamic U.S. export controls to counter China's evolving technological advancements and protect national security. The comprehensive report must cover everything from advanced AI chips and fabrication facilities to AI models, funding, and the effectiveness of current U.S. restrictions.