Legislative Activity

The Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive, data-driven report assessing the impact of U.S. export controls on semiconductor technology destined for China. This report, prepared by the State Department in coordination with other agencies, will detail the effects on China's military, AI development, and semiconductor industry. The goal is to publicly evaluate the effectiveness of these national security measures and recommend improvements to the export control regime.

The Protecting American Competition Act of 2026 updates export control procedures by requiring special consideration for initial export licenses to new recipients. It mandates that the Under Secretary for Industry and Security track and report annually to Congress on these initial licenses versus subsequent applications for similar items to the same end user. This legislation aims to provide greater transparency regarding the first-time approval of controlled item exports.

The Strengthening Export Controls Compliance Act enhances the enforcement of U.S. export control laws through increased investigative authority and significantly higher penalties for violations. The bill mandates that exporters implement formal compliance programs and extends recordkeeping requirements to ten years. Furthermore, it establishes a formal voluntary disclosure program and requires increased compliance assistance and outreach from the Department of Commerce to U.S. businesses.

This bill, the Bureau of Industry and Security License Administration Enhancement Act, aims to strengthen U.S. export control processes. It mandates stricter procedures for handling certain export licenses and establishes clear standards for license denials against foreign adversaries. Furthermore, the Act expands and formalizes technical advisory committees to better inform the Commerce Department on critical and emerging technologies.

The Deterring American AI Model Theft Act of 2026 aims to protect proprietary, closed-source Artificial Intelligence models owned by U.S. entities from theft by foreign adversaries. It establishes new legal restrictions and penalties targeting "model extraction attacks" used by designated "entities of concern" to replicate advanced AI capabilities. The bill mandates government assessments, public reporting, and grants the President authority to impose sanctions against those found violating these provisions.

The USA 6G Global Leadership Act establishes the national interest in the U.S. leading the global development of 6G technology to counter unfair practices by competitors like China. The bill directs the State Department to coordinate diplomatic efforts, prioritize projects using trusted vendors in developing nations, and develop a comprehensive strategy for U.S. dominance in 6G. This legislation aims to ensure American companies compete effectively and shape international telecommunications standards.

The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026 aims to make it easier for local farmers and ranchers to accept benefits from major federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. It mandates the creation of a single, streamlined application process for farmers to become authorized vendors across these programs. Additionally, the bill requires the provision of modern, mobile payment technology to support direct sales at farmers markets.

The Safe Tracks Act mandates immediate updates to federal rail safety regulations concerning centralized train dispatching systems. This legislation requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that all existing and future computer-aided dispatching systems comply with established safety requirements outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations.

The "Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act" repeals the Corporate Transparency Act, eliminating the requirement for companies to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). It also makes necessary technical adjustments to Title 31 of the United States Code, specifically sections related to financial recordkeeping and reporting of currency and foreign transactions, to reflect the repeal.

This bill designates April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month to renew the national commitment to reducing the burden of cancer. It aims to address gaps in screening access and promote preventive actions across all populations. The legislation encourages federal investment in early detection programs and supports advancements in lifesaving cancer innovation.

This bill officially designates April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to combat the rising number of tragic crashes caused by distracted driving. It highlights the severe dangers of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, such as texting while driving. The resolution supports ongoing public education and enforcement efforts aimed at encouraging drivers to put away their phones and focus solely on the road.

This bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This designation overrides other legal requirements and will remain in effect until early 2029.

This bill authorizes the Artemis Accords, establishing U.S. policy to promote peaceful and responsible civil space exploration through this international framework. It creates a Special Coordinator within the State Department to expand participation in the Accords and requires regular reports to Congress on international space cooperation. Furthermore, the legislation mandates a strategy to integrate U.S. low-earth orbit satellite technology into foreign policy to advance connectivity and counter strategic competitors.

The Foreign Service Age and Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act of 2026 proposes to raise the mandatory retirement age for Foreign Service officers. This legislation adjusts the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67, or to the individual's applicable Social Security retirement age, whichever is greater.

The Safeguarding Americans’ Fairly Earned Retirement Act of 2026 (SAFER Act) establishes strict new federal rules governing when financial institutions must turn over certain unclaimed assets, including securities and digital assets, to state governments. This bill mandates specific waiting periods and confirmation of death before assets belonging to individuals or entities can be escheated under state unclaimed property laws. Furthermore, it requires enhanced death record checks for accounts held by retirees before any transfer of assets occurs.

The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 mandates significant safety upgrades across both civilian and military aviation to prevent midair collisions. It requires the FAA to implement advanced collision avoidance systems and new air traffic controller training, while also compelling the Department of Defense to equip most military helicopters with transponders for increased visibility. The bill establishes new transparency measures, including public tracking of safety rule implementation and enhanced reporting on near-miss incidents, particularly around major airports like Reagan National.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 1200 William Street in Buffalo, New York. The facility will now be known as the William J. Donovan Post Office Building. This designation will apply to all federal references to the building.

The Build More Power Act aims to strengthen the nation's energy infrastructure by making it easier for facilities ordered to operate during federal emergencies to qualify for federal loan guarantees. It reserves a significant amount of loan guarantee authority specifically for these emergency-designated projects. Additionally, the bill extends the deadlines for existing energy infrastructure loan guarantee programs and requires a report on investments in power generation upgrades.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl. The award recognizes his heroic efforts to rescue Jewish people during the Holocaust, including establishing an underground group to negotiate ransoms and documenting early accounts of the atrocities. The Treasury will strike the medal, and duplicate bronze copies may be sold to cover costs.

The Commonsense Review Act establishes an interagency group, chaired by the Secretary of Energy, to standardize and create categorical exclusions under NEPA for energy-related projects. This group must adopt existing exclusions from member agencies or jointly develop new ones for transmission and battery storage projects within a year. The group will then report its actions and recommendations to Congress before dissolving.