Legislative Activity

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, government-owned online tax filing system within the IRS, ensuring taxpayers have a simplified and accessible way to file their returns. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict the government's ability to provide these services and mandates the integration of state tax filing options. Additionally, it streamlines the tax process by setting new filing deadlines for employer information returns to improve efficiency for all taxpayers.

This resolution honors the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his pivotal role as a civil rights leader, his groundbreaking political campaigns, and his global advocacy for human rights and equality. The measure encourages all Americans to continue his work by moving forward with hope rather than fear and division.

The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act aims to significantly restrict the transfer of surplus military equipment from the Department of Defense to local law enforcement agencies. This bill bans the transfer of many military-grade items, such as armored vehicles and certain weapons, while imposing strict new public notification, local approval, and annual accountability requirements for any approved transfers. The legislation seeks to prevent the inappropriate militarization of police forces by increasing oversight and limiting access to combat-ready gear.

This Senate resolution acknowledges the severe oppression and forced displacement of tens of thousands of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese citizens in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It condemns these human rights violations and urges the Royal Government of Bhutan to take steps toward justice, reconciliation, and peace. Specifically, the resolution calls for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of citizenship, and the establishment of a Truth Commission to investigate past abuses.

The African American History Act of 2026 authorizes the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop and expand educational resources, curricula, and digital programming for students and educators nationwide. By providing $10 million in annual funding through 2030, the Act aims to promote a deeper understanding of African American history through a social justice and anti-bias lens. Additionally, the legislation encourages the development of similar educational initiatives across other Smithsonian museums dedicated to diverse American histories.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital historical significance and contributions of Black history museums and cultural institutions across the United States. It affirms that these essential pillars correct historical omissions by preserving irreplaceable records and telling a full, accurate American story. The bill encourages federal agencies and the public to support these institutions, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Ensuring OBGYN Care in Prisons Act mandates that the Bureau of Prisons employ full-time obstetrician-gynecologists at all facilities housing female prisoners. This bill ensures comprehensive gynecological, prenatal, and postpartum care, including required initial visits within 14 days of incarceration. Furthermore, it establishes patient protections like informed consent and the right to refuse non-emergency care. The Bureau of Prisons must also submit annual reports detailing staffing, services provided, and pregnancy outcomes.

The Students and Young Consumers Empowerment Act establishes an Office for Students and Young Consumers within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to better advocate for and educate student loan borrowers. The bill mandates formal cooperation and data sharing between the Bureau and the Department of Education to streamline the resolution of student loan complaints. Additionally, it requires regular reporting to Congress on student loan market risks, campus banking practices, and the financial challenges facing young consumers.

The Full-Body Restraint Prohibition Act bans the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from purchasing or using any four-point or five-point restraints that completely immobilize a person. The legislation mandates strict reporting requirements to Congress detailing compliance and any prohibited restraint usage. Violations by DHS personnel can result in termination.

The Healthy Hair Act prohibits the sale of hair straightening and smoothing products that contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances. Additionally, the bill mandates that the FDA and NIOSH conduct comprehensive studies on the health impacts of these chemicals, particularly for salon workers, to inform future regulatory actions.

The Federal Retirement Safety Act amends federal retirement law to protect victims of domestic violence when accessing lump-sum retirement benefits. This legislation allows eligible employees to waive or bypass the standard spousal notification and consent requirements for lump-sum withdrawals if providing notice or seeking consent poses a safety risk. Victims can prove eligibility through self-certification regarding recent domestic violence crimes committed by the spouse or former spouse.

This resolution officially recognizes Black History Month and adopts "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the theme for 2026. It honors the contributions of Black Americans by establishing categories for "Unsung Souls" and "Righteous Intercessors." Ultimately, the bill affirms that Black history commemorations are essential for a complete national narrative and inspiring future progress toward liberty and justice for all.

The "Head Start for America’s Children Act" updates and expands the federal Head Start program to better support the developmental, mental health, and educational needs of infants, toddlers, and children. The bill increases funding for core operations and specialized initiatives, establishes new requirements for staff compensation and professional development, and introduces pilot programs to improve access in high-poverty areas and on college campuses. Additionally, it strengthens support for Native American and migrant/seasonal programs, enhances services for children with disabilities, and mandates new standards to prevent the use of seclusion and restraint.

The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively reforms workplace protections by mandating new anti-discrimination policies and training, while strengthening federal laws to explicitly protect LGBTQ+ individuals and expand filing deadlines for all workers. The bill also phases out the lower federal minimum wage for tipped employees and restricts employers' use of mandatory arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. Finally, it establishes federal grant programs to fund education, legal assistance, and state-level advocacy systems to combat workplace discrimination.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility at 4431 Main Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Dr. Constance 'Connie' E. Clayton Post Office." The legislation ensures that all federal records and documents will henceforth refer to the location by its new name.

The Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act of 2026 establishes a pilot program to combat high unemployment by awarding competitive grants for local job guarantee initiatives. These local programs must offer employment to all applicants in the area, providing wages and benefits meeting specific federal standards. The Act also creates a dedicated trust fund and expands tax credits to incentivize the hiring of former program participants.

This bill establishes the National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council will consist of 12 presidentially appointed members tasked with advising on national policy related to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture. Its duties include monitoring relevant efforts, evaluating NEH programs, and submitting annual reports. The Council is set to terminate ten years after the law's enactment.

This bill aims to defend the human rights of Palestinian children and families living under Israeli military occupation. It establishes policy prohibiting U.S. assistance funds from supporting specific Israeli actions, including the military detention of Palestinian children and the seizure of Palestinian property in violation of international law. The legislation also mandates annual reporting and oversight requirements regarding these activities and U.S. defense assistance to Israel.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family health needs, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act prohibits employer retaliation for using this leave and ensures existing, more generous leave policies are not diminished.

The Audit the Pentagon Act of 2026 addresses the Department of Defense's repeated failure to pass a financial audit. This bill establishes automatic spending reductions for any DoD component that fails to receive a clean audit opinion after fiscal year 2025. It also outlines Congressional priorities regarding protecting wounded warrior accounts and maintaining financial controls for classified programs.