Legislative Activity

The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026 aims to improve access to behavioral healthcare by incentivizing clinical psychologists to practice in rural and underserved areas through Medicare bonus payments. Additionally, the bill removes federal requirements for physician supervision of psychological services in various clinical settings, allowing clinical psychologists to oversee care when permitted by state law.

The Stopping Foreign Influence in Elections Act of 2026 aims to prevent foreign money from entering U.S. elections by imposing strict financial penalties on tax-exempt organizations that make political contributions after receiving funds from foreign nationals. Under this bill, organizations that violate these rules face escalating fines and the potential loss of their tax-exempt status. These measures ensure greater accountability and transparency for non-profit groups involved in the political process.

The Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act strengthens penalties for tax preparers who improperly alter filed documents, including administrative requests. It also clarifies that the IRS's unlimited assessment period for fraud only applies when the taxpayer, not just the preparer, commits the fraud. This legislation aims to increase accountability for dishonest tax preparers and protect taxpayers.

This bill temporarily increases the capital gains exclusion for qualifying seniors who sell their primary residence between 2027 and 2030. It raises the exclusion limit to up to \$1,000,000 for single filers and married couples filing jointly. To qualify, the seller must be at least 65 years old and have owned the home for at least 25 years.

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 End Government Pensions for Sexual Abusers Act of 2026 prohibits current or former Members of Congress convicted of specific sexual offenses from receiving federal retirement benefits. This denial of annuity or retired pay also applies to their survivors and beneficiaries upon conviction, whether the conviction occurs in the U.S. or abroad under comparable due process standards. Furthermore, the bill allows forfeited pension funds to be used to pay victims of the covered offenses.

The Federal Halo Act establishes a new federal crime for obstructing federal law enforcement officers. This offense specifically targets individuals who knowingly violate a verbal warning not to approach an officer performing their duties, including remaining too close, threatening harm, or harassing the officer. Violators face significant penalties, including fines and up to five years in prison.

The Gas Tax Relief Act temporarily suspends the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel to zero upon enactment. This holiday lasts for a base period of 90 days, which the President can extend up to 215 days based on economic conditions. To prevent revenue loss, the Treasury will reimburse the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for the foregone tax receipts.

The Living Organ Volunteer Engagement (LOVE) Act establishes an eight-year Medicare demonstration program to fund training for kidney transplant facilitators. These facilitators will assist patients with end-stage renal disease in identifying living donors and navigating the complex kidney donation process. The initiative aims to increase living donor transplant rates and improve patient outcomes while reducing long-term Medicare costs.

The SNAP Payment Security and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026 significantly expands the USDA Inspector General's authority to investigate SNAP fraud, including cyber theft. The bill mandates enhanced cybersecurity for EBT cards, requiring chip technology and modern digital account management features for recipients. Furthermore, it establishes a civil penalty for SNAP benefit theft and ensures faster, fee-free replacement of damaged or compromised EBT cards.

This joint resolution commends the Sail250 initiative for its dedication to commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence through maritime events. It recognizes Sail250's role in advancing international goodwill and educating future generations about the nation's naval history. The bill specifically highlights the planned gathering of tall ships and the historic International Naval Review in 2026.

The Electronic Filing Improvement and Logistical Efficiency Act of 2025 mandates the IRS to create a fully automated electronic filing system for employment taxes within one year. To encourage adoption, the bill establishes a refundable tax credit for employers who file and pay electronically. Conversely, it imposes a $250 user fee on employers who choose to file employment tax returns on paper, with specific exceptions for undue hardship or lack of access.

The Efficiency Gains through Grading Standards And Viable Enhancement Act of 2025 (EGG SAVE Act) establishes a temporary, declining tax credit for businesses that purchase and install high-accuracy, in-ovo sex identification equipment in U.S. commercial egg hatcheries. This credit encourages the adoption of technology that determines embryo sex before hatching, requiring a 95% accuracy rate. Claiming the credit necessitates a corresponding reduction in the equipment's tax basis.

The No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act amends the tax code to clarify and expand the definition of "qualified overtime compensation." This change ensures that overtime pay earned above a standard rate, whether mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act or agreed upon beforehand with an employer, is treated favorably for tax purposes. The goal is to incentivize and reward workers for putting in extra hours.

This resolution supports the official designation of "Operation Enduring Freedom Day" to permanently honor the service, sacrifice, and courage of those who served in the conflict. It specifically recognizes the service members, their families, and those who were killed or wounded during the 20-year operation. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to ensure these sacrifices are never forgotten.

The Protect Beneficiaries from Middlemen Act aims to lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Starting in 2027, this bill caps a beneficiary's cost-sharing (copays/coinsurance) at the drug's "average net price" after the deductible is met but before the out-of-pocket limit. This ensures that cost-sharing reflects the actual price paid by the plan after rebates. The Government Accountability Office will review the implementation and enforcement of these new rules by 2029.

The Captivity of Helpless Elephants Reduction Act of 2025, or CHER Act, aims to end the captivity of African and Asian elephants in U.S. zoos and safari parks. This legislation bans the display, care, and breeding of these elephants in such facilities one year after enactment. The bill mandates that all current captive elephants must be transferred to authorized, accredited wildlife sanctuaries within three years. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with overseeing this transition, including conducting feasibility studies and potentially establishing grant programs to support the sanctuaries.

The Federal Animal Research Accountability Act of 2025 mandates that entities using animals in NIH-funded research must annually report detailed data on animal use, broken down by the level of pain or distress experienced. This comprehensive information, including the number of animals bred or housed but not yet used, will be made publicly available in a searchable database by the NIH. These new transparency requirements are set to begin two years after the bill's enactment.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of investigations. It grants the Attorney General explicit authority to file civil actions seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day, and mandates that collected fines help cover temporary animal care costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a formal agreement for coordinated enforcement.

The Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability Act of 2025 (MMEDS Act) aims to revitalize domestic medical production by offering significant tax incentives for manufacturing in designated economically distressed zones. The bill establishes a 40% tax credit on wages and expenses for medical manufacturers operating in these areas, with higher rates for facilities repatriating production or focusing on population health products. Furthermore, it expands government authority to prioritize the research, development, and stockpiling of medical countermeasures specifically designed to protect vulnerable populations during public health emergencies.