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 Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025 affirms the critical importance of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to U.S. national security amidst Russian aggression. This bill mandates that the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense deliver a comprehensive report to Congress detailing emerging military, cyber, and political threats to the Baltic states. The report must also recommend specific actions to enhance U.S. and NATO defense cooperation and bolster Baltic resilience.

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This act formally repeals the outdated joint resolution aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East that was enacted during the Cold War era. It removes this historical measure from the U.S. legal code.

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.

This bill supports designating a week in April 2026 as "Black Maternal Health Week" to focus national attention on the severe maternal health crisis facing Black women. It highlights the unacceptable and unjust disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black women due to structural racism and inequities. The legislation urges Congress to invest in comprehensive maternal care and pass legislation, like the Momnibus Act, grounded in human rights and reproductive justice.

This bill mandates a review by the Secretaries of State and Treasury to determine if Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) meet the criteria for designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. If designated, the President must impose asset blocking and strict visa/entry restrictions on the group. The legislation also requires a detailed report to Congress regarding the designation decision and external support for the RSF.

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 Rejecting the Erasure of Afghan Women and Girls Act mandates that the Secretary of State submit a formal report detailing the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls since August 2021. This report must assess whether these actions constitute crimes against humanity, torture, or gross human rights violations.

This resolution formally recognizes the persistent gender wage gap in the United States and its significant negative impact on women, families, and the national economy. It highlights the systemic factors contributing to pay disparities across various demographics and occupations. Ultimately, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving equal pay for equal work.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for military action in or against Cuba through December 31, 2026. Exceptions are only permitted if Congress declares war, provides specific statutory authorization, or if the action aligns with the War Powers Resolution.

The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive framework to protect critical undersea internet and energy infrastructure from sabotage. The legislation mandates increased international cooperation, imposes sanctions on bad actors, and strengthens U.S. diplomatic and intelligence capabilities. By fostering better coordination between federal agencies and the private sector, the bill aims to enhance the security, resilience, and rapid repair of the global networks essential to national security and the economy.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By addressing social determinants of health, expanding nutritional and mental health support, and investing in a diverse, culturally competent workforce, the bill provides a holistic framework for improving care. Through targeted federal grants, enhanced data collection, and innovative technology, the Act aims to ensure that all pregnant and postpartum individuals receive the equitable, high-quality care they deserve.

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.

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.

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 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 historical significance of the *Clotilda*, the last known slave ship to arrive in the U.S. in 1860. It condemns the role of the United States in the Atlantic slave trade and acknowledges the lasting, intergenerational impact of this crime on African Americans, particularly the descendants who founded Africatown. The resolution encourages the establishment of a memorial on Capitol Grounds to honor the victims.

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.

This bill provides the funding and establishes the operational rules for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2026 across all major components, including intelligence, security operations, emergency management, and research. It allocates billions for agencies like TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and CISA while imposing strict new requirements for congressional oversight, spending transparency, and management of federal grants. The legislation also includes specific policy directives, such as mandating security screening for senior officials and restricting certain intelligence and contracting activities.