Legislative Activity

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

This resolution commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, honoring the nation's democratic journey and its resilience against Russian aggression. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while advocating for continued diplomatic support and security cooperation. Additionally, the resolution encourages ongoing democratic reforms in Ukraine and the integration of lessons learned from the conflict to strengthen trans-Atlantic security.

The Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026 establishes a federally funded right to legal counsel for individuals in immigration proceedings who cannot afford a lawyer. The bill creates an independent, nonprofit Office of Immigration Representation to manage and provide these legal services, ensuring high-quality defense through a national network of public and community defenders. Additionally, it mandates a sustainable funding formula tied to immigration enforcement budgets to ensure long-term access to representation.

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 investing in social determinants of health, expanding nutritional support, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection, the bill seeks to provide holistic, equitable care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also addresses critical gaps in maternal health for veterans, incarcerated individuals, and those impacted by climate change and public health emergencies.

The Protect American Values Act of 2026 expresses Congressional opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" rule, citing concerns over its negative impact on public health, economic stability, and immigrant families. The bill seeks to protect access to essential services by prohibiting the use of federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce the rule.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act establishes a competitive grant program to provide low-income individuals with training and support for high-demand careers in the healthcare sector. The legislation funds comprehensive career pathways, including case management, childcare, and transportation assistance, to help participants earn recognized credentials and secure well-paying jobs. Additionally, the bill mandates specific demonstration projects focused on individuals with past criminal records and maternal health professionals, such as doulas and midwives.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act aims to restore independent reporting at the Department of Defense by reversing recent restrictions on credentialed journalists. The bill mandates the return of unescorted access to traditional press workspaces within the Pentagon and establishes a secure, non-political process for issuing press credentials. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to consult with Congress before implementing any future changes to press access policies.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that because Congress has not declared war or provided specific authorization for military force, the current deployment violates the War Powers Resolution. The bill mandates a withdrawal of forces while still allowing for defensive actions to protect U.S. personnel, intelligence operations, and support for partner nations.

The **PROTECT Act** establishes a comprehensive federal initiative to combat youth e-cigarette and tobacco use through expanded research, public education campaigns, and improved cessation resources. By funding state and local health efforts, the bill aims to better understand usage patterns, health impacts, and effective prevention strategies. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce nicotine addiction among young people by providing schools and healthcare providers with the tools and guidance necessary to intervene effectively.

The Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026 directs NOAA to integrate environmental DNA (eDNA) technology into federal fish stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring to improve data accuracy and efficiency. The bill also establishes a multi-agency National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network to standardize eDNA practices, foster technological innovation, and strengthen the U.S. workforce. Together, these measures aim to modernize fisheries management while enhancing national competitiveness in aquatic monitoring services.

The HCBS Access Act transforms home and community-based services into a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring older adults and people with disabilities can receive long-term care in their own homes rather than institutions. The legislation provides significant federal funding to eliminate waiting lists, strengthen the direct care workforce, and offer critical support to unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, it establishes new national standards for workforce data, career development, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, accessible care nationwide.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act aims to modernize the nation’s public housing stock by transitioning all units into highly energy-efficient, zero-carbon homes. The bill establishes comprehensive grant programs to fund deep energy retrofits, infrastructure upgrades, and resident-led workforce development projects. By repealing the Faircloth Amendment and strengthening resident councils, the legislation seeks to expand public housing capacity while ensuring safe, sustainable, and high-quality living standards for all residents.

The **Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act of 2026** ensures transparency and accountability by preventing the Department of Defense from using administrative reclassifications to obscure the human cost of war or deny service members their earned benefits. The bill mandates that casualty records remain accurate and permanent, regardless of changes to an operation's name or status. Additionally, it requires the restoration of records and benefits for personnel affected by recent reclassifications related to Operation Epic Fury.

The Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act of 2026 authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements to improve operational efficiency. This legislation streamlines administrative processes while ensuring congressional oversight by requiring notification to relevant committees whenever this authority is exercised.

The Double the Wage for Overtime Act of 2026 amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase the mandatory overtime pay rate from time-and-a-half to double time. This legislation ensures that employees are compensated at twice their regular hourly rate for all overtime hours worked. The new pay requirement will take effect 180 days following the bill's enactment.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act ensures that individuals held in custody while awaiting trial maintain access to essential health care. By removing current exclusions, the bill allows these individuals to remain covered under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and Department of Veterans Affairs programs. This legislation aims to provide continuity of care for those who have not yet been convicted of a crime.

The Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Act of 2026 establishes a U.S. Department of Agriculture program dedicated to developing and implementing nonlethal strategies to mitigate conflicts between wildlife, humans, and livestock. By providing research, training, and financial assistance to landowners and agricultural producers, the bill aims to protect livestock and infrastructure while promoting effective, humane coexistence.