Legislative Activity

The CHILE Act of 2026 establishes a permanent federal framework to provide direct financial assistance to specialty crop producers following adverse events. This framework requires the Secretary of Agriculture to calculate payments based on pre-disaster sales and the determined loss factor, taking into account the unique costs of specialty crops. The bill also sets specific payment caps, with exceptions for high-income farming operations, and appropriates \$5 billion for fiscal year 2027 to fund this assistance.

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal student aid by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and shifting the program to mandatory funding. This bill also expands eligibility to include Dreamer students, restores Pell eligibility semesters, and reforms Satisfactory Academic Progress rules to better support students. Overall, it seeks to stabilize and increase financial support for millions of postsecondary students, particularly those with high financial need.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish grant programs for researching and developing next-generation firefighter turnout gear that is free of harmful PFAS chemicals. These grants will support the creation of safer protective clothing and the development of training programs for first responders on its proper use and decontamination. The ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness and injury among firefighters by advancing safer alternatives.

The Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act mandates sanctions against foreign individuals and entities involved in forced organ harvesting within the People’s Republic of China. The bill requires the President to maintain a list of those responsible, imposing asset freezes and visa bans on listed parties. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report evaluating China’s organ transplant policies and practices.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting the safety and well-being of refugees globally and domestically. It highlights the severe worldwide displacement crisis and criticizes the current suspension and low caps of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The bill calls for the full restoration of asylum protections and refugee resettlement to uphold U.S. legal obligations and humanitarian leadership.

This bill, the FIRE SMART Act of 2026, requires the EPA to immediately expand the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The expansion specifically directs funding toward water infrastructure projects that aid in wildfire suppression for rural communities at high risk from fire. The EPA must prioritize projects that benefit both drinking water quality and fire safety in these vulnerable areas.

This joint resolution seeks to block a recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule that established the 2027 benefit and payment parameters for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, preventing its implementation and ensuring it has no legal force or effect.

The Uyghur Policy Act of 2026 addresses the ongoing human rights abuses and systemic repression of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) by the People’s Republic of China. The bill mandates increased diplomatic coordination, requires the State Department to prioritize the protection of Uyghur human rights, and establishes mechanisms to combat transnational repression. Additionally, it calls for greater international accountability and provides resources to amplify the voices of Uyghur advocates on the global stage.

The Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon Act aims to combat transnational criminal networks driving deforestation and environmental degradation in the region. The legislation directs U.S. agencies to provide technical assistance and law enforcement support to Brazil, while promoting sustainable economic development and protecting the rights of Indigenous communities. Additionally, the bill mandates increased oversight of supply chains and requires the U.S. to leverage its influence in international financial institutions to prioritize environmental sustainability.

The Saving the OOI Act of 2026 prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from scaling back or decommissioning critical Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments. This measure ensures the continued operation of these vital coastal and deep-sea monitoring assets until the NSF completes a comprehensive review with community input. The bill mandates the full maintenance of the initiative throughout the review period.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

This bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until early 2029. TPS provides individuals from designated countries with the ability to temporarily live and work in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home nation.

This bill proposes to abolish the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which was established by the Attorney General in connection with the *Trump v. Internal Revenue Service* case. Additionally, it nullifies the Attorney General's related order concerning the release of certain claims, rendering it legally void.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment collectively. This recognition honors the regiment's crucial and heroic service during the Revolutionary War, notably as one of the first integrated military units in American history. The original medal will be displayed at the Rhode Island State Library, and bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs.

The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act aims to repeal several restrictions, known as the Tiahrt Amendments, that limit law enforcement's ability to use firearm trace data. This legislation restores the authority of the ATF to access, share, and utilize its own gun trace databases and allows for the retention of NICS background check records. Ultimately, the bill seeks to provide vital information to combat illegal gun trafficking and enhance public safety.

This resolution formally acknowledges and apologizes for the decades of discrimination and mistreatment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the U.S. military, Foreign Service, and federal civil service. It condemns past and recent discriminatory policies that led to wrongful terminations and exclusions. The resolution commits the nation to pursuing equal rights, protections, and respect for all LGBT servicemembers and federal employees moving forward.

The Urban Canal Modernization Act updates definitions related to federally managed canals and establishes specific criteria for identifying "urban canals of concern." The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to perform extraordinary operation and maintenance work on these critical canals. For non-emergency repairs, the federal government will cover 35% of the costs as a nonreimbursable grant, with the remaining costs advanced by the Secretary and repaid by the operating entity.

The State Department Integrity and Transparency Act aims to strengthen U.S. foreign policy by ensuring senior State Department officials possess deep expertise and experience. The bill mandates that a majority of Assistant Secretaries must come from the career Foreign or Senior Executive Service and enhances disclosure requirements for all high-level nominees. Furthermore, it increases transparency by requiring the public posting of nominee reports and certifying that political contributions did not influence appointments. The legislation also places limits on the duration of certain short-term, politically appointed positions at diplomatic missions abroad.

The No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026 aims to enhance food safety by automatically classifying several hazardous chemicals, including PFAS and certain phthalates, as unsafe for use in food contact materials. This legislation requires the FDA to consider vulnerable populations when reviewing alternatives to these banned substances. The new federal standard allows states and localities to maintain or enact stricter regulations protecting public health.

The Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act of 2026 establishes natural climate solutions as a priority for USDA research and extension grants. This legislation directs funding toward land management practices that enhance carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands. The supported practices will emphasize biodiversity, climate resilience, and the incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge.