Legislative Activity

The "Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act" authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women in the United States, seeking guidance from varied sources. The Act mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

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.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen oversight across federal housing programs. The bill incentivizes new construction, reforms housing counseling and disaster recovery systems, and restricts large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. Additionally, it aims to expand homeownership opportunities for veterans and low-income families while modernizing standards for manufactured and modular housing.

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 bill recognizes community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure proven to prevent tooth decay. It highlights the significant oral and overall health benefits, as well as the substantial cost savings associated with this intervention. The resolution encourages states and localities to adopt or continue fluoridating community water systems at optimal levels.

The Secure Firearm Storage and Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 aims to reduce firearm-related injuries and suicides, particularly among youth. It directs the Secretary of Education to develop national best practices for secure firearm storage and suicide prevention education. Local educational agencies must then create and distribute tailored guidance incorporating these federal standards to students and parents annually.

The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026 establishes a federal process for issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a danger from possessing firearms. The bill allows family members or law enforcement to petition federal courts for temporary or long-term orders based on evidence of imminent risk of harm. Furthermore, it creates a federal grant program to incentivize and support states and tribes in implementing their own qualifying ERPO laws. Finally, it mandates that individuals subject to these federal orders surrender their firearms and ensures these orders are recognized across state lines.

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.

Jaime's Law aims to improve the background check system by requiring licensed dealers to conduct background checks for most private ammunition transfers. This legislation makes it illegal for unlicensed individuals to transfer ammunition unless a licensed dealer first processes the transaction. The Act includes specific exceptions, such as transfers between immediate family members or for law enforcement use.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

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.

The FEMA Accountability Act mandates that FEMA submit detailed monthly reports to Congress regarding the status of the Disaster Relief Fund. These reports must include comprehensive breakdowns of obligations, disbursements, and pending projects for every disaster declaration. Furthermore, FEMA is required to make this financial data publicly available online using a standardized format.

This resolution expresses support for designating 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer" to celebrate and recommit to community service. It recognizes the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities despite recent declines in volunteer rates. The designation encourages nationwide efforts to highlight service opportunities in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act allows businesses in federally or state-declared disaster areas to transfer certain unused general business tax credits from prior years. This provision is designed to help affected taxpayers by converting these credits into usable funds based on their eligible operating expenditures within the disaster zone. The credits apply to investments made following disasters declared after December 31, 2023.

The PETSAFE Act of 2026 allows states, local, and tribal governments to use federal emergency preparedness grants to support companion animals during disasters. This funding can cover essential supplies, veterinary care, and emergency sheltering equipment. Furthermore, the bill increases the federal cost share for these specific animal preparedness activities to 90 percent.

The Value Over Cost Act of 2025 amends federal law to prioritize either the lowest overall cost or the best value when making purchases through the multiple award schedule program. This change ensures that government acquisitions through this program meet the needs of the federal government or the United States while remaining fiscally responsible.

The Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026 mandates minimum health, safety, and legal standards for all ICE detention facilities, prohibiting funding for non-compliant sites. It establishes rigorous, real-time health reporting systems and requires unannounced inspections with penalties, including contract termination, for facilities that fail to meet these standards. Furthermore, the bill creates anonymous complaint channels and mandates annual audits focusing on gender-related health protections.

The Incentivize Savings Act mandates how federal agencies must handle unspent appropriations by dedicating the majority to debt reduction and allowing a portion for employee retention bonuses. This legislation also restricts future budget requests to only account for inflation unless the agency fully spends its prior allocation. Ultimately, the bill aims to encourage fiscal responsibility by linking unspent funds to debt reduction and limiting budget growth.

The Medal of Sacrifice Act establishes a new Presidential award, the Medal of Sacrifice, to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. The bill mandates the creation of a Commission to advise on the medal's design, presentation, and eligibility criteria. This Commission will also make final determinations regarding eligibility in cases involving alleged wrongdoing by the fallen officer or responder.

The Evan Anzoo Memorial Act mandates a comprehensive report by the Comptroller General investigating deaths resulting from the cessation of USAID activities. This report must estimate fatalities in 2025 and the subsequent five years, and specifically determine if ten named individuals died due to these actions. An interim update is required within 180 days, with the final report due one year after enactment.