Legislative Activity

This bill aims to protect consumers from deceptive content created by generative Artificial Intelligence, such as deepfakes. It requires AI application providers to embed machine-readable disclosures in AI-generated audio or visual content. Covered online platforms must then clearly display these disclosures to users. The FTC is tasked with issuing regulations to enforce these transparency requirements.

The Semiconductor Technology Resilience, Integrity, and Defense Enhancement Act (STRIDE Act) aims to protect U.S. technological leadership by coordinating with allies to secure the global semiconductor supply chain against adversarial control, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party. The bill mandates the State Department to align export controls and establish trusted supplier networks with key semiconductor partners. It also outlines consequences, including enhanced export restrictions, for nations that fail to prevent technology transfer to countries of concern.

The ADVERSARIES Act modifies existing export control laws to enhance national security by strengthening restrictions on sensitive exports and research. Specifically, it expands the definition of "foreign person" under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to explicitly include various entities connected to China, such as military companies and those on the Entity List. This change aims to better control the transfer of critical technology to strategic adversaries.

This bill officially designates April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to combat the rising number of tragic crashes caused by distracted driving. It highlights the severe dangers of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, such as texting while driving. The resolution supports ongoing public education and enforcement efforts aimed at encouraging drivers to put away their phones and focus solely on the road.

This resolution officially designates April 19 through April 25, 2026, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. It recognizes the lasting impact of crime on victims and survivors while honoring the efforts of organizations that support them. The bill reaffirms Congress's commitment to strengthening victims' rights and services nationwide.

This bill officially designates April 18, 2026, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day." It recognizes the vital contributions of linemen in maintaining critical energy infrastructure and serving as essential first responders during emergencies. The resolution expresses strong support for these brave men and women who work under dangerous conditions to keep communities safe and powered.

The Maverick Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specific F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. This transfer is conditional, requiring the Commission to cover all costs associated with maintenance and operation for display purposes only. The agreement strictly prohibits using the aircraft for any combat capability, ensuring its role in preserving naval aviation heritage.

The Small County PILT Parity Act revises federal law to expand eligibility for certain funding adjustments by significantly lowering the population thresholds for small local governments. This change ensures that even smaller counties can qualify for necessary financial support under the applicable program.

The SCHEDULES Act of 2026 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs establish and publish a clear, comprehensive standard for the maximum allowable wait time between a medical referral and an appointment. To ensure accountability, the bill requires the VA to submit quarterly and annual reports to Congress detailing facility performance, national rankings, and ongoing efforts to improve timely access to care.

This resolution condemns the People's Republic of China's coercive military and economic actions against Japan following statements regarding Taiwan. It reaffirms the strong U.S.-Japan alliance and commitment to regional stability. Furthermore, the bill calls on the PRC to cease its pressure tactics and urges the U.S. to work with allies to counter such coercion in the Indo-Pacific.

The Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act aims to improve the process for veterans seeking to upgrade their military discharge status. This bill extends the prohibition on reducing personnel assigned to service review agencies through 2030. Furthermore, it mandates a Department of Defense report detailing the time required for boards to decide discharge review cases related to PTSD or TBI, along with recommendations for speeding up the process.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act of 2026 aims to modernize and expand the SSI program by significantly increasing income and resource limits, which will be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill eliminates marriage penalties, excludes retirement accounts and certain tribal payments from resource calculations, and simplifies administrative requirements for beneficiaries. Additionally, it extends full SSI program eligibility to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

The Lowering Student Loans Act aims to reduce the financial burden of higher education by capping interest rates on most federal student loans at a fixed 2%. Starting July 1, 2026, this rate will apply to both new federal loans and existing eligible loans, providing significant interest relief to millions of borrowers.

This Act mandates the Department of Labor to establish a comprehensive training program for its employees to enhance the detection of human trafficking. The training must cover current best practices for identification, victim protection, and referral procedures. Furthermore, the Secretary of Labor is required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the program's effectiveness and the number of trafficking cases referred.

The Reserve Forces Travel Fairness Act establishes a new travel reimbursement for members of the uniformed services who must rent a vehicle for certain training or duty travel exceeding 150 miles. This provision ensures service members are reimbursed for necessary rental vehicle costs incurred during the period of duty and associated travel days. The Department of Defense is required to update travel regulations within 180 days to implement this change.

The VALOR Act clarifies rules regarding VA home loan funding fees for veterans with pending disability claims. It mandates that any improperly collected fee must be refunded or credited to the veteran. Furthermore, if a veteran pays the fee while a disability claim is pending and is later approved for compensation, the VA must reimburse the full fee amount.

This resolution supports the goals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by recognizing CTE's vital role in preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers. It affirms that CTE is crucial for American economic competitiveness and encourages promotion of these educational pathways. The resolution celebrates the contributions of CTE programs across the nation.

The Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act establishes a new program allowing eligible rural health care facilities to access existing USDA rural development loans for vital financial relief and necessary facility improvements. This assistance can be used for debt refinancing, updating telehealth systems, and covering operating expenses, provided it preserves local access to care and improves the facility's financial standing. The bill also allows for waivers of certain requirements for facilities in areas facing persistent poverty or distress.

This bill amends existing law to rename and strengthen the Institutes of Tropical and Pacific Islands Forestry. It mandates minimum staffing levels—50 personnel for the Puerto Rico institute and 30 for the Pacific Islands institute—and ensures both have adequate resources. The goal is to substantially advance the science, research, and knowledge exchange activities conducted by these vital forestry centers.

The First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act amends tax law to allow first-time homebuyers to take tax-free distributions from a 529 college savings plan for a home purchase. This special provision is subject to conditions, including a $35,000 lifetime limit per beneficiary. If the home is sold within five years, a recapture tax applies to recover the avoided income tax.