Legislative Activity

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure essential wage and overtime protections for caregivers. By updating definitions and removing outdated exemptions, the bill guarantees that home care workers receive the fair compensation and labor standards they deserve.

The Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act of 2026 strengthens federal oversight by mandating rigorous pathogen testing, stricter manufacturing facility standards, and rapid reporting of contamination. The bill requires manufacturers to promptly notify the FDA of positive test results and ensures that Congress is kept informed of critical safety and inspection issues. These measures aim to enhance the safety and quality of infant formula products for all consumers.

This resolution directs the President, under the authority of the War Powers Resolution, to immediately remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that military action must cease unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of force. The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize new military action nor does it impede necessary self-defense against an immediate attack.

The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 establishes a new, independent Article I system for United States Immigration Courts, separating them from the executive branch. This new structure features an Appellate Division and a Trial Division, with specially appointed judges serving fixed terms. The Act also transfers all existing immigration court functions, personnel, and pending cases to this new system while ensuring independent budgeting authority.

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.

The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency and security in U.S. elections. It closes loopholes to ban foreign national spending in elections, mandates disclosure for "dark money" political spending, and requires clear funding disclosures on political ads. The bill also centralizes legal challenges to campaign finance laws in Washington, D.C., for faster resolution.

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.

The Fight Book Bans Act establishes a federal grant program to assist public school districts with the legal costs associated with defending their decisions to keep instructional and library materials available to students. By providing up to $100,000 per challenge, the bill aims to support districts in maintaining access to educational resources during formal reconsideration processes. The program is designed to be viewpoint-neutral, ensuring that funding is distributed without bias toward the content of the materials in question.

The "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act" prohibits the use of any federal funds to compensate individuals prosecuted for involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack. It also forbids the creation of any compensation fund for these individuals. Furthermore, the bill bars the U.S. Treasury from refunding court-ordered restitution, fines, or special assessments paid by those convicted for their role in the attack.

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.

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 resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

The LymeX Authorization Act establishes a national policy to advance Lyme disease care through collaboration and innovation across various sectors. It directs efforts to foster breakthroughs in health education, public awareness, and the development of rapid, next-generation diagnostics. The bill also authorizes $5 million for prize competitions aimed at accelerating innovation in Lyme disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to honor the dedicated staff and volunteers in mentoring programs. It highlights the significant benefits of mentoring, such as boosting educational achievement and reducing juvenile delinquency. The bill encourages the growth of quality mentoring programs nationwide to ensure more young people have supportive adult connections.

The I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026 realigns the mission of the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). This legislation mandates that I&A equally prioritize and resource its support for State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and private sector entities alongside its support for the intelligence community. The bill emphasizes fostering two-way information sharing and requires a report detailing the implementation of this mission shift.

This bill, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Transparency Act, enhances oversight of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program by requiring FEMA to submit detailed pre-award and annual reports to Congress. These reports will provide comprehensive data on grant applications, awards by state and high-risk area, and how recipient funds are ultimately spent. The goal is to increase transparency regarding the distribution and use of security grant funds for eligible nonprofits.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

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.