Legislative Activity

The Right to Vote Act establishes the fundamental right of every citizen to vote in federal elections and prohibits governments from imposing undue burdens on this right. It sets strict standards for when a government action that diminishes or substantially impairs voting can be upheld, requiring it to be the least restrictive means of furthering an important governmental interest. The Act also authorizes private citizens to bring civil actions in federal court to challenge violations, with expedited proceedings and provisions for awarding attorney's fees.

The LIFT the BAR Act repeals decades-old restrictions that barred many lawfully present noncitizens from accessing essential federal public benefits. This legislation restores eligibility for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and housing assistance for qualified noncitizens. The bill also updates terminology, replacing "alien" with "noncitizen" throughout relevant statutes.

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the right of individuals eligible for long-term services and supports (LTSS) to live in the most integrated community setting possible. It prohibits discrimination by public entities and insurers against those who qualify for institutional placement but desire community-based services. The Act mandates comprehensive planning, self-evaluation, and enforcement mechanisms to speed up the transition of individuals out of institutions and ensure maximum control over their supports.

This bill seeks to disapprove the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2027 Benefit and Payment Parameters for the Affordable Care Act and the Basic Health Program. If enacted, this disapproval would render the specified CMS rule without any legal force or effect.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to refugee protection both domestically and globally, condemning recent policy actions that suspended refugee admissions. It calls for the immediate restoration of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and stronger support for displaced persons worldwide. The bill emphasizes the legal, moral, and economic benefits of robust refugee resettlement policies.

The Dignity and Due Process for Children Act of 2026 establishes new protections for unaccompanied alien children encountered in the U.S. It mandates a judicial warrant for the arrest or detention of these children away from the border and prohibits the use of military assets for immigration enforcement, except during natural disasters. Furthermore, the bill ensures children cannot be coerced into signing legal documents affecting their status without first having a confidential consultation with a lawyer.

This bill, the "Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act," amends existing law to mandate six specific fee-free days annually for entry to federal recreational lands and waters. These free admission days are set to coincide with significant holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day. The goal is to promote national pride and encourage public volunteerism by increasing access to these public lands.

This bill directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran, unless those forces are necessary for imminent self-defense or the defense of an ally. If the exception is used, the President must adhere to the reporting requirements of the War Powers Resolution. This directive ceases if Congress formally declares war or passes a specific authorization for military action against Iran.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to speed up the process of securing a first collective bargaining agreement after a union is certified. It establishes a mandatory timeline, including mediation and binding arbitration, if an agreement is not reached within 90 days of bargaining. This process is designed to prevent lengthy delays that currently weaken the union's position. The bill also requires a GAO report on current time-to-contract averages.

The Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act of 2026 directs the Federal Railroad Administration to study the feasibility of upgrading rail corridors between Florida and Washington, D.C., to support modern power technologies like electrification and fuel cells. This study will identify segments suitable for these upgrades and detail the necessary improvements and associated costs for unsuitable segments. The findings will be reported to Congress within 18 months.

This bill expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designations aim to honor the nearly 47,000 people killed by gunfire each year and raise public awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence. The resolution encourages the public to wear orange on that day and focus on community efforts to promote gun safety.

The GUARD Act of 2026 mandates that national security agencies evaluate humanoid and quadruped robotics communications equipment from foreign entities of concern for national security risks. If a risk is found, the FCC will place the equipment on a covered list, restricting its use. This legislation aims to safeguard U.S. national security against potentially adversarial robotic technology.

The Department of Homeland Security Accountability Act of 2026 mandates that the DHS notify Congress and local representatives within 72 hours of any serious injury or death occurring in its custody or resulting from personnel actions. The bill requires independent investigations into these incidents, establishes strict evidence preservation protocols, and enforces administrative leave for employees involved in lethal force incidents. These measures aim to increase transparency and ensure rigorous oversight of DHS operations.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. It highlights the urgent and worsening national mental health crisis, citing alarming statistics across various demographics, including youth and high-risk groups. The bill aims to remove stigma, declare mental health a national priority, and support expanded funding and access to necessary services.

The American High-Speed Rail Act significantly expands federal support for high-speed and higher-speed rail development by increasing funding limits, broadening eligibility for public-private partnerships, and establishing new planning and safety requirements. The bill authorizes substantial funding through 2031 for corridor development and planning, while also creating pathways for acquiring necessary right-of-way property and ensuring labor protections on federally-funded infrastructure. It also refines definitions, setting the threshold for true "high-speed rail" at 186 mph or more, and introduces a new category for "higher-speed rail."

This bill expresses support for designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant impact of menstruation stigma on health, education, and economic opportunity for women and girls. The resolution aims to normalize menstruation, improve education, and expand access to menstrual health care and research.

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA pilot grant program to improve recycling access, focusing specifically on underserved communities. These competitive grants will fund infrastructure projects, such as building transfer stations or expanding curbside service, using a "hub-and-spoke" model. Priority is given to projects located far from existing materials recovery facilities, with grants ranging from $\$500,000$ to $\$15$ million.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the school-based health centers grant program. It secures $55 million in annual funding for these centers from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support continued student access to essential health services.