Legislative Activity

The EDUCATE Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to support agricultural research and scholarships focused on marijuana cultivation and processing at eligible institutions. These programs aim to optimize sustainable farming techniques and develop the agricultural workforce, prioritizing partnerships with minority and small-scale farmers. The Act also provides legal protections for authorized research activities conducted by these institutions.

The All in For Attendance Act addresses the widespread problem of chronic student absenteeism by expanding federal support for proven, non-punitive interventions. The bill allows schools to use federal funds for strategies like data tracking, family engagement, and targeted support programs. Crucially, it also prohibits local educational agencies from imposing suspensions, fines, or academic penalties on students solely due to their absences.

This resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as "Black Music Month" to celebrate the profound and enduring contributions of Black American music to the nation's culture. It recognizes Black music's shaping influence across virtually every genre and its central role in the struggle for Black freedom. The resolution calls on the nation to observe the month by elevating Black artistry, promoting diversity, and honoring this deep-rooted musical legacy.

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 expresses support for designating July 3 through July 10, 2026, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week." The week aims to educate the public on the significant dangers of extreme heat, which is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. It encourages nationwide educational initiatives and community programming to promote preparedness and safety against heat-related risks.

The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 aims to redirect funding by eliminating federal tax incentives for private school scholarships. Specifically, it repeals the tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and removes the income exclusion for certain scholarship amounts received. These changes are set to take effect starting in 2027.

The Pedestrian Protection Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish new and updated federal safety standards for motor vehicles focused on reducing injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. This includes mandating specific design standards for vehicle components like hoods and bumpers, as well as setting minimum visibility requirements. Furthermore, the bill requires the publication of comparative safety ratings to inform consumers about how well vehicles protect vulnerable road users and how well drivers can see them.

The Critical Access Hospital RIP Act of 2026 aims to protect critical access hospital (CAH) status for facilities that might otherwise lose it due to new or improved roadways. Specifically, it ensures that a CAH retains its designation if it only fails the distance requirement because of a transportation infrastructure improvement completed after the hospital was initially designated. This prevents necessary roadwork from inadvertently jeopardizing essential rural healthcare access.

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 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.

The "Gig Is Up Act" amends the tax code to require payroll tax withholding for independent contractors of very large businesses that rely heavily on them. For qualifying large businesses, payments to these contractors will be treated as wages subject to standard payroll taxes, and the employer's Social Security tax rate will be doubled. These changes are designed to ensure workers receive proper credit toward their Social Security earnings.

The DHS Release Transparency Act requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to offer detained individuals the option to designate a point of contact for release notifications. If designated, the Department of Homeland Security must notify this contact before releasing the individual, ensuring translation services are provided throughout the process. Crucially, the collected contact information cannot be used for any enforcement actions.

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."

The Affordable Housing and Area Median Income Fairness Act of 2026 authorizes $15 billion annually for ten years to support affordable housing infrastructure specifically in high-cost areas. The bill also mandates the Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how Area Median Income (AMI) is calculated and used in federal housing programs. This assessment aims to find ways to optimize AMI calculations to make housing more affordable for low-income families in urban areas.

The **Stay Cool Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to combat the dangers of extreme heat through coordinated federal response, improved public warnings, and direct aid to vulnerable seniors. It establishes significant grant programs to fund community cooling centers, upgrade public housing with air conditioning, and develop urban green spaces and water features for neighborhood cooling. Overall, the legislation aims to increase community resilience, protect residents in federally assisted housing, and ensure more equitable access to safe, cool environments during heat emergencies.

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.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States must take immediate action to end child poverty, citing alarming national rates and the proven success of past federal investments. It calls for establishing a national goal to reduce child poverty and supports key policy changes, including making the expanded Child Tax Credit permanent. The bill advocates for increased federal spending on children, universal access to quality early education, and equitable K-12 public schooling for every child.

The Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2026 establishes a program for noncitizen veterans removed or facing removal to return to the U.S. and adjust their status to lawful permanent residents. This Act prohibits the removal of noncitizen veterans and service members unless they have committed a qualifying crime of violence. Furthermore, it streamlines the path to naturalization and ensures eligible veterans receive all corresponding military and veterans benefits.