Legislative Activity

The National Senior Investor Initiative Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated Senior Investor Taskforce within the SEC to identify challenges, improve regulations, and protect investors over the age of 65 from financial exploitation. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive GAO study to analyze the economic impact, frequency, and risk factors associated with the financial exploitation of senior citizens. This initiative aims to enhance oversight and coordination to better safeguard the financial well-being of older Americans.

The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five specialized centers dedicated to the research and administration of innovative drug therapies for veterans. These centers will focus on treating conditions such as PTSD, depression, and chronic pain through advanced clinical approaches. The bill provides $30 million annually to support these facilities in conducting research, training, and data collection to improve veteran mental health outcomes.

The Foreign Service Age Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act of 2026 updates the mandatory retirement age for Foreign Service officers. Under this legislation, the retirement age is increased to 67 or the age defined by the Social Security Act, whichever is greater.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act significantly updates existing law to expand online privacy protections for individuals aged 13 to 16. It broadens the definition of personal information collected online and imposes stricter requirements on operators regarding notice, verifiable consent, and data use for advertising. The bill also mandates studies on application oversight and the privacy risks associated with teens using financial technology products.

The Stop Unemployment Fraud Act strengthens the integrity of the unemployment insurance system by mandating stricter identity verification and data-matching procedures to prevent improper payments. The bill prohibits reliance on self-attestation for eligibility, establishes rigorous federal work-search requirements, and provides states with new tools and funding to modernize fraud detection. These measures aim to ensure benefits are distributed accurately while holding states accountable for program compliance.

The Housing and Economic Development Act mandates increased collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to streamline jointly funded projects. By requiring a formal memorandum of understanding and a comprehensive interagency report, the bill aims to reduce administrative burdens and improve the efficiency of housing and economic development initiatives.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026 mandates a transition to secure, chip-enabled EBT cards to better protect SNAP recipients from fraud and benefit theft. The bill requires states to modernize their digital account management tools, improves online transaction security, and establishes a grant program to help small retailers upgrade their payment terminals. Additionally, it streamlines the card replacement process and prohibits states from charging fees for replacing cards compromised by fraud or technical malfunctions.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates the inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation on veterans' benefits within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) preseparation counseling. This legislation ensures service members receive expert guidance on navigating VA benefits with the support of recognized veterans service organizations. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements to track participation and ensure the program's ongoing effectiveness.

The Dalilah Law restricts the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and holders of specific work visas. It mandates English proficiency for all applicants and requires states to recertify current CDL holders to maintain federal transportation funding. Failure to comply with these eligibility and testing requirements will result in the withholding of federal funds for non-compliant states.

This resolution marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It condemns Russia's ongoing aggression, including attacks on civilians and the forced abduction of children. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for robust, sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's long-term defense and stability.

The SAT Streamlining Act aims to bolster U.S. leadership in the space industry by establishing strict deadlines for the FCC to process satellite and earth station license applications. This legislation introduces a "deemed granted" provision if the FCC misses these new processing timelines for licenses and renewals. Furthermore, it clarifies Congressional intent regarding space policy and preempts state and local regulation of licensee rates.

The One Nation, One Visa Policy Act prohibits the admission of any national of the People's Republic of China, including those from Hong Kong and Macau, unless they possess a valid visa. This legislation specifically bars the use of Department of Homeland Security funds to allow Chinese nationals to participate in any existing or future visa waiver programs.

The Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026 terminates the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing tax effective January 1, 2026. This bill also accelerates the repayment schedule for prior advances made from the Superfund to the General Fund. The overall goal is to remove this specific tax burden.

The TRUST Act of 2026 modifies federal law to adjust the asset thresholds used to determine examination cycles for depository institutions. This change specifically raises the asset size requirement from \$3 billion to \$6 billion for institutions considered "well-managed." The goal is to tailor regulatory oversight based on an institution's size.

The Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2026 significantly increases civil penalties for fraudulent and grossly negligent customs violations, including temporary import bans for violators and their affiliates. It also establishes a new private right of action, allowing U.S. businesses and unions to sue those who financially injure them through customs fraud. Furthermore, the bill bars individuals and affiliated persons found guilty of such violations from participating in the U.S. importer of record program.

The ePermit Act mandates the creation of a unified, digital system for managing all federal environmental reviews and project permits. This system will require electronic submission, real-time tracking, and public accessibility of all authorization data. The goal is to modernize the permitting process through standardized data and transparent, efficient digital workflows, while ensuring existing environmental laws are upheld.

The Drone Espionage Act strengthens federal law to explicitly prohibit the unauthorized recording or transmission of video of sensitive defense information. This amendment updates existing statutes to specifically cover video recordings, addressing modern surveillance capabilities.

The Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct Act (SCAM Act) holds online platforms accountable for displaying fraudulent or deceptive paid advertisements. It mandates that platforms implement strict advertiser verification and robust detection systems to prevent scams. The bill empowers the FTC, state attorneys general, and private citizens to enforce these new standards against platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to stop advertising misconduct.

This resolution supports designating 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer." It recognizes the vital and critical role women play in agriculture both in the United States and globally. The designation aims to honor their contributions to food systems and encourage future participation in the agricultural workforce.