Legislative Activity

This resolution formally recognizes the persistent gender wage gap in the United States and its significant negative impact on women, families, and the national economy. It highlights the systemic factors contributing to pay disparities across various demographics and occupations. Ultimately, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving equal pay for equal work.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to overturn the Department of Labor’s rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for H-2A nonimmigrant workers. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the rule, ensuring it has no further force or effect.

The Energy Bills Relief Act is a comprehensive bill designed to lower energy costs for American families, accelerate the deployment of low-cost, clean energy, and modernize the nation's electricity grid. It achieves this by reversing harmful policies against renewables, expanding energy assistance programs, streamlining grid connection processes, and increasing transparency in utility regulation. Ultimately, the legislation aims to create a more reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy system while ensuring communities have a stronger voice in energy development.

The State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act establishes a formal framework to integrate disability rights into U.S. foreign policy and development efforts. The bill creates an Office of International Disability Rights, led by an Ambassador-at-Large, to coordinate global engagement and ensure U.S. diplomatic facilities and hiring practices are fully accessible. Additionally, it mandates comprehensive staff training and launches the Judy Heumann Fellowship program to build long-term expertise in disability advocacy within the Department of State.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By addressing social determinants of health, expanding nutritional and mental health support, and investing in a diverse, culturally competent workforce, the bill provides a holistic framework for improving care. Through targeted federal grants, enhanced data collection, and innovative technology, the Act aims to ensure that all pregnant and postpartum individuals receive the equitable, high-quality care they deserve.

The MAWS Act of 2026 establishes a two-year pilot program to incentivize the removal of invasive blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. By providing funding to pet food and animal feed manufacturers, the program encourages the purchase of blue catfish from local watermen at set prices. Additionally, the act mandates improved data collection and reporting to better track the species' abundance and assess the program's environmental and economic impact.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. policy by imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign persons and financial institutions that support Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, drone, and terrorist activities. The bill specifically targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to cut off funding for these malign programs. Additionally, it expands the State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program to incentivize the reporting of individuals who evade these sanctions.

The Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Statue Act directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to commission and install a statue of the renowned civil rights leader within the United States Capitol. This legislation honors Mitchell’s historic advocacy, including his instrumental role in securing the passage of landmark civil rights and voting rights acts.

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 Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026 aims to strengthen Taiwan’s energy resilience by increasing U.S. energy exports, including liquefied natural gas, and enhancing the security of Taiwan’s critical energy infrastructure. The bill authorizes collaborative efforts to protect against cyber and physical threats, promotes cooperation on nuclear energy technology, and establishes a maritime insurance program for vessels delivering vital goods to Taiwan. These measures are designed to reduce Taiwan's vulnerability to coercion while reinforcing regional stability and U.S.-Taiwan strategic ties.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, government-owned online tax filing system within the IRS, ensuring taxpayers have a simplified and accessible way to file their returns. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict the government's ability to provide these services and mandates the integration of state tax filing options. Additionally, it streamlines the tax process by setting new filing deadlines for employer information returns to improve efficiency for all taxpayers.

This resolution honors the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his pivotal role as a civil rights leader, his groundbreaking political campaigns, and his global advocacy for human rights and equality. The measure encourages all Americans to continue his work by moving forward with hope rather than fear and division.

The Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to serve as an advisory member of the Maryland Whole Watershed Program’s State Management Team. This partnership facilitates enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local entities to provide essential technical and financial support for restoration projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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 Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support the Iranian people by expanding access to uncensored internet and communication technologies. The bill strengthens U.S. policy against regime repression by mandating investigations into human rights abuses and establishing a new Treasury initiative to combat corruption and money laundering by Iranian officials. Additionally, it enhances congressional oversight of sanctions and promotes independent media to counter state-sponsored censorship.

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.

This bill establishes the National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council will consist of 12 presidentially appointed members tasked with advising on national policy related to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture. Its duties include monitoring relevant efforts, evaluating NEH programs, and submitting annual reports. The Council is set to terminate ten years after the law's enactment.

The Put America on Commission Act of 2026 establishes an Office of Whistleblower Awards within the SBA to reward individuals who report original information leading to the recovery of funds from COVID loan fraud. This office will pay awards ranging from 10% to 15% of collected funds, sourced from a new Whistleblower Award Fund. The bill also imposes a new civil monetary penalty on those convicted of COVID loan fraud and includes anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers.

The Fiscal Harms of Federal Firings Act mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General on how federal workforce reductions (RIFs) impact state and local government budgets. This study will analyze changes in state spending, tax revenues, and regional economic effects resulting from federal job cuts. The resulting report will provide Congress with findings, identify the most affected areas, and suggest policy options for mitigating these fiscal harms.