Legislative Activity

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

This act officially designates the historic paths of US Highway 66, spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica, as the Route 66 National Historic Trail within the National Trails System. The Secretary of the Interior will manage the trail while respecting its historic character and consulting with affected Indian Tribes. Importantly, this designation prohibits the use of eminent domain for land acquisition and does not impose new regulatory requirements or buffer zones around the route.

This bill establishes the Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act. It mandates a study to determine the feasibility of designating the existing 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The study will assess the trail's scenic, recreational, and cultural significance for potential inclusion in the National Trails System.

The Water Security and Drought Resilience Act aims to enhance water availability across Reclamation States through federal financial assistance. It expands funding for water storage projects and reauthorizes and modifies the small storage grant program. Additionally, the Act establishes a new grant program to support natural water retention and release projects within critical watersheds.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act expands and standardizes paid family and medical leave across the federal government. This legislation increases leave flexibility for birth, adoption, and caregiving, while extending comprehensive coverage to congressional, postal, and District of Columbia court employees. By aligning these benefits, the bill ensures that a broader range of federal workers have access to consistent, paid leave for serious health and family needs.

This resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day," honoring the historical significance of the end of slavery in the United States. It celebrates the resilience of African Americans and encourages nationwide reflection on the history and heritage that have shaped our democracy.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026 establishes a regularized appointment schedule, requiring the President to nominate one new Supreme Court justice every two years. The bill limits the Court to 18 total justices, with the nine most recently appointed members presiding over appellate cases. This legislation aims to create a predictable rotation for judicial appointments and modernize the structure of the Supreme Court.

The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

This bill, the "Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act," overhauls the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) hurricane hunter program. It mandates NOAA to acquire and maintain a dedicated fleet of 6 to 9 aircraft for essential hurricane reconnaissance and research missions. The legislation ensures the continuous collection and real-time sharing of critical weather data while authorizing significant funding for aircraft acquisition through fiscal year 2031.

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of "renewable biomass" eligible for federal renewable fuel programs. By including a wider range of forest residuals and vegetation sourced from wildfire risk reduction and restoration activities, the bill incentivizes the removal of hazardous fuels from both public and private lands. This legislation streamlines the certification process to encourage the use of forest materials in renewable energy production.

The "Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act" strengthens existing bans on foreign influence by prohibiting domestic business entities with significant foreign ownership or control from contributing to federal elections. The bill also mandates strict certification requirements for corporations and PACs to ensure that decision-making processes remain free from foreign interference. Additionally, it expands these protections to cover state and local ballot initiatives and Super PACs.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026 streamlines the regulatory process for states to manage air quality data affected by prescribed fires, recognizing their role in wildfire prevention. Additionally, the bill establishes the "Smoke Ready Communities Program" to provide competitive grants for projects that mitigate wildfire smoke hazards in schools and other community buildings.

The MediKids Act establishes a nationwide Medicaid eligibility category for all individuals under age 26, ensuring comprehensive health coverage regardless of immigration status. The bill mandates automatic enrollment at birth, provides continuous eligibility, and guarantees full federal funding for states. Additionally, it expands access to essential pediatric services and exempts all young adults from work or community engagement requirements.

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act proposes ending federal cannabis prohibition by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and transferring regulatory oversight to health and revenue agencies. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for taxation, product safety, and restorative justice, including the expungement of past federal cannabis convictions and increased investment in communities impacted by the War on Drugs. Additionally, it provides states with the authority to manage their own cannabis policies while creating new federal standards for research, workplace safety, and banking access.

The Mamas First Act aims to address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States by mandating that state Medicaid programs cover services provided by doulas, midwives, and lactation support providers. Beginning in 2027, this legislation ensures these essential maternal health services are accessible to all Medicaid beneficiaries without any copays or cost-sharing. By expanding access to these specialized care providers, the bill seeks to improve birth outcomes and reduce health disparities across the country.