Legislative Activity

The Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act establishes a dedicated Office of the Farm and Food System Workforce within the USDA to improve worker access to federal programs and resources. This office will coordinate across federal agencies, integrate worker perspectives through a new Advisory Committee, and provide recommendations to address the unique economic, health, and safety needs of the agricultural workforce.

The Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act of 2026 incentivizes farmers to adopt sustainable manure management and composting practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial and technical assistance, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized livestock operations. By prioritizing carbon sequestration and environmental benefits, the legislation aims to modernize on-farm waste handling and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The Desalination Reauthorization Act extends and updates federal authority for desalination projects, providing a clear framework for federal cost-sharing in eligible water infrastructure initiatives. The bill also establishes a new competitive grant program to advance pilot technologies for treating saline, brackish, and wastewater while managing brine discharge. These measures aim to improve water security by supporting the development and implementation of cost-effective, innovative desalination solutions.

The Voice for Farm Workers Act strengthens support for the agricultural workforce by expanding the role and resources of the Department of Agriculture’s Farmworker Coordinator. This legislation authorizes additional staffing and broadens outreach partnerships to improve research, job training, and access to federal programs through 2031. By formalizing these duties, the bill aims to enhance program effectiveness and ensure farmworkers’ needs are better integrated into national agricultural policy.

The Fairness for Farm Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure agricultural workers receive overtime pay and removes long-standing exemptions that have historically excluded them from these protections. The bill establishes a phased-in schedule for overtime eligibility based on employer size, ultimately standardizing labor rights for farm workers by 2033.

The Stop Corrupt Trading Act prohibits the President and Vice President from profiting from the misuse of nonpublic information gained through their official positions. The bill establishes strict criminal penalties and civil enforcement measures, including asset forfeiture and significant fines, for those who trade or exchange such information for financial gain.

This resolution designates July 2026 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month" to celebrate the vital contributions of domestic floral farmers to the U.S. economy. It encourages consumers to support local agriculture and small businesses by choosing flowers and foliage grown within the United States.

This resolution designates August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week." It recognizes the vital role these markets play in supporting local economies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving community access to fresh, healthy food.

This act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study assessing the suitability and feasibility of designating areas within Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties as the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area. The study must be completed in consultation with state, local, and tribal entities. This legislation initiates the process for potential federal recognition of the region's unique heritage.

The MORE WATER Act focuses on strengthening water security across communities by significantly enhancing federal support for water recycling, conveyance improvements, and environmental restoration projects. It reauthorizes and increases funding for large-scale water reuse programs and establishes a new grant program for modernizing western water infrastructure. Furthermore, the bill creates a process to deauthorize inactive Bureau of Reclamation projects to prioritize active water resource development.

The SHIELD Our Elections Act strengthens election integrity by establishing a private right of action against voter intimidation and extending the statute of limitations for election-related crimes. The bill also protects election records by restricting the seizure of voting materials and provides federal grants to states to implement comprehensive, transparent absentee ballot tracking programs.

This bill significantly increases the authorized funding levels for the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. It raises the general implementation funding cap from $\$250$ million to $\$750$ million. Additionally, the bill boosts funding specifically allocated for upgrades to the Friant Division.

The Improving Housing Performance Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to commission an independent study on the safety and durability of manufactured homes in areas prone to natural disasters and extreme weather. The resulting report will provide Congress with data-driven recommendations to update construction and installation standards while balancing safety improvements with housing affordability.

This bill, the "State and Local Election Security Act of 2026," establishes a multi-year federal grant program to provide states with funding for improving election security and administration. The funds are intended to help modernize infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and respond to security threats for federal elections. The legislation also expands coverage of existing election laws to more U.S. territories and authorizes funding to support the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

This bill, the FIRE SMART Act of 2026, requires the EPA to immediately expand the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The expansion specifically directs funding toward water infrastructure projects that aid in wildfire suppression for rural communities at high risk from fire. The EPA must prioritize projects that benefit both drinking water quality and fire safety in these vulnerable areas.

The Land of the Free Act of 2026 proposes to amend immigration law by eliminating the provision that makes non-citizens deportable for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government through force or violence. This bill specifically repeals the section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that lists this as a ground for removal.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility at 2777 Logan Avenue in San Diego, California. The post office will now be known as the "Armando Rodriguez Post Office." This change will be reflected across all official records and documents.

The 988 Connect Act establishes a grant program to fund follow-up services for individuals contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It also mandates the FCC to ensure all 988 calls and texts are transmitted by mobile providers, including from non-activated phones. Furthermore, the bill requires multi-line phone systems to allow direct dialing to 988.

This bill, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of the Interior to take approximately 265 acres of specified public land into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This action revokes a prior Public Land Order from 1964 and establishes the land as part of the Tribe's reservation for management under existing trust laws. Importantly, the transferred land is explicitly prohibited from being used for Class II or Class III gaming activities.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late former United States Senator John Seymour of California. It recognizes his extensive public service, highlighting his career in business, local government, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow and directs that official copies of this resolution be delivered to his family.