Legislative Activity

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.

This resolution directs the President, under the authority of the War Powers Resolution, to immediately remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that military action must cease unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of force. The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize new military action nor does it impede necessary self-defense against an immediate attack.

This resolution formally honors the life and enduring legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Louis Burns Jackson, Sr. It recognizes his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, including his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his founding of Operation PUSH. The bill specifically urges the President to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in his memory.

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.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital historical significance and contributions of Black history museums and cultural institutions across the United States. It affirms that these essential pillars correct historical omissions by preserving irreplaceable records and telling a full, accurate American story. The bill encourages federal agencies and the public to support these institutions, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

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.

This resolution officially recognizes Black History Month and adopts "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the theme for 2026. It honors the contributions of Black Americans by establishing categories for "Unsung Souls" and "Righteous Intercessors." Ultimately, the bill affirms that Black history commemorations are essential for a complete national narrative and inspiring future progress toward liberty and justice for all.

This resolution celebrates over 250 years of enduring friendship between the United States and Poland, highlighting their shared history and mutual democratic values. It reaffirms the vital U.S. interest in Poland's sovereignty, security, and prosperity. Furthermore, the resolution calls for continued close defense coordination and the presence of U.S. forces in Poland.

The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026 establishes a federal process for issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a danger from possessing firearms. The bill allows family members or law enforcement to petition federal courts for temporary or long-term orders based on evidence of imminent risk of harm. Furthermore, it creates a federal grant program to incentivize and support states and tribes in implementing their own qualifying ERPO laws. Finally, it mandates that individuals subject to these federal orders surrender their firearms and ensures these orders are recognized across state lines.

This resolution expresses the deep condolences of the House of Representatives for the victims of the February 15, 2019, mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois. It also honors the memory of those killed and commends the bravery of the first responders. Finally, the bill designates February 15, 2020, as "Henry Pratt Company Victims and Aurora Heroes Day" in Illinois.

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.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into U.S. waters from industrial facilities. This requires the EPA to swiftly issue a rule banning these discharges from facilities involved in the manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport of these plastics. The prohibition will be enforced through existing permitting and regulatory systems under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

The Decreasing Russian Oil Profits Act of 2026 imposes sanctions on foreign entities purchasing or importing Russian oil and petroleum products. The President has limited authority to grant exceptions to these sanctions, such as for countries that redirect funds or significantly support Ukraine. These measures aim to restrict revenue streams supporting Russia's activities while providing narrow pathways for continued trade under specific conditions.

This resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

This bill provides the funding and establishes the operational rules for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2026 across all major components, including intelligence, security operations, emergency management, and research. It allocates billions for agencies like TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and CISA while imposing strict new requirements for congressional oversight, spending transparency, and management of federal grants. The legislation also includes specific policy directives, such as mandating security screening for senior officials and restricting certain intelligence and contracting activities.

The Drain ICE Act of 2026 aims to fundamentally reform immigration enforcement by repealing specific sections of a prior law (Public Law 11921) and rescinding associated funding. This legislation is introduced in response to Congressional findings detailing concerns over mass deportation policies, inhumane detention conditions, and the detention of non-criminal individuals under the Trump Administration. The bill seeks to end practices deemed contrary to constitutional protections and human rights in immigration enforcement.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois. The building will now be known as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Post Office Building." This designation formally recognizes Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. and updates all official records to reflect the new name.

The Whale CHARTS Act of 2026 expands federal efforts to protect migratory whales and other large cetaceans. This legislation mandates the creation of high-accuracy distribution maps for whale habitats and funds research into understudied species. It also establishes a competitive grant program to develop and deploy technologies that reduce harmful interactions between whales and ocean users, such as vessel strikes.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands critical federal programs to improve services and prevention for victims of domestic and dating violence through 2031. It significantly increases funding and broadens support, especially for Tribal communities and underserved populations, by allowing for culturally specific and digital services. Additionally, the bill enhances efforts to prevent teen dating violence through increased funding for broader educational programs.