Legislative Activity

This bill aims to strengthen the defense industrial base by aligning Job Corps training programs with critical industry needs, such as shipbuilding. It expands incentives for employers to hire Job Corps graduates and provides pathways for individuals ineligible for military enlistment to gain relevant skills. Furthermore, the Act grants Job Corps centers greater operational flexibility and access to external funding.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month." The designation aims to raise public awareness about the critical importance of personal financial education. It calls upon various sectors of society to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities promoting financial well-being.

This bill establishes the Southeast New England Program within the EPA to protect, enhance, and restore coastal watersheds in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The program authorizes the EPA Administrator to award grants for projects focused on pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement. It also mandates federal agency coordination to improve resource management in the region, authorizing $30 million annually from 2027 through 2031.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) decision to withdraw a previous rule concerning examinations for risks to active-duty servicemembers and their dependents. By disapproving this action, Congress aims to nullify the CFPB's withdrawal, effectively reinstating the original rule.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) rule concerning the use of digital user accounts for accessing Buy Now, Pay Later loans. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure voids the specific CFPB rule, rendering it without legal effect.

The EMPOWER for Health Act reauthorizes and increases funding for critical health professions workforce programs from 2026 through 2030. This legislation supports the education and training of diverse medical professionals, including those in geriatrics, primary care, nursing, and pediatric subspecialties. Additionally, the bill updates service requirements and grant structures to better address workforce shortages and improve healthcare access for underserved populations.

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends critical funding and support for life-saving medical programs through 2031. This legislation ensures the continued operation of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and maintains the national cord blood inventory. These measures are essential for sustaining vital resources used in stem cell therapies and research.

The ACTION for National Service Act elevates the Corporation for National and Community Service to an executive department known as the AmeriCorps Administration, led by a Director. The bill aims to significantly expand national service participation to one million people annually by 2036, while increasing living allowances and tying educational awards to the cost of college. Additionally, it establishes a National Service Foundation to manage private donations and provides tax exemptions for service-related educational awards and living stipends.

The Foreign Stablecoin Transparency Act mandates that large foreign payment stablecoin issuers with over $50 billion in outstanding assets provide greater financial accountability. Under this bill, these issuers must produce audited annual financial statements that adhere to generally accepted accounting principles and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards. This legislation ensures increased transparency and oversight for major foreign entities operating within the stablecoin market.

The Predatory Lending Elimination Act amends federal law to apply the Military Lending Act's 36% interest rate cap (MAPR) to most consumer credit transactions. This new restriction generally excludes residential mortgages and specific auto loans, while preserving stronger state consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is tasked with issuing implementing rules within one year.

The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026 establishes major federal funding streams, primarily through grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide. This legislation prioritizes improvements focused on health, safety, and energy efficiency, directing significant resources toward districts serving low-income students. The Act also mandates transparency through public reporting and requires local districts to develop long-term facility master plans.

The Affordable Housing and Homeownership Protection Act of 2026 establishes a tiered tax on large investors who purchase single-family homes. Revenues generated from this tax will be allocated to bolster the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. Additionally, the bill modifies the minimum funding formula for small states within the Housing Trust Fund.

The Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2026 establishes strict requirements for the sale of non-performing and re-performing single-family mortgage loans held by FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. This bill prioritizes sales to government entities and nonprofits to promote affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization. Purchasers must adhere to robust loss mitigation standards, and the legislation includes new data reporting requirements and penalties for noncompliance.

The Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act of 2025 extends key consumer protections from the Truth in Lending Act, such as clear disclosures and billing error rights, to "buy now, pay later" loans. This legislation also grants consumers the right to dispute merchant-related issues directly with the loan provider under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the bill places lenders offering these services under the direct supervision of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

The Building Resilience and Stronger Communities Act aims to enhance disaster preparedness by adjusting federal cost-sharing for small and critical facility mitigation projects, increasing it to at least 90%. The bill mandates FEMA funding for certain hazard mitigation measures following major disasters and establishes required minimum and maximum funding levels for predisaster mitigation assistance for public infrastructure. Furthermore, it grants Indian Tribes direct access to hazard mitigation assistance programs.

The Right to Read Act of 2025 aims to strengthen literacy and information access by defining and supporting "effective school libraries" staffed by certified librarians. It amends federal education law to require states and districts to ensure equitable access to these libraries, culturally diverse materials, and evidence-based reading instruction for all students. The bill also authorizes new funding for literacy programs and establishes national data collection on school library resources. Finally, it provides liability protections for school staff acting on established right-to-read policies and affirms students' First Amendment rights within school libraries.

The Corporate Governance Fairness Act amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to establish specific regulations for proxy advisory firms. This legislation defines these firms and subjects them to registration requirements with the SEC. The Act mandates that the Commission conduct periodic examinations of these firms' records, focusing on conflicts of interest and the accuracy of their statements. Finally, it requires the SEC to report periodically to Congress on the adequacy of investor protections related to proxy advisory services.

The Stronger Enforcement of Civil Penalties Act of 2025 significantly increases civil money penalties across major securities laws for violations involving fraud or reckless disregard. This legislation establishes new, higher penalty tiers, including amounts based on financial gain or victim losses. Furthermore, the bill introduces a punitive "fourth tier" that triples standard fines for repeat securities fraud offenders within five years of a prior conviction or settlement. Finally, it clarifies that continuous violations of court injunctions or SEC bars count as separate, daily offenses to ensure stricter accountability.

The PCAOB Enforcement Transparency Act of 2025 modifies the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) procedures regarding enforcement actions. This bill mandates that PCAOB public hearings will be open to the public by default, requiring an active decision to close them. Additionally, it removes a specific requirement for the PCAOB to publish certain enforcement determinations.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. It highlights the urgent need to improve basic reading, math, and digital skills for millions of U.S. adults to boost the economy and improve individual well-being. The bill encourages communities and organizations to support vital adult education and family literacy programs.