Legislative Activity

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2026 restricts the Department of Defense from selling or purchasing certain military-grade weapons and ammunition from commercial entities. It establishes strict requirements for dealers wishing to sell firearms or ammunition to the DoD, including enhanced background checks, electronic recordkeeping, and limits on ammunition sales. The bill aims to prevent military weaponry from entering the commercial marketplace and ensure accountability among defense contractors.

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.

The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 establishes a new, independent Article I system for United States Immigration Courts, separating them from the executive branch. This new structure features an Appellate Division and a Trial Division, with specially appointed judges serving fixed terms. The Act also transfers all existing immigration court functions, personnel, and pending cases to this new system while ensuring independent budgeting authority.

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.

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 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 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 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 Fight Book Bans Act establishes a federal grant program to assist public school districts with the legal costs associated with defending their decisions to keep instructional and library materials available to students. By providing up to $100,000 per challenge, the bill aims to support districts in maintaining access to educational resources during formal reconsideration processes. The program is designed to be viewpoint-neutral, ensuring that funding is distributed without bias toward the content of the materials in question.

The "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act" prohibits the use of any federal funds to compensate individuals prosecuted for involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack. It also forbids the creation of any compensation fund for these individuals. Furthermore, the bill bars the U.S. Treasury from refunding court-ordered restitution, fines, or special assessments paid by those convicted for their role in the attack.

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 improves the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program by establishing stricter timelines for claim processing, creating a new benefit for permanent partial disabilities, and mandating expedited approvals for 9/11-related claims. The bill also enhances program transparency through increased outreach, mandatory audits, and the implementation of key GAO recommendations to ensure timely support for officers and their families.

The Ceasefire Compliance Act of 2026 establishes U.S. policy to uphold the October 2025 ceasefire and peace plan in Gaza while prohibiting the transfer of U.S. defense articles to Israel for use in Gaza or the West Bank unless specific humanitarian and diplomatic conditions are met. The bill mandates regular reporting to Congress to certify Israel's compliance with these requirements and establishes an end-use monitoring group to track the deployment of U.S.-provided weapons. While restricting offensive arms transfers, the Act preserves U.S. support for Israeli missile defense systems and ongoing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The FAIR Act of 2026 significantly reforms federal civil forfeiture laws by strengthening property owner protections, such as raising the government's burden of proof and requiring judicial approval for all forfeitures. The bill mandates that proceeds from forfeited property be deposited into the Treasury's General Fund instead of agency-specific funds. Furthermore, it introduces new procedural safeguards, including probable cause hearings, for property seized in connection with structuring financial transactions.

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.