Legislative Activity

The "Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act" authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women in the United States, seeking guidance from varied sources. The Act mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

This resolution recognizes March 10, 2026, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor the essential care and dedication of abortion providers and clinic staff. It highlights the challenges and violence faced by these professionals while affirming a commitment to protecting their safety and ensuring universal access to abortion care. The resolution further condemns legislative and judicial actions that restrict reproductive rights and worsen health inequities.

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.

The Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026 amends the Fair Housing Act to establish survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking as a protected class. This makes it illegal to discriminate against these individuals in housing transactions, including rentals, sales, and financing. The bill aims to ensure survivors can secure and maintain safe housing free from further victimization.

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.

The Connect the Grid Act aims to modernize and expand the national electric transmission system through comprehensive planning, federal permitting authority for critical projects, and enhanced interregional coordination. It specifically brings the Texas grid (ERCOT) under greater federal oversight and mandates new reliability standards for interconnections with neighboring regions. The bill also increases funding for transmission infrastructure and promotes the use of domestic materials and labor standards.

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.

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 establishes February 28th as "HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day" to advocate for the decriminalization of HIV across the nation. It highlights outdated laws that unfairly criminalize people living with HIV based on their status, regardless of transmission risk. The day calls for action to repeal these scientifically inaccurate laws, which undermine public health efforts and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Ultimately, the resolution supports ending HIV criminalization to promote education, treatment, and justice.

The Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2026 provides significant relief for long-term residents from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam facing deportation. It prohibits the detention and removal of eligible individuals who entered the U.S. before 2008 and grants them permanent work authorization. Furthermore, the Act establishes a streamlined process for those previously ordered removed to reopen and terminate their immigration cases, effectively vacating past removal orders.

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.

The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively reforms workplace protections by mandating new anti-discrimination policies and training, while strengthening federal laws to explicitly protect LGBTQ+ individuals and expand filing deadlines for all workers. The bill also phases out the lower federal minimum wage for tipped employees and restricts employers' use of mandatory arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. Finally, it establishes federal grant programs to fund education, legal assistance, and state-level advocacy systems to combat workplace discrimination.

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 United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2026 comprehensively repeals major U.S. sanctions laws against Cuba, effectively normalizing trade relations. This legislation removes restrictions on travel, exports, and financial remittances between the two nations. It also establishes a framework for the President to negotiate property claims and human rights protections with the Cuban government. The Act aims to promote democratic change in Cuba through the extension of nondiscriminatory trade treatment.

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 aims to defend the human rights of Palestinian children and families living under Israeli military occupation. It establishes policy prohibiting U.S. assistance funds from supporting specific Israeli actions, including the military detention of Palestinian children and the seizure of Palestinian property in violation of international law. The legislation also mandates annual reporting and oversight requirements regarding these activities and U.S. defense assistance to Israel.

The Audit the Pentagon Act of 2026 addresses the Department of Defense's repeated failure to pass a financial audit. This bill establishes automatic spending reductions for any DoD component that fails to receive a clean audit opinion after fiscal year 2025. It also outlines Congressional priorities regarding protecting wounded warrior accounts and maintaining financial controls for classified programs.

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.