Legislative Activity

This bill, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026, extends the authorization and funding for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. It specifically updates the Commission's operational period through the end of 2028. This action ensures the continued function of the body tasked with monitoring religious freedom abroad.

The Walter Patterson Justice and Extradition Act aims to strengthen U.S. efforts to secure the extradition of fugitives from other nations. It specifically highlights the ongoing case of George Wright, convicted of the 1962 murder of Walter Patterson. The bill mandates the President to submit regular, detailed reports to Congress regarding the status of U.S. extradition requests and diplomatic actions taken. Furthermore, Congress expresses its view that U.S. officials should prioritize advocating for these extradition requests when meeting with foreign counterparts.

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to determine, within one year, whether the actions of Chinese officials against Tibetans constitute ongoing genocide or crimes against humanity. The determination must consider specific atrocities, including forced assimilation and systematic harm. The Secretary must also submit a detailed report outlining the evidence and recommending appropriate U.S. policy responses.

This bill reauthorizes key programs under the Kay Hagan Tick Act to combat vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease through 2030. It extends funding for the national strategy and regional centers focused on these illnesses. Additionally, the legislation continues enhanced support for local health departments to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities.

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 ensures the continued operation and funding of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program through fiscal year 2031. This bill specifically increases the authorized annual funding level for the program starting in 2027. Additionally, it extends the federal government's commitment to the national cord blood inventory program until 2031.

This resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific religious and political detainees, including Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai, during future engagements with the President of China. It condemns the ongoing detention of these and other individuals by the People's Republic of China. The bill calls for the President to seek proof of life, legal counsel, and medical access for those unjustly held.

This resolution officially supports designating the month of May as "Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant and growing threat of Lyme disease across the United States. The bill commits to continuing efforts to raise public awareness and improve the federal response to these illnesses.

This resolution expresses strong support for open water lifeguards, recognizing their critical role as first responders and emergency response providers. It urges federal agencies to formally acknowledge the essential, lifesaving work these individuals perform, often at great personal risk. The bill calls for lifeguards to be treated as emergency responders, including eligibility for priority access to resources during public health emergencies.

This act, the "Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act," nullifies specific Federal Communications Commission (FCC) orders from 2018 that restricted local control over broadband infrastructure deployment. By voiding these federal actions, the bill restores the authority of state and local governments regarding broadband development decisions within their jurisdictions.

**Heidi’s Law** mandates the inclusion of methadone in federal and Department of Transportation workplace drug testing programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct annual reviews of drug testing guidelines to ensure they remain updated with emerging substances.

The Honduras Expropriation Accountability Act amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow U.S. citizens to seek compensation for property seized by the Honduran government without fair payment. The bill establishes a formal claims process for property expropriated on or after January 1, 1979, and sets a 60-day deadline for filing such claims following the legislation's enactment.

The LymeX Authorization Act establishes a national policy to advance Lyme disease care through collaboration and innovation across various sectors. It directs efforts to foster breakthroughs in health education, public awareness, and the development of rapid, next-generation diagnostics. The bill also authorizes $5 million for prize competitions aimed at accelerating innovation in Lyme disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 addresses systemic religious persecution in Nigeria, particularly against Christians, by extremist groups and certain militias. The bill outlines a strong U.S. policy to pressure the Nigerian government to end impunity, protect religious minorities, and repeal blasphemy laws. It mandates targeted sanctions against perpetrators and requires regular reporting on U.S. efforts to combat these atrocities.

The Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026 significantly expands U.S. sanctions against the Nicaraguan government, targeting its gold sector and officials involved in human rights abuses. The bill also prohibits new U.S. investment in Nicaragua while establishing a grant program to support civil society and democracy promotion efforts. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to increase economic and diplomatic pressure until Nicaragua commits to a democratic resolution and respects human rights.

This act requires the President to certify that proposed offshore wind projects in the North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic will not interfere with military readiness, radar, or sonar systems. If certification is impossible, the President must halt threatening projects. Furthermore, the DOD Inspector General must conduct a comprehensive study and report on the impact of these projects on military operations and existing review processes.

The Safe Passages Act of 2025 establishes a global program to drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality in high-risk countries by funding life-affirming training and resources for local health providers. This initiative focuses on preventing and treating the leading causes of maternal death and supporting infant health through the first 1,000 days of life. The bill mandates at least $400 million annually for these efforts, prioritizing culturally respectful care and increased involvement of fathers.

The LANDED Act establishes procedures for State and local law enforcement to acquire and use approved counter-drone technology to mitigate threats from unauthorized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). It mandates cooperation between federal agencies and creates a new grant program to fund this counter-UAS equipment for eligible agencies. Furthermore, the bill requires the establishment of a mandatory reporting system for nonemergency drone operations and calls for a review of UAS activity related to foreign adversaries near critical assets.

This resolution commends President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe and ongoing religious freedom violations. It details extensive violence against religious minorities, primarily Christians, by extremist groups and highlights the Nigerian government's failure to act. The bill calls for specific U.S. foreign policy actions, including conditioning aid and imposing targeted sanctions on responsible individuals and groups.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for "National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" and "World Hydrocephalus Day." It recognizes the significant impact of hydrocephalus, a condition affecting millions, and the ongoing need for better treatment and research. The bill formally backs efforts to raise public awareness and advance scientific understanding of this serious brain condition.

This bill establishes a new high-level position, the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, to centralize and direct U.S. foreign aid strategy and policy within the Department of State. This Under Secretary will oversee a newly created Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight, led by a Director, to ensure all foreign assistance is coordinated, strategically aligned with foreign policy goals, and effectively managed. The legislation also authorizes necessary appropriations to fund these new roles and structures for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.