Legislative Activity

The Save Medicare Act renames the Medicare Advantage program to the "Alternative Private Health Plan program." It also establishes a significant civil money penalty of \$100,000 for any entity that advertises a Part C plan using the term "Medicare" in its title. The bill mandates an orderly transition to the new program name by October 15, 2023.

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 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 Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act aims to significantly restrict the transfer of surplus military equipment from the Department of Defense to local law enforcement agencies. This bill bans the transfer of many military-grade items, such as armored vehicles and certain weapons, while imposing strict new public notification, local approval, and annual accountability requirements for any approved transfers. The legislation seeks to prevent the inappropriate militarization of police forces by increasing oversight and limiting access to combat-ready gear.

The Ensuring OBGYN Care in Prisons Act mandates that the Bureau of Prisons employ full-time obstetrician-gynecologists at all facilities housing female prisoners. This bill ensures comprehensive gynecological, prenatal, and postpartum care, including required initial visits within 14 days of incarceration. Furthermore, it establishes patient protections like informed consent and the right to refuse non-emergency care. The Bureau of Prisons must also submit annual reports detailing staffing, services provided, and pregnancy outcomes.

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.

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.

This resolution celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), recognizing its long history of vital community service since its founding in 1851. It commends the YMCA for its diverse contributions, including inventing basketball and pioneering early educational and safety programs. The bill honors the organization's staff and volunteers for fostering community connection and promoting healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for millions of Americans.

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 **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.

The GRADUATE Act amends tax law to transform the existing student loan interest deduction into a broader education loan deduction, effective after 2025. This new deduction allows taxpayers to deduct the total amount paid on qualified education loans, up to a maximum of \$10,000 plus an additional \$500 per dependent. The maximum deduction amount is subject to an income-based phase-out, beginning when Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds \$125,000 for individuals or \$250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

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.

This bill seeks to amend Medicare coverage rules to include wigs as durable medical equipment when medically necessary. Coverage would require written certification from a physician confirming the wig is needed for hair loss due to a medical condition or as part of rehabilitative treatment.

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.

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 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.