Legislative Activity

The CHILE Act of 2026 establishes a permanent federal framework to provide direct financial assistance to specialty crop producers following adverse events. This framework requires the Secretary of Agriculture to calculate payments based on pre-disaster sales and the determined loss factor, taking into account the unique costs of specialty crops. The bill also sets specific payment caps, with exceptions for high-income farming operations, and appropriates \$5 billion for fiscal year 2027 to fund this assistance.

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal student aid by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and shifting the program to mandatory funding. This bill also expands eligibility to include Dreamer students, restores Pell eligibility semesters, and reforms Satisfactory Academic Progress rules to better support students. Overall, it seeks to stabilize and increase financial support for millions of postsecondary students, particularly those with high financial need.

This bill, the "State and Local Election Security Act of 2026," establishes a multi-year federal grant program to provide states with funding for improving election security and administration. The funds are intended to help modernize infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and respond to security threats for federal elections. The legislation also expands coverage of existing election laws to more U.S. territories and authorizes funding to support the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish grant programs for researching and developing next-generation firefighter turnout gear that is free of harmful PFAS chemicals. These grants will support the creation of safer protective clothing and the development of training programs for first responders on its proper use and decontamination. The ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness and injury among firefighters by advancing safer alternatives.

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act mandates that the Supreme Court allow television coverage of all its open sessions. This requirement can only be overridden if a majority of the justices vote to block coverage in a specific case due to due process concerns.

The NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a federal property right for individuals and right holders to control the use of their voice or visual likeness in unauthorized, highly realistic computer-generated digital replicas. This grants the right to authorize or prohibit such uses, both during life and for a term following death, creating civil liability for unauthorized distribution or the provision of tools primarily designed for creating such replicas. The Act includes specific liability standards, exclusions for uses like news and parody, and detailed safe harbor provisions for online services that comply with notification and removal procedures.

This bill, the District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act, changes how judges for D.C. courts are appointed by removing the Senate's role in confirmation. It grants the President the authority to directly appoint judges from a list provided by the Judicial Nomination Commission, which can appoint a judge itself if the President delays action. Furthermore, Congress is given a 30-day window to block any appointment through a joint resolution of disapproval.

The Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act mandates sanctions against foreign individuals and entities involved in forced organ harvesting within the People’s Republic of China. The bill requires the President to maintain a list of those responsible, imposing asset freezes and visa bans on listed parties. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report evaluating China’s organ transplant policies and practices.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act establishes the Eastern Mediterranean as a critical strategic hub within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The legislation directs the U.S. to prioritize energy security, defense cooperation, and regional integration through enhanced multilateral strategic dialogues. By fostering deeper ties with key partners like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, the Act aims to strengthen connectivity and stability across three continents.

The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to support the Iranian people by expanding access to uncensored information and countering regime-imposed internet blackouts. The bill mandates the development of new communication technologies, increases funding for digital freedom programs, and requires the identification and sanctioning of individuals complicit in human rights abuses. Additionally, it strengthens support for independent media and provides cybersecurity training to Iranian journalists and civil society activists.

This bill, the FIRE SMART Act of 2026, requires the EPA to immediately expand the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The expansion specifically directs funding toward water infrastructure projects that aid in wildfire suppression for rural communities at high risk from fire. The EPA must prioritize projects that benefit both drinking water quality and fire safety in these vulnerable areas.

This bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until early 2029. TPS provides individuals from designated countries with the ability to temporarily live and work in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home nation.

The Lifeline for First Responders Act establishes a new grant program administered by NHTSA to support the mental health and wellness of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and first responders. This program provides funding for evidence-based stress reduction, suicide prevention, counseling, and family support services. The Act authorizes $7.5 million annually for this initiative from fiscal years 2028 through 2032.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting the safety and well-being of refugees globally and domestically. It highlights the severe worldwide displacement crisis and criticizes the current suspension and low caps of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The bill calls for the full restoration of asylum protections and refugee resettlement to uphold U.S. legal obligations and humanitarian leadership.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

The Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act mandates that U.S.-funded foreign aid—including food, medicine, and vaccines—must be delivered or donated to intended beneficiaries before it spoils or expires. The bill requires federal agencies to expedite funding to prevent waste and establishes strict annual reporting requirements for any commodities that fail to reach their destination. This legislation ensures that vital resources are utilized effectively to save lives while protecting taxpayer investments.

This Act mandates a comprehensive federal assessment of cybersecurity threats targeting precision agriculture technology, particularly those originating from specified foreign adversaries. It requires the Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security to issue a joint report detailing these threats and recommending security improvements. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will study and report on federal coordination efforts to enhance the cybersecurity of these critical farming systems.

The Land of the Free Act of 2026 proposes to amend immigration law by eliminating the provision that makes non-citizens deportable for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government through force or violence. This bill specifically repeals the section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that lists this as a ground for removal.

This bill proposes to abolish the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which was established by the Attorney General in connection with the *Trump v. Internal Revenue Service* case. Additionally, it nullifies the Attorney General's related order concerning the release of certain claims, rendering it legally void.

The Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 establishes an independent Children’s Commission to examine and advocate for the interests of all children and marginalized youth across the nation. This Commission is tasked with raising awareness, reviewing policies, conducting research, and advising Congress and agencies on matters affecting child well-being. It is designed to operate continuously, ensuring children's voices are incorporated into federal decision-making processes.