Legislative Activity

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

This resolution designates August 21, 2026, as "Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day" to honor the lives lost to illicit fentanyl and address the ongoing public health crisis. It encourages communities across the United States to participate in education and prevention efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids. Ultimately, the day serves as a national commitment to promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles and preventing future overdose deaths.

This resolution designates the first week of August 2026 as "National Community Health Center Week" to honor the vital role these centers play in providing accessible, comprehensive primary care to millions of Americans. It celebrates the 60-year legacy of community health centers and encourages the public to visit their local facilities to recognize the dedicated staff and patients who strengthen our nation's health system.

This bill, the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act of 2025, amends the Federal Employees Compensation Act to expand the list of authorized healthcare providers. Specifically, it allows physician assistants and nurse practitioners to examine, treat, and provide second opinions for federal employees filing work-related injury claims. This change aims to improve access to care for injured federal workers.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

The Bring Our Heroes Home Act mandates the collection and prompt public disclosure of all U.S. government records concerning Armed Forces and civilian personnel missing since December 7, 1941. It establishes an independent Review Board to oversee the transfer of these records to the National Archives and to rule on any proposed postponements of disclosure. The Act aims to provide the fullest possible accounting to the American public and the families of the missing, with only narrow, clearly defined exceptions to release.

This bill establishes the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, aiming to formally recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a distinct occupational category for them in the federal classification system. The legislation also authorizes significant federal grants to states to establish or expand paid family and medical leave programs. If a separate DSP classification is not created, a report explaining the decision must be submitted to Congress.

This bill mandates that the United States Postal Service establish unique ZIP Codes for a specific list of communities across the country. The USPS is required to complete these designations within one year of the Act's enactment.

This resolution designates August 16, 2026, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the historic contributions and sacrifices of United States airborne forces. It recognizes the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump and pays tribute to the bravery of airborne units serving from World War II to the present day.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act aims to restore independent reporting at the Department of Defense by reversing recent restrictions on credentialed journalists. The bill mandates the return of unescorted access to traditional press workspaces within the Pentagon and establishes a secure, non-political process for issuing press credentials. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to consult with Congress before implementing any future changes to press access policies.

The HCBS Access Act transforms home and community-based services into a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring older adults and people with disabilities can receive long-term care in their own homes rather than institutions. The legislation provides significant federal funding to eliminate waiting lists, strengthen the direct care workforce, and offer critical support to unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, it establishes new national standards for workforce data, career development, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, accessible care nationwide.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The Constructing the Path to Suicide Prevention Act directs the CDC to conduct a comprehensive study on the suicide risk factors specifically faced by construction workers. This legislation aims to identify key employment, organizational, and individual contributors to these tragedies. Ultimately, the findings will be used to provide Congress with evidence-based policy recommendations to improve mental health support and suicide prevention within the construction industry.

The **Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act of 2026** ensures transparency and accountability by preventing the Department of Defense from using administrative reclassifications to obscure the human cost of war or deny service members their earned benefits. The bill mandates that casualty records remain accurate and permanent, regardless of changes to an operation's name or status. Additionally, it requires the restoration of records and benefits for personnel affected by recent reclassifications related to Operation Epic Fury.

The Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act of 2026 authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements to improve operational efficiency. This legislation streamlines administrative processes while ensuring congressional oversight by requiring notification to relevant committees whenever this authority is exercised.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The BLADE Act (Blocking Large-scale Adversarial Distillation Efforts Act of 2026) aims to protect U.S. national security and economic interests by identifying and deterring unauthorized "model extraction attacks" against closed-source artificial intelligence models. The bill mandates that the Department of Commerce assess and track foreign entities that illicitly acquire AI capabilities, while establishing a framework to impose sanctions and export restrictions on those involved in such activities. By fostering information-sharing between the government and private AI developers, the legislation seeks to safeguard American intellectual property from foreign adversaries.

The Stroke Act aims to improve stroke outcomes by authorizing federal research, data collection, and grant programs focused on stroke care and prevention. This legislation supports the development of a national stroke registry, strengthens emergency and rehabilitation systems, and funds public education campaigns to increase awareness and timely treatment.

The Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026 provides federal grants to states to strengthen the early childhood workforce. This initiative supports educators through scholarships, professional development, and increased compensation to improve educational standards and career pathways. By fostering collaboration between state agencies and higher education institutions, the Act aims to enhance the quality of early childhood education programs nationwide.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.