Legislative Activity

The HARVEST Act mandates a study by the Secretary of Agriculture on enhancing technical assistance for transferring agricultural land and assets, particularly heirs property, to new farmers. This study will focus on leveraging educational programs offered by 1890 Institutions. The goal is to improve succession planning for the next generation of agricultural producers.

This bill, the Hazard Pay for Health Care Heroes Act, establishes a grant program to help health care facilities protect essential workers during declared emergencies or disasters. Funds can be used to provide eligible, non-remote health care workers with hazardous duty pay, up to $13 per hour, when their work or commute is deemed hazardous. Additionally, grants can cover safety measures like PPE and alternative transit for these essential personnel.

The Civics Learning Act of 2026 aims to combat political polarization and strengthen democracy by improving civics education nationwide. This bill amends existing law to expand a federal grant program, prioritizing funding for innovative, hands-on civics learning in high-need schools. Funds will support activities covering the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the history of the civil rights movement. The legislation authorizes $70 million for fiscal year 2027 to support these essential educational efforts.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.

This bill seeks to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to update the definition of eligible food items for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would explicitly add hot rotisserie chicken to the list of items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The legislation also includes minor technical formatting updates to the existing law.

This bill designates April as Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month to renew the national commitment to reducing the burden of cancer. It aims to address gaps in screening access and promote preventive actions across all populations. The legislation encourages federal investment in early detection programs and supports advancements in lifesaving cancer innovation.

This resolution directs the President, under the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran. The order mandates withdrawal unless forces are necessary for imminent self-defense of the U.S. or its allies. Any continued defensive action must comply with existing War Powers reporting requirements.

This Act establishes a commission to address racial and gender disparities in school discipline by promoting restorative justice practices. The commission will develop training materials, define restorative practices, and recommend improved ratios for school psychologists and counselors. Its primary goal is to support the mental health of students of color and create more equitable learning environments.

The Poll Worker Tax Cut Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude compensation received by poll workers from federal income tax. This provision aims to incentivize participation in elections by making poll worker pay tax-free at the federal level. However, this income exclusion does not apply to employment taxes like Social Security and Medicare.

The Tech to Save Moms Act establishes grant programs to improve maternal health outcomes by leveraging technology for better identification, monitoring, and response to pregnancy-related risks. It directs the Secretary of HHS to fund projects using remote monitoring, telehealth, and digital tools to reduce maternal mortality and severe morbidity, with a focus on underserved populations. The legislation also mandates studies and reports on integrating technology into maternity care and improving telehealth models for Medicaid recipients.

This resolution recognizes the vital role of sleep in overall health and well-being by designating March 9–13, 2026, as "Sleep Awareness Week." It encourages individuals to prioritize healthy sleep habits and urges healthcare providers and public officials to promote the importance of adequate rest.

This bill nullifies Presidential Proclamation 11012, effectively repealing the temporary import surcharge imposed on February 20, 2026. It prohibits the implementation or enforcement of similar future surcharges and mandates a full refund of all tariffs collected under the proclamation.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 authorizes the President to deny U.S. port entry to vessels that utilize foreign ports in Western Hemisphere free-trade partner countries that have unlawfully expropriated property from U.S. citizens. This legislation aims to protect American assets abroad by restricting access to U.S. markets for vessels operating through seized facilities. The bill includes provisions for lifting these restrictions once the property is returned, compensated for, or the dispute is otherwise resolved.

The Save Struggling Hospitals Act codifies the Medicare low-wage index hospital policy to provide financial support to facilities in lower-wage areas. By increasing the area wage index for hospitals in the bottom 25th percentile, the bill aims to stabilize funding while ensuring budget neutrality. Crucially, these adjustments are protected by safeguards that prevent significant wage index decreases for other hospitals.

The Perinatal Workforce Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by expanding and diversifying the perinatal health workforce. The bill establishes grant programs to support training for midwives, nurses, and other perinatal health workers, with a focus on recruiting individuals from underserved and minority communities. Additionally, it mandates national campaigns, federal coordination, and research to promote culturally congruent care and address systemic barriers to maternal health access.

The Data to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes and eliminate disparities by enhancing data collection, research, and public awareness. The bill provides funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees, supports community-based organizations addressing social determinants of health, and mandates training for providers on implicit bias and culturally congruent care. Additionally, it authorizes comprehensive studies and grant programs focused on high-risk populations, including racial and ethnic minority groups and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The Kira Johnson Act aims to eliminate maternal health disparities by funding community-based organizations that provide evidence-based support to high-risk populations. The legislation also establishes grant programs to implement anti-bias training for maternity care providers and creates compliance programs to address racism and discrimination in clinical settings. Through these initiatives, the bill seeks to ensure respectful, culturally congruent care and improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act of 2026 mandates new federal safety, cybersecurity, and labor standards for SNAP-authorized retailers offering online ordering and delivery services. The bill requires stores to ensure secure digital transactions, maintain food safety during transport, and provide fair wages for delivery personnel. Retailers must demonstrate compliance with these standards to maintain their eligibility to accept SNAP benefits.

The Supporting VA Families Act establishes a supplemental parental leave program for Department of Veterans Affairs employees. This legislation provides eligible staff with four additional administrative weeks of unpaid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. This benefit is designed to supplement, rather than replace, existing family and medical leave entitlements.

The Extending WIC for New Moms Act increases the duration of WIC eligibility for postpartum mothers from six months to 24 months. It also extends the period for receiving enhanced breastfeeding food packages to 24 months. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating the impact of these extensions on maternal and infant health outcomes.