Legislative Activity

This resolution recognizes March 10, 2026, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor the essential care and dedication of abortion providers and clinic staff. It highlights the challenges and violence faced by these professionals while affirming a commitment to protecting their safety and ensuring universal access to abortion care. The resolution further condemns legislative and judicial actions that restrict reproductive rights and worsen health inequities.

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure essential wage and overtime protections for caregivers. By updating definitions and removing outdated exemptions, the bill guarantees that home care workers receive the fair compensation and labor standards they deserve.

This resolution directs the President, under the authority of the War Powers Resolution, to immediately remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that military action must cease unless Congress has formally declared war or passed a specific authorization for the use of force. The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize new military action nor does it impede necessary self-defense against an immediate attack.

This bill grants the Secretary of Homeland Security temporary authority to transfer specific unobligated funds between department accounts during a lapse in appropriations. These transfers are subject to strict limitations, including prohibitions on funding executive management, immigration enforcement, or border protection operations. Additionally, the legislation explicitly restricts the use of these transferred funds for hiring new personnel.

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.

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 Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to create and maintain a single, unified list of designated critical minerals and materials. This list must incorporate existing designations from both the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy. Federal agencies must use the most current version of this unified list when administering relevant programs.

The RELIEF Act establishes a mandatory refund process for certain tariffs collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection starting January 1, 2025, specifically those imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This legislation requires the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to automatically issue refunds to importers within 90 days of enactment. Importers will receive these refunds without needing to file an application or protest.

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.

This bill, the Stop ICE Election Militarization Act, prohibits immigration officers from interfering with federal elections, such as intimidating voters or serving as election officials. It also restricts immigration enforcement and removal operations in the four weeks leading up to a federal election, except in cases involving specific criminal probable cause or to prevent imminent harm.

The RELIEF Act mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection refund all tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act since January 1, 2025. These refunds will be processed automatically for importers of record without the need for a formal application or protest. The agency is required to complete all disbursements within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

The Secure Firearm Storage and Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 aims to reduce firearm-related injuries and suicides, particularly among youth. It directs the Secretary of Education to develop national best practices for secure firearm storage and suicide prevention education. Local educational agencies must then create and distribute tailored guidance incorporating these federal standards to students and parents annually.

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 bill officially recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year, specifically in 2026, the Year of the Horse. It expresses deep respect for Asian American communities and all who celebrate this important occasion. The resolution concludes by offering wishes for a happy and prosperous new year to all observers.

This bill, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Transparency Act, enhances oversight of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program by requiring FEMA to submit detailed pre-award and annual reports to Congress. These reports will provide comprehensive data on grant applications, awards by state and high-risk area, and how recipient funds are ultimately spent. The goal is to increase transparency regarding the distribution and use of security grant funds for eligible nonprofits.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.

This resolution condemns current and proposed staffing cuts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), arguing they undermine national preparedness and disaster response capabilities. It highlights that workforce reductions endanger the ability to effectively manage increasingly severe disasters and critical counterterrorism programs. The bill expresses concern that these cuts compromise institutional knowledge and slow vital assistance to communities recovering from events like recent hurricanes. Ultimately, it commits Congress to supporting a stable and adequately resourced FEMA workforce.