Legislative Activity

This bill, the Geese House Site Conveyance Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer approximately 21,578 acres of federal land within Denali National Park and Preserve to Doyon, Limited. The transfer is subject to specific restrictions, including prohibitions on selling the land to non-U.S. entities and limits on mining and development that could harm cultural sites. The Act also requires the corresponding boundary adjustment of Denali National Park and Preserve.

This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant licensees of certain hydropower projects, licensed before March 13, 2020, an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction. This extension is available upon request and demonstration of good cause. The legislation also addresses projects whose original deadlines expired recently, allowing for reinstatement of the license before the extension period begins.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to establish a committee to review and recommend updates to policies regarding the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions. The bill mandates regulatory updates to encourage aviation personnel to seek mental health care without fear of penalty. Furthermore, it allocates funding to enhance the FAA's capacity to process reviews and launches a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma within the industry.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 comprehensively updates federal housing laws for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. This bill aims to increase tribal flexibility in using technical assistance and procurement funds while streamlining environmental review requirements for housing projects. It also establishes new rental assistance programs for homeless veterans and creates pilot programs to address homelessness in tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. Finally, the Act reauthorizes key funding mechanisms and establishes a formal Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee within HUD.

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 strengthens the domestic seafood industry by expanding eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan and grant programs to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses. Additionally, the bill improves industry access to capital by allowing Farm Credit System institutions to provide financial services to businesses that support aquatic producers and harvesters.

The Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to help communities identify, support, and provide services to youth and young adults aged 12 to 26 who are at risk of homelessness. By funding both local prevention strategies and capacity-building assessments, the Act aims to improve cross-system collaboration and deliver trauma-informed interventions. These initiatives prioritize the inclusion of youth with lived experience to ensure effective, data-driven solutions for preventing homelessness.

The Inspector General Accessibility Reporting Act mandates that the Department of State’s Inspector General conduct independent assessments of the accessibility of all Department-owned or leased facilities. This bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing compliance with federal accessibility standards, identifying existing barriers, and estimating the costs necessary to achieve full accessibility. By integrating these requirements into official inspection protocols, the Act ensures greater oversight and accountability for the Department’s progress in supporting individuals with disabilities.

The Local Data for Better Conservation Act requires the Secretary to incorporate state-collected data when making listing or delisting determinations under the Endangered Species Act. This legislation ensures that local scientific information is formally integrated into federal decision-making processes for species protection.

This resolution reaffirms the enduring U.S.-Japan alliance as a cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the nations' deep security, economic, and cultural ties. It commends Japan’s commitment to defense modernization and regional stability while welcoming the official visit of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to the United States.

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

The "Stop Insider Trading Act" prohibits Members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing individual stocks and requires advanced public notice for any sale of existing holdings. The bill establishes strict financial penalties for violations, which must be paid personally by the Member of Congress. These measures aim to increase transparency and prevent conflicts of interest by restricting personal investment activities among federal lawmakers.

The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act expands veterans' access to care by allowing those living within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) or its affiliated clinic to receive services under the Community Care Program. This new provision eliminates the requirement for pre-authorization or referrals for such care. The bill also establishes specific Medicare-based payment rates for these facilities and mandates a report to Congress on the implementation and veteran experience one year after enactment.

The State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to define and regulate state-based education loan programs. It ensures that students are fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and the associated benefits before opting for state-sponsored private loans. The bill also mandates that these state programs offer interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as federal alternatives.

The Child Care Tax Benefit Outreach and Assistance Act establishes a dedicated Business Child Care Liaison within the IRS to promote and expand employer-provided child care benefits. This role will serve as a primary resource for businesses and tax professionals, helping to navigate tax incentives like the section 45F credit and Dependent Care FSAs. Additionally, the Liaison is tasked with coordinating federal outreach efforts and providing annual reports to Congress to identify strategies for increasing access to child care support.

This bill exempts public school districts from paying the $100,000 non-processing fee for H-1B visa petitions. By removing this financial barrier, the legislation ensures that public schools can continue to hire and retain essential foreign-born educators without incurring significant additional costs.

The Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act establishes a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for digital assets by placing oversight of cash and spot markets under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The bill mandates that digital commodity exchanges and brokers register with the CFTC, adhere to strict customer protection and asset-segregation standards, and comply with new conflict-of-interest rules. By clarifying legal definitions and providing an expedited registration process, the legislation aims to increase market stability while protecting individual investors and exempting software developers from intermediary regulations.

The AADAPT Act aims to improve dementia care by expanding grant eligibility to a broader range of public and nonprofit health entities. By explicitly including dementia care in the scope of supported services, the bill seeks to increase provider training and enhance health outcomes for patients.

The Foreign Service Age Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act of 2026 updates the mandatory retirement age for Foreign Service officers. Under this legislation, the retirement age is increased to 67 or the age defined by the Social Security Act, whichever is greater.

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 significantly updates and extends NOAA's weather and environmental forecasting authorities through 2030. The bill prioritizes public safety by funding research to improve warnings for severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes, while also modernizing infrastructure through AI integration and commercial data use. Furthermore, it establishes new programs to enhance forecasts for agriculture, water management, wildfires, and harmful algal blooms.

The Joint Medical Facilities Fund Act of 2026 permanently establishes a dedicated fund to streamline the joint operation and financing of medical facilities shared by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation formalizes funding mechanisms, maintenance protocols, and administrative oversight to ensure efficient resource allocation for combined federal healthcare centers.