Legislative Activity

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

The Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026 increases financial support for veterans pursuing apprenticeships and on-the-job training by boosting monthly housing and educational stipends. The bill also removes specific attendance requirements for veterans entering the construction industry, making it easier for them to utilize their earned benefits while gaining hands-on career experience.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

This bill amends the Digital Coast Act to enhance the acquisition, integration, and accessibility of program data, explicitly including underground infrastructure information. It ensures all program data and tools are fully and freely available to the public. Furthermore, the legislation extends the authorization for the Digital Coast program through fiscal year 2030.

This resolution officially recognizes the annual Army-Navy football game as "America's Game" due to its deep patriotic tradition and role in inspiring military service. It urges that the game maintain its exclusive television time slot on the second Saturday of December to maximize national attention. The resolution calls on networks and associations to avoid scheduling competing games during this time to honor the service members involved.

The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support the Iranian people by expanding access to uncensored information and countering government-imposed internet blackouts. The legislation mandates the development of new digital circumvention technologies, increases funding for human rights and media programs, and establishes a framework to hold regime officials and their supporters accountable for human rights abuses. Additionally, it requires the U.S. government to implement a comprehensive strategy to bolster Iranian civil society and secure digital communications for activists and journalists.