Legislative Activity

The Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act of 2026 directs the Federal Railroad Administration to study the feasibility of upgrading rail corridors between Florida and Washington, D.C., to support modern power technologies like electrification and fuel cells. This study will identify segments suitable for these upgrades and detail the necessary improvements and associated costs for unsuitable segments. The findings will be reported to Congress within 18 months.

This bill expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designations aim to honor the nearly 47,000 people killed by gunfire each year and raise public awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence. The resolution encourages the public to wear orange on that day and focus on community efforts to promote gun safety.

The Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 extends the existing federal prohibition on feeding sharks to the exclusive economic zone off the coast of Florida. This legislation amends federal law to explicitly include Florida alongside Hawaii in the ban on shark feeding in designated federal waters.

This act appropriates \$3.5 billion in emergency funding to the USDA to provide block grants to states for agricultural losses caused by the March 2026 freeze. These funds are specifically designated to compensate producers for lost revenue, quality, or production of crops, trees, bushes, and vines in designated disaster counties. The Secretary of Agriculture must report on the implementation of this assistance quarterly.

The Celiac Safety Act of 2026 amends federal law to officially classify gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, and barley) as a major food allergen. This change mandates that foods containing these grains must be clearly labeled as such, similar to existing major allergens like peanuts or milk. This new labeling requirement will take effect 18 months after the Act's enactment.

The Community Flood Resilience Act allows communities receiving flood mitigation grants to use a portion of those funds to purchase private, community-based parametric flood insurance for five years. This aims to provide faster financial protection following flood events, supplementing existing coverage. Communities must report on how this initiative supports broader flood insurance awareness and mitigation efforts.

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA pilot grant program to improve recycling access, focusing specifically on underserved communities. These competitive grants will fund infrastructure projects, such as building transfer stations or expanding curbside service, using a "hub-and-spoke" model. Priority is given to projects located far from existing materials recovery facilities, with grants ranging from $\$500,000$ to $\$15$ million.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative gold and silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and survivors, with designs selected in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges from the sale of these coins will be paid directly to the Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance.

The REPORTS Act mandates that federal agencies analyze the potential impact of proposed major rules on individuals living in poverty and on racial inequity. It also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to periodically report on the effects of specific federal programs on these same populations. This legislation aims to ensure a thorough review of how federal actions affect vulnerable communities.

This bill nullifies a specific decision and order from the Endangered Species Committee regarding certain oil and gas activities. It also imposes a three-year ban on the Committee issuing new exemptions for these activities under the Endangered Species Act. Importantly, all pre-existing Endangered Species Act requirements remain fully in effect for these activities.

The IMPACT to Save Moms Act establishes a demonstration project for states to test alternative payment models for maternity care within Medicaid and CHIP programs. This project aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for high-risk groups, by considering factors like risk stratification and social determinants of health. The Secretary of HHS must evaluate the project's impact and report recommendations to Congress on potential national expansion.

The Extinction Prevention Act of 2026 establishes dedicated conservation funds and competitive grant programs across four titles to protect threatened and endangered species. These titles focus on North American butterflies, Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwest desert fish. The legislation aims to provide reliable, multi-year funding for on-the-ground habitat restoration and research, prioritizing species already listed under the Endangered Species Act.

The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It authorizes significant funding for enhanced data collection, surveillance, and research across various CDC programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates public data disclosure, requires public health communication campaigns, and establishes a task force to develop federal recommendations for ensuring safe, respectful, and equitable maternity care during crises.

The Moms Matter Act establishes two grant programs to improve maternal mental health. The first program funds initiatives to expand mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, prioritizing high-risk populations. The second program provides grants to grow and diversify the workforce of mental and behavioral health providers specializing in maternal health.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 aims to combat sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional organized retail and supply chain theft. It achieves this by strengthening federal laws regarding money laundering and stolen property offenses, including lowering monetary thresholds for prosecution. Furthermore, the bill establishes a dedicated Center within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal, state, and local enforcement efforts against these criminal organizations.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, hardware, or software originating from or controlled by designated "covered countries" (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). This measure aims to safeguard U.S. economic and national security against risks like espionage and cyber intrusion posed by foreign adversaries exploiting vehicle connectivity technology. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with issuing regulations to enforce these bans, which begin phasing in starting in 2027, though waivers may be granted under specific national security conditions.

The Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 establishes universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students, eliminating meal debt and the stigma associated with subsidized meals. It sets new federal reimbursement rates adjusted for inflation and provides incentives for schools to purchase locally-sourced food. The bill also mandates a federal report to Congress assessing the impact of these universal meal programs on student outcomes and nutrition.

This resolution officially recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the 1862 Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla. It highlights the holiday as a symbol of self-determination, unity, and the strong ties between the U.S. and Mexico. The bill encourages the American public to observe this important day with appropriate activities.