Legislative Activity

The Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act mandates the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate national and economic security risks associated with the export of U.S. aluminum scrap. This investigation must specifically examine scrap sent to or otherwise available to designated "countries of concern." The resulting report will include recommendations for Congress and the President on mitigating any identified risks.

The Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026 prohibits connected vehicles from entering the U.S. if they originate from, were designed in, or are significantly owned by entities from covered countries (China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea). This ban includes exceptions for testing and evaluation, and allows for entry if the Secretary of Commerce determines the vehicle poses no undue national security risk after a Congressional review period. The Act mandates the establishment of authorization procedures and the public listing of any approved vehicles.

This bill, the Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act of 2026, prevents the United States Postal Service from enacting or enforcing a proposed rule that would change the standards for mailing concealable firearms. In essence, it blocks the USPS from implementing new regulations regarding the mailing of handguns.

The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 updates and extends the regional innovation program through fiscal year 2030. This legislation expands the program's focus to specifically improve capital access for innovation-based businesses in designated regions. It also redefines key organizational roles and directs outreach to ensure participation from entities in rural and economically distressed communities. The Act authorizes $50 million annually for these regional innovation initiatives.

The Homeownership Savings Act establishes a new tax-advantaged savings account to help first-time homebuyers save for a down payment and closing costs. Contributions to this account are tax-deductible up to annual limits, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals used for qualified home purchases are also tax-free, though non-qualified withdrawals incur a significant penalty.

The Release Your Taxes Act of 2026 mandates that Members of Congress and congressional candidates must publicly disclose their federal income tax returns. This information will be collected and published in a searchable database maintained by congressional officials within five business days of receipt. Failure to comply will result in the individual's name being publicly listed until they submit the required filings or six years pass.

The Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act directs the Department of Energy to advance vehicle technologies through research and development in areas like alternative fuels, extreme fast charging, and sustainable materials. The bill establishes comprehensive programs focusing on advanced vehicle research, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle technologies, and vehicle security and safety. It also supports workforce development through new education centers and requires regular reporting to Congress on progress and adoption of developed technologies.

This bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to install and maintain a continuously updated display showing the average price of regular gasoline for every state and U.S. territory within both the House and Senate chambers. The construction and upkeep of these gas price trackers must be funded exclusively through private donations, not federal appropriations. The Architect is required to report annually on all accepted gifts and bequests used for this purpose.

The Clean Slate through Consolidation Act aims to improve credit histories for borrowers who consolidate defaulted federal student loans. This bill mandates that upon obtaining a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan, the loan holder must request credit reporting agencies to remove the record of the prior default. This action provides borrowers with a fresh start after successfully consolidating their previously defaulted student debt.

The RESTART Communities Act of 2026 establishes a formal partnership between the Economic Development Administration and the EPA to drive economic recovery at contaminated sites. This legislation streamlines federal support, technical assistance, and workforce development to help communities transform environmentally impacted areas into hubs for job creation and sustainable growth.

The Social Security Customer Service Act mandates that the Social Security Administration rebuild its workforce to at least its January 2025 staffing levels within six months. To improve beneficiary support, the bill requires that 75 percent of these new hires be placed in frontline service roles, such as field offices and telephone inquiry centers. The remaining 25 percent of new staff will be dedicated to essential managerial and administrative support.

The Hold ICE Accountable Act of 2026 establishes a framework for the appointment of an independent special prosecutor to investigate alleged unlawful actions by Department of Homeland Security personnel occurring on or after January 20, 2025. The bill grants this prosecutor broad investigative and staffing authority, ensures congressional oversight, and provides a pathway for individuals to pursue civil litigation against indicted officials.

The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026 authorizes $1 billion in EPA grants to support advanced wastewater treatment projects, with a significant focus on serving disadvantaged communities. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in capturing emerging contaminants, including PFAS and nanomaterials.

The Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act aims to protect residential consumers by restricting federal financial assistance to investor-owned utilities that raise electricity rates above 2026 levels. To maintain eligibility for funding, utilities must either freeze executive compensation or implement significant pay cuts for top earners if they choose to increase consumer rates.

The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to help local educational agencies recruit, prepare, and retain educators, with a specific focus on rural areas, high-need subject fields, and increasing workforce diversity. The legislation supports evidence-based initiatives such as teacher residencies, mentorship programs, and "Grow Your Own" pathways to address critical staffing gaps. Additionally, the Act mandates rigorous performance evaluations for grant recipients to ensure program effectiveness and long-term teacher retention.

The "No Getting Rich in Congress Act" aims to prevent conflicts of interest by restricting financial trading, corporate board service, and lobbying activities for federal officials and their spouses. The bill mandates stricter financial disclosures, imposes a lifetime lobbying ban on former officials regarding foreign countries of concern, and requires spouses of senior officials to register and report advocacy activities. These measures are designed to increase transparency and prevent the abuse of public office for personal financial gain.

The Justice for Allie Act establishes a new federal crime to protect vulnerable adults from sexual exploitation. This legislation criminalizes the coercion of individuals with specific developmental or cognitive disabilities into sending intimate visual depictions when the intent is to cause physical, psychological, financial, or reputational harm.

The Local Infrastructure Tax Cuts Act modifies the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit for individuals starting in 2027, basing the maximum deduction on income level and filing status. The bill also creates a new federal deduction for certain local property taxes specifically levied to fund direct community infrastructure projects. These changes aim to adjust federal tax treatment for local levies and infrastructure funding.

The NASA C-UAS Act grants the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) temporary authority to detect, identify, and counter drone threats to its high-risk facilities and assets until September 30, 2031. This authority allows NASA to take necessary actions, including intercepting drone communications, after conducting risk assessments of its facilities. The bill mandates coordination with the Department of Transportation to ensure national airspace safety and includes specific privacy protections for intercepted communications. NASA must also regularly report its activities and policies to Congress.

The "Make Congress Drive Union-Made Act" restricts how Members of the House and Senate can use taxpayer funds to purchase or lease official vehicles. Beginning in October 2026, these funds can only be used for vehicles assembled in the United States by workers covered under a collective bargaining agreement. This aims to ensure official vehicle purchases support American union labor.