Legislative Activity

The Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 (II) mandates an update to the Indian School Equalization Formula to ensure equitable funding for Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and tribally controlled schools. The bill aims to align school employee salaries with the top 25% of state averages and requires the federal government to request full annual funding for these institutions. Additionally, it establishes reporting requirements to ensure the formula continues to meet the specific needs of rural, small, and tribally controlled schools.

The Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive study to identify the funding and resources necessary to bring Bureau of Indian Education schools into parity with other public school systems. This legislation focuses on updating the Indian School Equalization Formula to ensure competitive salaries for educators and staff while exploring sustainable revenue sources. Ultimately, the Act aims to provide a high-quality, equitable education for students in Bureau-funded and tribally controlled schools.

The CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act strengthens national emergency response by formally integrating Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations into public health preparedness programs. The bill increases overall funding and establishes a dedicated 5% Tribal set-aside, ensuring these entities have direct access to resources and flexible administrative requirements. Additionally, it mandates a comprehensive review to evaluate program effectiveness and identify further improvements for Tribal public health infrastructure.

The Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 aims to boost participation, retention, and completion rates for high-need students in higher education. It authorizes competitive grants for eligible institutions to implement proven, evidence-based student success activities. The Act reserves funding specifically for Tribal Colleges and prioritizes grants for programs using the most rigorously evaluated reforms.

The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 directs the transfer of approximately 9.89 acres of federal land in Albuquerque, historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, into trust for the benefit of the 19 New Mexico Pueblos. This land is designated for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development purposes. The Act also conveys ownership of existing buildings on Tract 1 to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, while prohibiting gaming on the trust land.

This bill, the Small Practice, Underserved, and Rural Support Program Extension Act of 2026, extends crucial funding for the Quality Payment Program-Small Practice, Underserved, and Rural Support program. This extension ensures continued support for small medical practices and providers serving in underserved and rural communities. The funding authorization is extended through fiscal year 2031.

The Public Health Nursing Act establishes a ten-year, \$50 billion program to fund and expand the public health nursing workforce across the nation. This funding will provide grants to state, local, and territorial health departments to recruit, hire, and train registered nurses for essential public health services. Priority will be given to applicants serving medically underserved areas facing high rates of chronic disease, infant mortality, or maternal morbidity.

The Federal Facilities Protection and Oversight Act of 2025 establishes new Congressional approval requirements for the demolition or substantial alteration of federal public buildings in Washington, D.C. The bill also expands the oversight role of the National Capital Planning Commission, requiring it to review substantial alterations and consider architectural integrity. This ensures federal building changes in the District adhere to specific standards and Congressional authorization.

The TALENTS Act formally establishes and administers the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program to recruit high-achieving graduates into federal leadership roles. The bill sets specific requirements for Fellow appointments, development, training, and eventual conversion to permanent competitive service positions. Additionally, it establishes and outlines the structure and responsibilities of Federal Executive Boards in major metropolitan areas to improve interagency management and coordination in the field.

The CLAIM Act of 2025 overhauls the hardrock mining claim maintenance fee system by replacing the flat fee with a tiered structure based on proximity to National Parks and Monuments. This new fee structure exempts "small miners" who meet specific acreage, claim count, and income thresholds. Collected fees are dedicated to administering mining laws, with excess funds allocated to infrastructure, historic preservation, and conservation programs.

The Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2025 updates the existing grant program to expand high-speed internet access in rural areas. This legislation increases the required minimum broadband speeds for grant recipients to 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. It also raises the minimum speed threshold for an area to qualify for funding and extends the program's expiration date to 2030.

The National Resilience and Recovery Fund Act establishes a dedicated federal fund, financed by new excise taxes on crude oil and imported petroleum products, to support FEMA's disaster mitigation and resilience grant programs. The bill also imposes a new windfall profits tax on large oil extractors and importers when oil prices exceed historical averages. Finally, it introduces a new 13% severance tax on crude oil and natural gas extracted from the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf, offset by a credit for federal royalties paid.

The Veteran Benefits Enhancement Act ensures that certain qualified military benefits are excluded when calculating eligibility for and the amount of railroad unemployment insurance benefits. This amendment prevents veterans from having their military compensation offset against their unemployment insurance payments.

The SNAP BACK Act ensures that critical nutrition assistance programs, SNAP and WIC, continue without interruption during federal budget delays. It mandates the immediate obligation of appropriated funds and prevents executive branch agencies from withholding these benefits. Furthermore, the bill requires states to maintain enrollment and EBT card functionality, ensuring eligible individuals receive benefits promptly, and provides for the reimbursement of states or tribes that cover funding gaps.

The Tribal Affordable Housing Act establishes a new competitive grant program administered by HUD to fund the construction of new homes or the addition of necessary improvements to existing residences on Tribal lands. This program specifically targets Indian Tribes or Tribally designated housing entities that have historically received smaller allocations of existing federal housing assistance. The Act authorizes $150 million annually for this purpose, beginning in fiscal year 2026.

The Tribal Housing Innovation Act establishes a new competitive grant program through HUD to fund the construction of new or the renovation of existing homes on Tribal land with sustainable features. Eligible entities, such as Indian Tribes or Tribally designated housing entities, can apply for funds to install features like solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and heat pumps. Recipients must report annually on the homes built or modified, and the program is authorized with $150 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2025.

The Hands Off Our Social Security Act is designed to safeguard the functionality and integrity of the Social Security Administration (SSA). This bill prohibits the SSA from tampering with benefits, engaging in unauthorized data mining, or privatizing services. Furthermore, it prevents the agency from closing local offices or reducing staff without explicit approval from Congress. Ultimately, the Act ensures that essential services and communication channels remain accessible to beneficiaries.

The IHS Provider Expansion Act establishes a new Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS). This office will be responsible for building and overseeing residency and fellowship training pipelines to increase the number of health professionals serving at IHS facilities. It will coordinate with academic partners and is supported by an interagency team to ensure its sustainable operation.

This resolution urges the U.S. Senate to provide advice and consent for the ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It highlights that formal membership is necessary for the U.S. to actively participate in global decisions affecting national security and the economy. By ratifying this long-pending agreement, Congress seeks to restore U.S. leadership in international conservation efforts.

The Buffalo Tract Protection Act withdraws approximately 4,288 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Placitas, New Mexico, from new mining claims and mineral/geothermal leasing. This action specifically protects Tracts A, B, C, and D as identified on the November 13, 2019 map. While the surface of these lands may still be sold, the United States will retain ownership of all subsurface mineral rights.