Legislative Activity

The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency and security in U.S. elections. It closes loopholes to ban foreign national spending in elections, mandates disclosure for "dark money" political spending, and requires clear funding disclosures on political ads. The bill also centralizes legal challenges to campaign finance laws in Washington, D.C., for faster resolution.

The RELIEF Act establishes a mandatory refund process for certain tariffs collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection starting January 1, 2025, specifically those imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This legislation requires the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to automatically issue refunds to importers within 90 days of enactment. Importers will receive these refunds without needing to file an application or protest.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital historical significance and contributions of Black history museums and cultural institutions across the United States. It affirms that these essential pillars correct historical omissions by preserving irreplaceable records and telling a full, accurate American story. The bill encourages federal agencies and the public to support these institutions, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Specialty CROP Act of 2026 mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Agriculture to Congress regarding the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop exports. This legislation requires the identification and analysis of foreign trade barriers, their economic impact, and the executive branch's ongoing efforts to resolve these issues. By incorporating public and industry input, the Act aims to increase transparency and support the global market presence of American specialty crops.

The Tariff Free Farming Act protects the agricultural industry by capping tariffs on essential farming inputs—such as machinery, fertilizer, fuel, and seed—at their January 2025 levels. This legislation ensures that farmers remain shielded from future tariff increases on critical supplies imported from countries with normal trade relations.

The RELIEF Act mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection refund all tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act since January 1, 2025. These refunds will be processed automatically for importers of record without the need for a formal application or protest. The agency is required to complete all disbursements within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026 establishes a federal process for issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a danger from possessing firearms. The bill allows family members or law enforcement to petition federal courts for temporary or long-term orders based on evidence of imminent risk of harm. Furthermore, it creates a federal grant program to incentivize and support states and tribes in implementing their own qualifying ERPO laws. Finally, it mandates that individuals subject to these federal orders surrender their firearms and ensures these orders are recognized across state lines.

This resolution supports the goals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by recognizing CTE's vital role in preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers. It affirms that CTE is crucial for American economic competitiveness and encourages promotion of these educational pathways. The resolution celebrates the contributions of CTE programs across the nation.

The Safe Skies Act of 2026 mandates the Department of Transportation to immediately apply the existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) duty and rest requirements for passenger flightcrews to all-cargo operations. This change aims to standardize safety protocols across both sectors. The required modification must be enacted within 30 days of the law's passage.

The Healthy Families Act establishes a national standard requiring most employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid time for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family health needs, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Act prohibits employer retaliation for using this leave and ensures existing, more generous leave policies are not diminished.

This resolution establishes a comprehensive Transgender Bill of Rights to codify and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the United States. It mandates federal action to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, legal recognition, and safety. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination and affirm bodily autonomy by amending existing federal civil rights laws.

This bill provides the funding and establishes the operational rules for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2026 across all major components, including intelligence, security operations, emergency management, and research. It allocates billions for agencies like TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and CISA while imposing strict new requirements for congressional oversight, spending transparency, and management of federal grants. The legislation also includes specific policy directives, such as mandating security screening for senior officials and restricting certain intelligence and contracting activities.

The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study and regulate unfair or deceptive advertising and marketing practices related to firearms. This includes examining advertising that targets minors, encourages illegal use, or involves semiautomatic assault weapons. The FTC must issue regulations prohibiting these practices and enforce them using existing authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

The Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Practices Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to enhance access to evidence-based trauma support and mental health services for students and school staff. This funding aims to foster stronger connections between schools and community mental health systems through collaboration, professional development, and direct student services. The bill authorizes $50 million annually from FY 2027 through 2031 to support these critical initiatives.

This bill amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to grant certain eligible states the option to receive their allocated federal funds as cash instead of commodities. States choosing this option can then directly purchase food commodities from the private commercial marketplace. This provides flexibility in how states procure food assistance resources.

The Drain ICE Act of 2026 aims to fundamentally reform immigration enforcement by repealing specific sections of a prior law (Public Law 11921) and rescinding associated funding. This legislation is introduced in response to Congressional findings detailing concerns over mass deportation policies, inhumane detention conditions, and the detention of non-criminal individuals under the Trump Administration. The bill seeks to end practices deemed contrary to constitutional protections and human rights in immigration enforcement.

This act mandates the Congressional Budget Office, in collaboration with the Council of Economic Advisers, to conduct a comprehensive study on the long-term economic impacts of potential mass deportation policies enacted after January 20, 2025. The study will analyze effects on industries, public safety, GDP, tax revenue, and more over a 20 to 40-year period. Relevant federal agencies are required to provide necessary data to complete this analysis.

The No Flight, No Fight Act of 2026 restricts the air transportation of adult roosters to enhance aviation safety and combat illegal activities like cockfighting. The bill prohibits air carriers from knowingly transporting adult roosters as cargo, with an exemption for shipments related to certified commercial farms for legitimate agricultural purposes. Enforcement authority rests with the Secretary of Transportation, and violations are subject to civil penalties.

The Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026 mandates minimum health, safety, and legal standards for all ICE detention facilities, prohibiting funding for non-compliant sites. It establishes rigorous, real-time health reporting systems and requires unannounced inspections with penalties, including contract termination, for facilities that fail to meet these standards. Furthermore, the bill creates anonymous complaint channels and mandates annual audits focusing on gender-related health protections.

The **Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026** establishes major federal funding streams, including grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide from 2027 through 2031. The legislation prioritizes districts with the greatest need, focusing on improving student health, safety, and environmental conditions in school buildings. It also mandates increased transparency through public databases tracking facility conditions and requires specific labor and "Buy America" standards for funded construction projects.