Legislative Activity

The Growing Reputable Academic Departments (GRAD) Act expands eligibility for existing federal grant programs benefiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). This expansion specifically targets institutions offering qualified master's degree programs. The bill also updates the formula for distributing leftover funds within these grant programs.

The ICE Out of Our Faces Act prohibits U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from using biometric surveillance systems, such as facial recognition, to monitor individuals at public assemblies. This legislation bans the acquisition and use of this technology and mandates the deletion of any previously collected biometric data within 30 days of enactment. Violations can lead to evidence being inadmissible in court and allow harmed individuals to sue the responsible federal agencies.

The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act establishes minimum standards for health screening, nutrition, sanitation, and shelter for individuals detained by ICE and CBP. This bill mandates specific protocols for medical care, facility conditions, and personnel training to ensure humane treatment. It also requires regular inspections and public reporting on compliance and sexual abuse complaints.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands critical federal programs to improve services and prevention for victims of domestic and dating violence through 2031. It significantly increases funding and broadens support, especially for Tribal communities and underserved populations, by allowing for culturally specific and digital services. Additionally, the bill enhances efforts to prevent teen dating violence through increased funding for broader educational programs.

The Justice for Shireen Act mandates that the FBI Director and Secretary of State submit a comprehensive, unclassified report to Congress within 30 days regarding the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. This report must identify responsible parties and any U.S. materials implicated in the incident. The findings will also be made publicly available on the Department of State's website.

The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program, administered by the Attorney General, to fund essential library services for incarcerated individuals. These grants aim to reduce recidivism and boost reintegration efforts by supporting education, job training, and access to modern library materials. States and territories can apply for these renewable, multi-year grants, which must be used strictly for library-related activities and cannot charge inmates for access to resources.

This resolution seeks to disapprove the Department of Veterans Affairs' final rule concerning "Reproductive Health Services" issued in September 2024. If enacted, this disapproval, made under the Congressional Review Act, would prevent the VA rule from taking legal effect.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on designating the approximately 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The study will assess the trail's potential for national recognition, considering its scenic, recreational, and cultural significance to the San Francisco Bay Area. The findings must be submitted to Congress within one year of enactment.

This bill establishes the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services to investigate and document the history of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ discrimination within the U.S. military since 1775. The Commission is tasked with holding hearings, gathering testimony, and developing recommendations for remedies, including apologies, compensation, and policy changes. It must submit a final report to Congress and the President detailing its findings and proposed actions within 18 months of its first meeting.

This bill mandates the President to withdraw all United States Armed Forces from Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has formally declared war or passed specific legislation authorizing the use of military force in that country.

The Language Access for All Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies provide meaningful access to programs and services for individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill requires agencies to implement comprehensive language access plans, establish technical standards for translation and interpretation, and appoint dedicated coordinators to ensure compliance. Additionally, it creates a public complaint system and sets strict guidelines for the use of AI in language services to ensure accuracy and accountability.

This resolution asserts that advancing the rights of women and girls in Haiti is crucial for the nation's stability and successful transition from crisis. It condemns the widespread gender-based violence and the exclusion of women from leadership roles in the transitional government. The bill calls for urgent measures to center women's needs, ensure their representation in government, and prioritize funding for survivor services and accountability for violence.

The Lobbyist Loophole Closure Act expands federal lobbying disclosure requirements by broadening the definition of lobbying activities to include preparatory counseling. This legislation also lowers the threshold for mandatory lobbyist registration from 20% to 10% of an individual's time spent on client work. These changes aim to increase transparency regarding influence activities in Washington.

The Follow the Science Act aims to insulate the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from political influence by prohibiting most political appointees from working on or managing NIH programs. This legislation specifically bars political employees from participating in the review, selection, or awarding of NIH grants and contracts. Furthermore, it restricts the NIH Director from canceling or delaying existing funding agreements unless specific findings of mismanagement or fraud are documented and reported to Congress.

The Main Street Parity Act modifies the criteria for Small Business Investment Act loans used for acquiring, building, or expanding business facilities. Specifically, it removes certain restrictive clauses related to facility loan eligibility under Section 502(3)(C). This aims to streamline or broaden the requirements for small businesses seeking capital for physical expansion.

The Stop Wall Street Landlords Act of 2026 aims to curb large corporate ownership of single-family homes. It disallows key tax deductions, such as mortgage interest and depreciation, for investors holding over $100 million in assets who own these properties. The bill also imposes a full excise tax on the sale of these homes by such investors. Finally, it prohibits Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae from financing mortgages held by these specified large investors.

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2026 establishes a Department of Justice Task Force dedicated to combating anti-Sikh hate and discrimination. This Task Force is charged with formally defining anti-Sikh hate, developing educational programs for law enforcement and schools, and collaborating with the Sikh community. The bill mandates annual reporting to Congress on hate crimes, legal actions, and ongoing threats against Sikhs.

The Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act requires states and local governments to stop charging the public fees to access or obtain copies of specific law enforcement camera footage, including body-worn and dash camera video. To receive funding from major federal law enforcement grant programs, applicants must certify they comply with this requirement. Non-compliant governments will be ineligible for these federal grants.

The No Delay in Representation Act ensures that individuals elected to the House of Representatives through special elections are seated promptly. It mandates that these new members must be given the opportunity to take the oath of office within five legislative days of their election certification. This act aims to prevent delays in representation for newly elected members.

This resolution initiates impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge her with willfully refusing to comply with Congressional oversight laws and violating the Impoundment Control Act by improperly withholding funds. Further articles allege she directed widespread misconduct by ICE agents that violated federal law and constitutional rights, and misused taxpayer funds for personal gain through improper contracting.