Legislative Activity

The American Food for American Schools Act of 2026 mandates that schools prioritize the purchase of domestic food products for all federally funded meal programs. The bill eliminates previous flexibility in sourcing, requires schools to obtain waivers for limited foreign purchases, and enforces strict accountability for suppliers through new contract requirements and public reporting.

The Lunar Landing Day Act officially designates July 20 as a national day of observance to commemorate the historic 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. This legislation encourages citizens, organizations, and government entities to honor this milestone through educational activities and celebrations that inspire future leadership in space exploration.

The End H–1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. visa system, including a three-year suspension of new H-1B visas and the elimination of work authorizations for foreign students. The bill introduces strict reforms such as a $200,000 wage floor, a $100,000 labor import fee, and the removal of derivative visa status for family members. Additionally, it prohibits federal agencies from hiring nonimmigrant visa holders and significantly restricts the ability of temporary visa holders to change or adjust their immigration status while in the country.

This bill, the "Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act," directs the FCC to improve coordination of federal communications resources during emergencies. It mandates a review of how the FCC notifies parties when the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) is activated. The Act also requires the FCC to develop educational materials to help local officials understand available federal communications tools and evaluate ways to strengthen its public safety liaison work.

The Artificial Intelligence Physical Systems Coordination Act of 2026 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a multi-stakeholder working group focused on the safety and security risks of AI-integrated physical systems. This group will identify best practices and develop voluntary guidelines for the responsible advancement of AI, robotics, and sensor technologies. The initiative aims to foster innovation through a transparent, non-regulatory framework that provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry developers.

The Warriors to Workforce Act of 2026 supports veterans transitioning into civilian careers by increasing their financial assistance during apprenticeship and on-the-job training. The bill amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill to provide veterans with 100 percent of their monthly housing allowance during the first six months of these programs, up from the current 80 percent rate. This change ensures veterans receive full support while they establish themselves in new professional fields.

The Wildland Firefighter Hazard Pay Correction Act ensures federal firefighters receive fair compensation for the inherent risks of their profession. This bill mandates hazard pay for employees performing prescribed burns and smokejumper training, aligning their pay rates with those of firefighters engaged in active wildfire suppression.

The Honor Gold Star Families Act increases the death gratuity paid to survivors of deceased service members from $100,000 to $200,000, effective January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the bill mandates an automatic annual cost-of-living adjustment to this benefit based on the Consumer Price Index, beginning in 2027.

This Act mandates a comprehensive federal assessment of cybersecurity threats targeting precision agriculture technology, particularly those originating from specified foreign adversaries. It requires the Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security to issue a joint report detailing these threats and recommending security improvements. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will study and report on federal coordination efforts to enhance the cybersecurity of these critical farming systems.

The CHEERS Act of 2026 reclassifies qualified energy-efficient draft alcohol property, such as specialized kegs and tap equipment, as 15-year property for tax depreciation purposes. This change allows businesses like restaurants and bars to recover the cost of this qualifying equipment more quickly through tax deductions. The provision applies to equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025.

The Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act directs the Secretary of State to strengthen international cooperation on biodefense, biosecurity, and biotechnology with U.S. allies and partners. This includes pushing for stronger collaboration within NATO on biological threat countermeasures and developing strategies for international engagement. The bill mandates the creation of a NATO Biodefense Strategy and an International Cooperation Strategy to address gaps and enhance global security efforts against biological threats.

This bill mandates the U.S. government to report on the details and terms of Chinese mining agreements across Africa. It also requires the State Department to annually publish a list identifying Chinese entities involved in African mining that utilize forced labor or cause environmental damage. The overall goal is to increase transparency regarding China's mineral supply chain influence on the continent.

The Maverick Act authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer up to three surplus, non-combat-capable F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama, at no cost to the government. The transfer is conditional, requiring the Commission to maintain the aircraft and adhere to strict operational and ownership agreements. The Commission will be responsible for all associated costs, maintenance, and liability following the transfer.

This bill expands VA healthcare access for veterans in U.S. territories by allowing those in American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands to receive hospital care in the United States. It also establishes a new program for the VA to assign traveling physicians to provide care in various U.S. territories and possessions. The legislation aims to improve medical services for veterans residing outside the continental U.S.

The Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act establishes a dedicated Office of Novel Therapeutics to research, evaluate, and implement emerging mental health treatments for veterans. This office will develop national clinical standards, safety protocols, and training programs to prepare the VA for the potential adoption of innovative therapies, including FDA-reviewed psychedelic-assisted treatments. By creating a Clinical Implementation Program and designated Centers of Excellence, the bill ensures the VA is strategically prepared to provide veterans with safe, high-quality access to cutting-edge mental health care.

The Wildfire Investment and Next Generation Stewardship Act (WINGS Act) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer full ownership of certain aircraft and parts to state and local firefighting agencies. This transfer is available to authorized users who have demonstrated responsible stewardship by possessing the equipment for a set number of years (10 for aircraft, 5 for parts) and remaining in good standing. The purpose is to improve asset management and recognize the long-term investment made by these local agencies in using the excess federal property for wildland and rural firefighting.

The Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act modernizes aviation documentation by allowing pilots and airmen to present their credentials in either physical or digital formats. The bill mandates that the FAA establish final regulations and authentication standards for digital certificates by November 30, 2028.

The Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act establishes a specialized working group within the Department of Transportation to develop and update best practices for managing electric vehicle fires. This group will collaborate with industry experts and emergency responders to improve safety protocols and maintain a national database of roadside fire incidents. Through annual reporting to Congress, the initiative aims to provide standardized guidance for handling the unique risks associated with electric vehicle emergencies.

The Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026 increases financial support for veterans pursuing apprenticeships and on-the-job training by boosting monthly housing and educational stipends. The bill also removes specific attendance requirements for veterans entering the construction industry, making it easier for them to utilize their earned benefits while gaining hands-on career experience.

The AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 establishes federal criminal and civil penalties for using AI-generated digital impersonations to commit fraud. The bill mandates the creation of a NIST-led working group to develop best practices for detecting and preventing such fraud while fostering international cooperation to combat these crimes. It also includes a savings clause to protect First Amendment rights, such as parody, satire, and journalism.