Legislative Activity

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.

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 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.

The Contract Our Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens federal support for veteran-owned small businesses by establishing new sole-source and restricted-competition contracting authorities. The bill sets a government-wide goal of awarding at least 5% of federal contract dollars to these businesses and mandates enhanced reporting and advocacy requirements across federal agencies.

The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act mandates the installation of advanced situational awareness equipment at all contract air traffic control towers currently lacking these tools. The bill requires the FAA to provide comprehensive controller training and establishes a reimbursement program for airport sponsors who independently invested in certified systems prior to this legislation.

This resolution officially recognizes the annual Army-Navy football game as "America's Game" due to its deep patriotic tradition and role in inspiring military service. It urges that the game maintain its exclusive television time slot on the second Saturday of December to maximize national attention. The resolution calls on networks and associations to avoid scheduling competing games during this time to honor the service members involved.

The NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026 updates and extends the National Integrated Drought Information System to improve drought prediction, monitoring, and response. The bill mandates the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and enhanced modeling to provide more accurate, timely data. Additionally, it authorizes annual federal funding through 2030 to support these critical water management and forecasting initiatives.

The Maverick Act authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer decommissioned F-14 Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This legislation enables the restoration and public display of these aircraft for educational and commemorative purposes. All costs associated with the transfer, maintenance, and operation of the aircraft are the sole responsibility of the Commission.

The Carbon Resource Innovation Act expands the existing tax credit for carbon capture to include facilities that capture carbon in solid or liquid form. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow facilities capturing carbon in solid or liquid states to qualify for the carbon oxide sequestration credit. To be eligible, facilities must capture a minimum of 1,000 metric tons of qualified carbon annually.

The Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act modifies federal requirements for selecting intercity passenger rail corridors. Specifically, it creates an exception that prevents the Secretary of Transportation from requiring or considering non-Federal funding for long-distance route corridors accepted into the program after October 1, 2023. This aims to ease funding considerations for these specific long-distance rail projects.

The Trade Transparency Unit Strategy Act mandates the development of a strategy to expand the use of Trade Transparency Units for sharing trade and financial data to combat international money laundering. This strategy must be submitted by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other key departments, within 180 days of enactment. The bill also requires an independent assessment of this strategy by the Comptroller General.