Legislative Activity

This bill mandates the Department of Homeland Security to develop and submit a comprehensive strategy for modernizing the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). The strategy must outline improvements to the criteria, procedures, and public accessibility of NTAS bulletins and alerts. It also requires significant engagement with stakeholders, including law enforcement and the private sector, during the modernization process.

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the right of individuals eligible for long-term services and supports (LTSS) to live in the most integrated community setting possible. It prohibits discrimination by public entities and insurers against those who qualify for institutional placement but desire community-based services. The Act mandates comprehensive planning, self-evaluation, and enforcement mechanisms to speed up the transition of individuals out of institutions and ensure maximum control over their supports.

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal student aid by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and funding it through mandatory appropriations. This bill also expands eligibility to include Dreamer students, restores Pell Grant eligibility for students with certain scholarships, and reforms Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules to make regaining aid easier after academic setbacks. These changes are designed to stabilize and expand access to postsecondary education for millions of students.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of women enrolling in U.S. military service academies, recognizing their significant growth and distinguished achievements since 1976. It honors the thousands of women graduates who have served with distinction across all branches of the armed forces and in national service. The bill also expresses support for designating a "50 Years of Women at the Service Academies Day."

The "Protecting Americas Herds Act" establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. This program is designed to help cooperative extension services prepare for and respond to New World screwworm outbreaks. Funds will support training, livestock inspections, producer education, and technical assistance to prevent and manage infestations. Priority will be given to areas facing a heightened risk of introduction or spread.

The All in For Attendance Act addresses the widespread problem of chronic student absenteeism by expanding federal support for proven, non-punitive interventions. The bill allows schools to use federal funds for strategies like data tracking, family engagement, and targeted support programs. Crucially, it also prohibits local educational agencies from imposing suspensions, fines, or academic penalties on students solely due to their absences.

This resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as "Black Music Month" to celebrate the profound and enduring contributions of Black American music to the nation's culture. It recognizes Black music's shaping influence across virtually every genre and its central role in the struggle for Black freedom. The resolution calls on the nation to observe the month by elevating Black artistry, promoting diversity, and honoring this deep-rooted musical legacy.

This bill, the Broadband Deployment and Economic Impact Study Act of 2026, directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a comprehensive study on current broadband internet access technologies. The resulting report to Congress must analyze the workforce needs, economics, performance metrics, and consumer costs associated with technologies like fiber, wireless, and satellite. The goal is to provide Congress with detailed information on the landscape of broadband deployment.

The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 aims to redirect funding by eliminating federal tax incentives for private school scholarships. Specifically, it repeals the tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and removes the income exclusion for certain scholarship amounts received. These changes are set to take effect starting in 2027.

This bill, the "Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act," amends existing law to mandate six specific fee-free days annually for entry to federal recreational lands and waters. These free admission days are set to coincide with significant holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day. The goal is to promote national pride and encourage public volunteerism by increasing access to these public lands.

This bill outlines four distinct, mutually exclusive pathways for determining Puerto Rico's future political status: Independence, Commonwealth, Statehood, or Free Association with the United States. Each title establishes a detailed, step-by-step process for transition, including constitutional requirements, transfer of federal property, and the future status of citizenship and federal benefits, contingent upon voter approval for the chosen option. The legislation aims to provide a clear, democratic mechanism for resolving the island's territorial status.

The Double the Wage for Overtime Act of 2026 amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase the required overtime pay rate for covered employees from time-and-a-half to double their regular rate of pay. This means employees will earn twice their normal hourly wage for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. This change will take effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.

The DHS CANDOR Act establishes a comprehensive policy to ensure all public communications from the Department of Homeland Security are accurate, objective, and reliable. It sets strict guidelines for official social media use, mandates annual ethics and communications training for personnel, and requires oversight by the Office of Public Affairs. The bill also mandates regular audits by the Inspector General to ensure compliance with these new standards.

The Prohibiting Adversarial Patents Act of 2026 restricts the issuance and enforcement of U.S. patents for individuals or entities linked to the Chinese military-industrial complex or surveillance activities. This bill prevents specified high-risk persons from receiving new patents or enforcing existing ones, though the President retains narrow authority to waive these restrictions for national security reasons. The legislation aims to safeguard U.S. technological innovation from entities posing a threat to national security.

This bill expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designations aim to honor the nearly 47,000 people killed by gunfire each year and raise public awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence. The resolution encourages the public to wear orange on that day and focus on community efforts to promote gun safety.

The DHS Release Transparency Act requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to offer detained individuals the option to designate a point of contact for release notifications. If designated, the Department of Homeland Security must notify this contact before releasing the individual, ensuring translation services are provided throughout the process. Crucially, the collected contact information cannot be used for any enforcement actions.

The Department of Homeland Security Accountability Act of 2026 mandates that the DHS notify Congress and local representatives within 72 hours of any serious injury or death occurring in its custody or resulting from personnel actions. The bill requires independent investigations into these incidents, establishes strict evidence preservation protocols, and enforces administrative leave for employees involved in lethal force incidents. These measures aim to increase transparency and ensure rigorous oversight of DHS operations.

The RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026 establishes a three-year pilot grant program to renovate and develop vital community gathering places, known as "third spaces," outside of homes and workplaces. Administered by the Secretary of Commerce, the program prioritizes projects in underserved communities that strengthen local economies and combat social isolation. Grantees must ensure the resulting spaces remain free or low-cost to the public to foster social cohesion and civic engagement.

This bill, the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2026, mandates the creation of a national public awareness campaign to promote the detection, screening, and management of type 1 diabetes. The campaign will utilize evidence-based materials and public service announcements targeted at both healthcare providers and the general public. It also authorizes funding for grants to support local efforts in increasing screening rates, particularly in highly affected communities.

This bill, the "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization," extends the existing rural community hospital demonstration program for an additional five years, making it a 20-year program. It also updates the criteria for an additional extension period to cover certain hospitals that join the program between late 2024 and early 2027.