Legislative Activity

The Living Wage for Federal Contractors Act establishes a phased increase in the minimum hourly wage for federal contract employees, reaching $25.00 per hour within five years, followed by annual inflation-based adjustments. The bill mandates strict enforcement mechanisms, including contract termination, debarment for violators, and civil penalties, while aligning existing federal wage standards with these new requirements.

This bill postpones tax deadlines for American nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, as well as for their spouses. It ensures that the time spent detained does not count against deadlines for filing returns or paying taxes, and stops the accrual of associated interest and penalties. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a program to refund or abate penalties and interest already paid by eligible individuals for tax periods covering the detention.

The Original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution of 2026 honors the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community. The resolution reaffirms that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and emphasizes the necessity of ensuring equality for all citizens. By documenting key civil rights milestones and current challenges, it encourages the nation to celebrate Pride Month as a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still required to achieve full equality.

The GRACE for Military Survivors Act extends the window for military survivors to contribute death benefits to a Roth IRA or Coverdell education savings account from one year to three years. This change applies to benefits received on or after the date of enactment, and retroactively covers benefits received since October 7, 2001. This provides survivors with more time to utilize these tax-advantaged savings options.

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop best practices, standards, and methodologies for accurately measuring the energy and water consumption of data centers, with a special focus on AI workloads. The legislation also mandates a study on data availability to improve energy demand forecasting capabilities for these facilities. The goal is to enhance measurement accuracy and promote standardized data sharing among stakeholders.

The SAFE Banking Act of 2026 aims to provide federal protections for financial institutions serving state-sanctioned marijuana and hemp-related businesses. It prohibits federal regulators from penalizing banks solely for providing financial services to these state-compliant operations. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that proceeds from these state-legal businesses are not automatically considered unlawful proceeds under federal money laundering statutes. It also addresses mortgage underwriting and requires studies on diversity and inclusion within these sectors.

This bill authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the collective heroism of the individuals who defended Bataan, Corregidor, and other locations in the Pacific theater during World War II. The medal honors the extraordinary sacrifice of U.S. service members and Filipino forces who fought and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japan. Following the presentation, the medal will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The legislation also allows for the production and sale of bronze duplicate medals.

The LIFT the BAR Act repeals decades-old restrictions that barred many lawfully present noncitizens from accessing essential federal public benefits. This legislation restores eligibility for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and housing assistance for qualified noncitizens. The bill also updates terminology, replacing "alien" with "noncitizen" throughout relevant statutes.

The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act establishes a federal grant program administered by the Attorney General to help states and tribal governments develop, improve, or evaluate their firearms dealer licensing programs. Eligible applicants must already have a law in place requiring state or tribal licensing for firearms dealers, which includes specific standards for application, inspection, and enforcement. Grant recipients must report annually on their licensing activities, and the Attorney General will report findings to Congress.

The EDUCATE Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to support agricultural research and scholarships focused on marijuana cultivation and processing at eligible institutions. These programs aim to optimize sustainable farming techniques and develop the agricultural workforce, prioritizing partnerships with minority and small-scale farmers. The Act also provides legal protections for authorized research activities conducted by these institutions.

The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act establishes a federal program to provide funding for state and local governments to support the microchipping of dogs and cats in shelters. This initiative aims to increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their original owners or ensuring proper tracking upon adoption or transfer. The Secretary of Agriculture must report on the program's effectiveness and recommend future funding by the end of 2030.

This bill expresses support for designating July 3 through July 10, 2026, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week." The week aims to educate the public on the significant dangers of extreme heat, which is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. It encourages nationwide educational initiatives and community programming to promote preparedness and safety against heat-related risks.

The PRIDE Act of 2026 officially renames the Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion at certain federal financial agencies to the Office of Minority, Women, and LGBTQI Inclusion. This expansion explicitly incorporates LGBTQI individuals and LGBTQI-owned businesses into existing diversity, inclusion, and contracting requirements. The bill adds specific definitions for "LGBTQI" and "LGBTQI-owned business" across relevant statutes.

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to mandate state participation in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program starting in the summer of 2027. While participation is voluntary through 2026, all states operating the school lunch program must implement Summer EBT thereafter. The legislation also updates administrative deadlines for program management and coverage for Indian Tribal organizations.

This proposed constitutional amendment establishes a fundamental federal right to vote for all eligible U.S. citizens. It prohibits denying or restricting this right and mandates that states administer elections according to federal standards, including requiring same-day registration and voting. Congress is authorized to pass legislation to enforce these provisions.

The Local Communities Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026 establishes a voluntary Urban Bird Treaty Program to protect and restore bird habitats within urban areas. Through partnerships and a competitive grant program, the initiative supports local organizations in reducing urban hazards, conducting scientific monitoring, and engaging communities in conservation efforts.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to speed up the process of securing a first collective bargaining agreement after a union is certified. It establishes a mandatory timeline, including mediation and binding arbitration, if an agreement is not reached within 90 days of bargaining. This process is designed to prevent lengthy delays that currently weaken the union's position. The bill also requires a GAO report on current time-to-contract averages.

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 Jewish American Security Act addresses the rising threat of antisemitism across the nation. This bill mandates new protections for Jewish students in educational settings and significantly increases funding and administrative support for securing Jewish community institutions. Furthermore, it requires increased transparency from large online platforms regarding their moderation of antisemitic content and mandates federal assessments of domestic and transnational antisemitic threats.

This bill strengthens U.S. access to critical minerals by authorizing international partnerships and agreements to build secure, transparent supply chains with allies. It establishes Energy Security Compacts to diversify energy and mineral sources while protecting American jobs and the environment. Finally, the legislation creates new leadership roles and exchange programs at the State Department to build a skilled domestic mining workforce and counter foreign leverage over essential resources.