Legislative Activity

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart after September 11, 2001, to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members. It defines eligible dependents, sets conditions for benefit use, and allows veterans to modify or revoke transfers. The bill also addresses scenarios involving the death of the veteran and sets age limits for child transferees, ensuring dependents receive the same educational assistance as the veteran.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 strengthens the ability of claimants to recover art looted by the Nazis by ensuring cases are decided on their legal merits rather than procedural technicalities. The bill prevents courts from dismissing claims based on the passage of time or other non-merits defenses and clarifies that these actions may proceed regardless of the victim's nationality. These updates aim to remove legal barriers and ensure that justice for victims of Nazi persecution is not frustrated by procedural delays.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan, 16-member commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the federal government's long-term fiscal health and reduce the national debt. The bill mandates that the Commission’s approved proposals be submitted to Congress for expedited consideration through a fast-track process that prohibits amendments. This initiative aims to address the nation's fiscal condition and ensure the long-term solvency of federal trust funds.

The Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the existing conservation program by authorizing $20 million in annual funding from fiscal years 2028 through 2032. This legislation ensures continued financial support for the protection and preservation of vital tropical forest and coral reef ecosystems.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.

This resolution establishes the first full week of February each year as "Career and Technical Education Educator and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Appreciation Week." It recognizes the vital role these educators play in preparing students for the workforce and supporting critical economic sectors. The bill calls upon the President and local entities to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the profound history and enduring contributions of African Americans to the United States. It acknowledges past injustices while honoring the achievements across all fields that have shaped the nation. The resolution encourages continued reflection and unity as we move forward with liberty and justice for all.

The Self-Initiation Trade Enforcement Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated task force within the Department of Commerce to proactively identify and investigate unfair foreign trade practices, such as illegal subsidies and dumping. By monitoring global trade data and prioritizing the needs of small and medium-sized U.S. businesses, the task force aims to protect domestic industries from harmful international competition.

This resolution marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It condemns Russia's ongoing aggression, including attacks on civilians and the forced abduction of children. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for robust, sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's long-term defense and stability.

This bill amends the 1993 settlement act concerning the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina. It modifies the requirements for future membership in the Catawba Indian Nation. Specifically, new members must be lineal descendants of someone on the final base roll and maintain ongoing political relations with the Tribe.

The Litigation Funding Transparency Act of 2026 mandates new disclosure requirements for third-party litigation funders in large federal class and mass actions. This law requires parties to reveal the identity of funders, including any foreign state or sovereign wealth fund involvement, and produce funding agreements for court inspection. The legislation also prohibits funders from influencing litigation strategy and restricts their access to certain discovery materials.

The After Hours Child Care Act establishes the Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to child care for parents working nontraditional hours. This pilot grant program will provide funding to expand or create child care options for those working evenings, nights, or weekends. The goal is to support workforce participation and economic stability for these parents.

The Workforce Development Modernization Act updates federal workforce laws to enhance access to services through the introduction of virtual one-stop career centers. This legislation provides greater flexibility for local areas to establish physical or virtual centers, including options for shared centers between adjacent regions. It also mandates the colocation of state employment service offices with physical one-stop centers where they exist.

The Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2026 significantly increases civil penalties for fraudulent and grossly negligent customs violations, including temporary import bans for violators and their affiliates. It also establishes a new private right of action, allowing U.S. businesses and unions to sue those who financially injure them through customs fraud. Furthermore, the bill bars individuals and affiliated persons found guilty of such violations from participating in the U.S. importer of record program.

The Drone Espionage Act strengthens federal law to explicitly prohibit the unauthorized recording or transmission of video of sensitive defense information. This amendment updates existing statutes to specifically cover video recordings, addressing modern surveillance capabilities.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.

This resolution officially honors the 67 victims of the tragic 2025 mid-air collision between an Army helicopter and an airliner over the Potomac River. It expresses deep sympathy for the families affected and commends the hundreds of agencies and first responders involved in the response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, the resolution commits to translating safety lessons from the incident into action to prevent future tragedies.