Legislative Activity

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.

The "Hands Off Elections Act of 2026" prohibits federal executive agency employees from intervening in or directing the administration of federal elections. This ban includes exceptions for specific authorized federal duties and cybersecurity assistance. State chief law enforcement officers are empowered to seek court injunctions to enforce this prohibition.

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 2025 establishes the voluntary Urban Bird Treaty Program to protect and improve bird habitats in city areas. This program directs the Secretary of the Interior to partner with local entities to restore habitats, reduce urban dangers to birds, and engage communities in conservation efforts. It also creates a competitive grant system, administered through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to fund these local stewardship projects.

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.

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 "Gig Is Up Act" amends the tax code to require payroll tax withholding for independent contractors of very large businesses that rely heavily on them. For qualifying large businesses, payments to these contractors will be treated as wages subject to standard payroll taxes, and the employer's Social Security tax rate will be doubled. These changes are designed to ensure workers receive proper credit toward their Social Security earnings.

This act, the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, prohibits the construction of any new triumphal arches in Lady Bird Johnson Park. It also restricts the building of any triumphal arch over 50 feet tall on other National Park Service land within the capital region unless explicitly authorized by Congress. The legislation aims to protect the visual landscape surrounding Arlington National Cemetery.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. It highlights the urgent and worsening national mental health crisis, citing alarming statistics across various demographics, including youth and high-risk groups. The bill aims to remove stigma, declare mental health a national priority, and support expanded funding and access to necessary services.

The Harry Lew and Danny Chen Military Justice Reform Act directs the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of creating a separate, specific criminal offense for hazing within the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This analysis must include developing a proposed definition of hazing. The Secretary is required to submit a report detailing these findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

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.

The Young Adult Tax Credit Act establishes a refundable $500 monthly tax credit for qualifying individuals aged 18 to 24. Taxpayers can elect to receive this benefit as monthly advance payments instead of waiting for an annual refund. The bill also mandates an outreach campaign to ensure eligible young adults are informed about and assisted in claiming this new credit.

The Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026 establishes rigorous "fitness-to-operate" standards for offshore oil and gas operators, requiring certification based on environmental compliance, safety records, and financial solvency before issuing or extending leases. The bill also mandates that leaseholders fully fund future decommissioning liabilities through interest-bearing escrow accounts, with required payments scheduled to cover estimated costs within five years. Furthermore, it restricts the temporary abandonment of offshore wells to a maximum of three years, subject to strict operational or environmental justification.

The Ending Fossil Fuel Bailouts Act of 2026 fundamentally reforms federal bankruptcy law concerning fossil fuel companies. This legislation prioritizes cleanup and employee obligations over other claims when these companies file for bankruptcy. It also prevents fossil fuel assets from being abandoned and makes certain environmental debts non-dischargeable.

The American High-Speed Rail Act significantly expands federal support for high-speed and higher-speed rail development by increasing funding limits, broadening eligibility for public-private partnerships, and establishing new planning and safety requirements. The bill authorizes substantial funding through 2031 for corridor development and planning, while also creating pathways for acquiring necessary right-of-way property and ensuring labor protections on federally-funded infrastructure. It also refines definitions, setting the threshold for true "high-speed rail" at 186 mph or more, and introduces a new category for "higher-speed rail."

This bill formally recognizes the 1885 Rock Springs Chinese Massacre as a deadly act of anti-Chinese violence in U.S. history. It honors the murdered Chinese immigrant workers and condemns the racist mob violence and subsequent failure to hold perpetrators accountable. Furthermore, the resolution encourages education and the preservation of the massacre site to ensure this history is not erased.

The Affordable Housing and Area Median Income Fairness Act of 2026 authorizes $15 billion annually for ten years to support affordable housing infrastructure specifically in high-cost areas. The bill also mandates the Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how Area Median Income (AMI) is calculated and used in federal housing programs. This assessment aims to find ways to optimize AMI calculations to make housing more affordable for low-income families in urban areas.

The **Stay Cool Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to combat the dangers of extreme heat through coordinated federal response, improved public warnings, and direct aid to vulnerable seniors. It establishes significant grant programs to fund community cooling centers, upgrade public housing with air conditioning, and develop urban green spaces and water features for neighborhood cooling. Overall, the legislation aims to increase community resilience, protect residents in federally assisted housing, and ensure more equitable access to safe, cool environments during heat emergencies.

This bill expresses support for designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant impact of menstruation stigma on health, education, and economic opportunity for women and girls. The resolution aims to normalize menstruation, improve education, and expand access to menstrual health care and research.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.