Legislative Activity

The Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, expert-led Children’s Commission to advise Congress and federal agencies on policies affecting children and marginalized youth. This Commission will promote child well-being, review agency actions, and ensure the voices of children are incorporated into federal decision-making. It will be led by a Children's Commissioner and is authorized to receive funding through fiscal year 2034.

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.

This bill expresses the disapproval of Congress, under the Congressional Review Act, of a Department of Health and Human Services rule concerning the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Specifically, it rejects the rule that aimed to restore flexibility within the CCDF program. As a result, the rule published on May 12, 2026, will not take effect.

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.

This bill, the "Right to Record Act of 2026," establishes an explicit federal right to record, observe, or peacefully protest federal law enforcement activities in public view. It creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue officers and the United States for violations of this right, including provisions for statutory damages and attorney's fees. The Act mandates training for federal officers and requires courts to interpret its provisions broadly to protect these expressive activities.

This bill, the "Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026," mandates a comprehensive study by the EPA on the environmental and energy impacts of AI data centers and infrastructure. It also requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a consortium to develop measurement standards for these impacts. Finally, the legislation establishes an annual public reporting system for large AI data centers detailing their environmental footprint.

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 Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026 aims to ensure low-income families with children have access to essential internet service. This bill amends public housing rules to include the cost of basic, high-speed internet within utility allowances. Eligibility is restricted to families whose children qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches, and the service must include content filtering for minors.

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.

The Postal Data Privacy Act of 2026 significantly restricts the government's ability to use mail covers. This act mandates that federal entities must obtain a court order based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity before accessing mail information. Furthermore, it establishes clear requirements for preserving mail records once a legal process is initiated.

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 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 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 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.