Legislative Activity

The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2026 establishes federal grant programs to fund community reentry centers and statewide assistance hotlines. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services to individuals post-conviction or incarceration to reduce recidivism. The Act prioritizes hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and mandates rigorous evaluation and reporting on program outcomes.

The Second Look Act of 2026 establishes a process for individuals serving long federal prison sentences to petition a court for a sentence reduction after serving at least 10 years. Courts must consider factors like rehabilitation and community safety when deciding on a modification. The bill also creates a rebuttable presumption for release for defendants aged 50 and older and mandates annual reporting by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

The SEED Act (Supporting Early-childhood Educators Deductions Act) expands the existing federal educator expense deduction to include early childhood educators. This legislation allows childcare providers and preschool teachers to claim tax deductions for out-of-pocket classroom expenses, mirroring the benefit currently available to K-12 teachers. The change is set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Domenic and Ed's Law amends the Higher Education Act to discharge federal parent loans if the student for whom the loan was taken becomes permanently and totally disabled. This cancellation applies to all outstanding parent loans under these specific disability conditions.

This bill, the Hazard Pay for Health Care Heroes Act, establishes a grant program to help health care facilities protect essential workers during declared emergencies or disasters. Funds can be used to provide eligible, non-remote health care workers with hazardous duty pay, up to $13 per hour, when their work or commute is deemed hazardous. Additionally, grants can cover safety measures like PPE and alternative transit for these essential personnel.

This resolution expresses strong support for library staff across the United States and recognizes the essential, expanding community services they provide. It advocates for commensurate funding, defends the right of all citizens to freely access information, and supports the civil rights and union voice of library workers. Furthermore, the bill condemns threats to library access and staff, such as book bans and funding cuts.

The Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act aims to restore critical federal funding for early intervention services (Part C) and preschool special education programs (Section 619) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legislation recognizes that high-quality early services significantly benefit children with disabilities and their families. The bill authorizes specific increased appropriations for both Part C and Section 619 programs through fiscal year 2031.

The AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026 mandates that developers of large AI-focused data centers must publicly disclose comprehensive project details, including environmental impact analyses, at least 180 days before taking significant action. This bill requires extensive public notification across multiple media channels and limits the use of non-disclosure agreements concerning public resources. Violations of these transparency requirements will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission as unfair or deceptive practices.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives in strong support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) vital role in global nuclear security. It recognizes the ongoing threat posed by illicit nuclear material and encourages the U.S. and other member states to ensure the IAEA has reliable and sufficient resources, including through the Nuclear Security Fund, to fulfill its mission.

This resolution expresses support for honoring Earth Day and reaffirms Congress's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. It recognizes the historical impact of Earth Day on the modern environmental movement and calls for continued action against threats like climate change and pollution. The bill urges immediate steps to reduce emissions, address environmental injustices, and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

This act formally repeals the outdated joint resolution aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East that was enacted during the Cold War era. It removes this historical measure from the U.S. legal code.

The Baby Food Safety Act of 2026 establishes strict new limits and testing requirements for toxic contaminants like lead and arsenic in infant and toddler foods. It mandates that manufacturers implement rigorous sampling and testing programs, with results subject to FDA oversight. Additionally, the bill enhances FDA authority for mandatory recalls and modernizes inspection procedures, including allowing remote record requests.

The Securing the Rights our Veterans Earned Act (SERVE Act) extends eligibility for key Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to former service members who were discharged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes access to hospital care, mental health services, national cemetery burial, Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance, and housing loans. The bill also mandates the VA Secretary to conduct outreach regarding these newly available benefits.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.

This resolution affirms that stable housing is a fundamental human right essential for all families, regardless of immigration status. It strongly condemns a proposed rule that would force families with mixed immigration status to separate or lose vital housing assistance. The bill calls for protecting families in federal housing programs and demands increased investment to address the national housing crisis.

The Pets Belong with Families Act aims to ensure that pets can remain with their families by removing unnecessary barriers in federally assisted housing. This legislation prohibits most pet bans, fees, and breed restrictions in these housing situations. Housing providers can still enforce reasonable rules regarding pet behavior and safety, but cannot charge deposits beyond a specified limit or deny pets based on breed.

The Improving Access to Financial Coaching Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program through the Department of the Treasury to fund nonprofit and community organizations providing financial coaching. This legislation aims to increase access to high-quality financial guidance for low- and moderate-income consumers. The Act also mandates the development of standardized certification practices for financial coaches nationwide.

This bill supports designating a week in April 2026 as "Black Maternal Health Week" to focus national attention on the severe maternal health crisis facing Black women. It highlights the unacceptable and unjust disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black women due to structural racism and inequities. The legislation urges Congress to invest in comprehensive maternal care and pass legislation, like the Momnibus Act, grounded in human rights and reproductive justice.

The YouthBuild for the Future Act reauthorizes and updates the YouthBuild program through 2030, providing education, job training, and leadership development for low-income young people, with a focus on green building skills. The bill increases funding authorization and expands allowable services, such as food assistance and help applying for benefits. It also establishes a new grant program to create employer partnerships that connect participants directly to local job opportunities.

This Act establishes a commission to address racial and gender disparities in school discipline by promoting restorative justice practices. The commission will develop training materials, define restorative practices, and recommend improved ratios for school psychologists and counselors. Its primary goal is to support the mental health of students of color and create more equitable learning environments.