Legislative Activity

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 bill commemorates the 120th anniversary of the first Filipino immigrants, the Sakadas, arriving in Hawaiʻi to work on plantations. It honors their enduring legacy, recognizing their crucial role in building the state's economy and igniting the labor movement despite facing harsh conditions. The measure also supports the annual observance of Sakada Day on December 20th.

The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act of 2026 establishes a temporary, zero-interest loan program to help eligible, long-standing rural hospitals replace, improve, or renovate their facilities. Loans prioritize hospitals serving the most remote and underserved populations, offering a five-year interest-free period with potential renewals based on financial need and community impact. Following the initial period, loans are refinanced under standard terms unless the hospital remains financially vulnerable, in which case further interest-free extensions or technical assistance are provided.

This resolution commemorates the 70th anniversary of the United States Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF). It recognizes the IPIF for its vital scientific research, technical assistance, and contributions to natural resource management across Hawaii and the Pacific islands. The House reaffirms its strong support for the Institute's critical ongoing operations.

This bill officially designates May 10 through May 16, 2026, as the 27th annual National Charter Schools Week. It recognizes public charter schools as tuition-free options that promote innovation and accountability in education. The resolution congratulates charter school communities for their contributions to public education and efforts in closing achievement gaps. It encourages public observance of the week to demonstrate support for charter schools.

This resolution reaffirms the foundational U.S. commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan policy toward Taiwan. It underscores that peace and stability in the region are vital to U.S. interests and opposes any non-peaceful efforts to determine Taiwan's future. The bill affirms the U.S. commitment to providing Taiwan with defensive arms and maintaining the capacity to resist coercion.

The Farmland for Farmers Act of 2026 restricts foreign and corporate ownership of U.S. agricultural land, generally limiting ownership to actively engaged natural persons or small, farmer-controlled entities. The bill mandates divestiture for current unauthorized owners and establishes a new Department of Agriculture program to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in purchasing farmland. Enforcement includes civil and criminal penalties, with states authorized to enact equally or more restrictive regulations.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 2026 as Hawaiian Language Month, or *ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi* Month. It recognizes the historical suppression and recent revitalization of the Native Hawaiian language. The bill commits to preserving and promoting *ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi* and urges public celebration of the month.

The Tariff Free Farming Act protects the agricultural industry by capping tariffs on essential farming inputs—such as machinery, fertilizer, fuel, and seed—at their January 2025 levels. This legislation ensures that farmers remain shielded from future tariff increases on critical supplies imported from countries with normal trade relations.

The Rare Earth Magnet Market Revitalization Act establishes financial incentives to boost domestic production of rare earth magnets and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The bill also prohibits the importation of rare earth magnets and related components from designated "covered nations." Furthermore, it authorizes financial assistance for non-covered nation production and restricts the export of electronic waste containing these critical materials.

This bill amends existing law to rename and strengthen the Institutes of Tropical and Pacific Islands Forestry. It mandates minimum staffing levels—50 personnel for the Puerto Rico institute and 30 for the Pacific Islands institute—and ensures both have adequate resources. The goal is to substantially advance the science, research, and knowledge exchange activities conducted by these vital forestry centers.

This bill amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to grant certain eligible states the option to receive their allocated federal funds as cash instead of commodities. States choosing this option can then directly purchase food commodities from the private commercial marketplace. This provides flexibility in how states procure food assistance resources.

This act establishes the **Atomic Civilians Recognition and Compensation Act** to honor and provide financial support to certain civilian workers involved in U.S. atomic and nuclear weapons programs. It creates the **Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service Medal** for eligible individuals who participated in atomic testing, cleanup, or WWII radiation exposure. Furthermore, it establishes a **$75,000 compensation program** for eligible cleanup workers who subsequently develop specific listed cancers.

The Restoring Trust in Public Safety Act establishes a grant program to fund the complete destruction of firearms by state, local, and Tribal governments. Eligible entities can apply for competitive grants to cover costs associated with destruction equipment, services, and training. Grantees must certify that all firearms and components are fully destroyed and maintain detailed records of the process.

The CARE for First Responders Act expands crisis counseling assistance to include emergency responders and public safety telecommunicators following major disasters. The bill establishes a comprehensive mental health program providing 24/7 confidential support, including a dedicated hotline and peer counseling. Additionally, it creates a grant program to fund mobile crisis units offering on-site mental health services to first responders during disaster response.

The Feeding Rural Families Act of 2025 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to clarify the definition of "State" within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This change specifically ensures that both the urban and rural parts of Hawaii are explicitly included under the SNAP definition.

This bill, the Parity for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Students in Agriculture Act, updates and increases the authorized funding for education grants to Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. It specifically sets a maximum grant period of three years for these educational awards. The legislation authorizes $10 million for FY 2026, increasing to $15 million annually from FY 2027 through 2031.

This act mandates the Department of Defense to establish a policy requiring immediate notification to parents and Congress upon the discovery of suspected child abuse or neglect within military childcare and youth programs. Covered programs must notify parents within 24 hours and relevant congressional committees and representatives within 72 hours of an allegation. This ensures transparency and timely communication regarding the safety of military dependents in care settings.

This Act, the Indo-Pacific Partner and Ally Tariff Repeal Act, terminates tariffs imposed on goods from 40 specific Indo-Pacific allies and partners. Congress finds that these tariffs undermine collective efforts against the Chinese Communist Party's coercive actions. The bill immediately repeals the tariffs established under Executive Orders 14257 and 14326.

The Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act amends existing legislation to strengthen support for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian arts and culture. This bill specifically revises grant requirements for Native Hawaiian art and culture, ensuring that governing boards are composed of recognized Native Hawaiian cultural experts serving fixed terms. These changes aim to enhance the integrity and representation within the administration of cultural development funds.