Legislative Activity

This Act establishes the January 6th Law Enforcement Heroes Compensation Fund to provide financial compensation for injuries and deaths sustained by law enforcement officers defending the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The program will be administered by a Special Master appointed by the Attorney General, who will review claims for economic and noneconomic losses. The bill also mandates an additional, guaranteed payment for all eligible officers, funded in part by certain government settlement amounts related to the attack. Determinations made by the Special Master regarding compensation are final and not subject to judicial review.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes permanent, universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students at participating schools, eliminating income tests and meal debt collection. The bill significantly updates federal funding mechanisms by replacing reliance on free and reduced-price lunch data with new measures for identifying economically disadvantaged students across various education and social programs. Furthermore, it expands access to summer and afterschool meals while making technical amendments across several federal education and nutrition laws.

This resolution supports designating May 10, 2026, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It aims to raise awareness about the significant mental health challenges and barriers to care faced by the AANHPI community. The bill encourages improving mental health literacy, increasing culturally competent providers, and adopting policies to better serve these diverse populations.

This resolution officially recognizes National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4–8, 2026, to honor the vital role of elementary and secondary school teachers. It emphasizes their contribution to the nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being. The bill encourages communities to show greater respect and appreciation for the teaching profession.

This proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish an 18-year term limit for all Supreme Court justices. Once ratified, current justices who have already served 18 years or more would immediately vacate their seats. This measure aims to introduce regular turnover to the nation's highest court.

The CHARTER Act ensures that federally funded charter schools adhere to nonprofit requirements by prohibiting them from contracting with for-profit entities to operate or manage the school's core operations. This legislation aims to prevent public education funds from being diverted as profit for private entities. It clarifies that while core management must remain nonprofit, charters can still contract for specific support services like food or transportation.

This bill officially designates May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It calls for nationwide recognition and celebration of the significant contributions, achievements, and history of these communities to the United States. The measure emphasizes that these communities enhance the nation's diversity and strength.

The Lowering Utility Bills Act aims to reduce consumer energy costs by establishing stricter federal and state guidelines for how electric transmission providers and investor-owned utilities calculate their allowed rate of return. The bill mandates using the lowest reasonable return on equity based on market data and explicitly bans passing numerous lobbying, administrative, and political expenses onto customers. Furthermore, it requires utilities to prioritize lower-cost, grid-enhancing technologies when planning new capital expenditures.

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 Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and guarantees. It allows small businesses owned by certain lawfully present immigrants, refugees, and even some individuals residing outside the U.S. to qualify for covered loans. This legislation ensures that businesses meeting specific ownership and location criteria are not denied SBA assistance solely based on the immigration status of their eligible owners.

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 Directly Impacted Child Rehab and Safety Act amends federal juvenile justice laws to raise the minimum age for prosecution as an adult and limits murder convictions for those under 18 to intentional killings. The bill also mandates comprehensive federal data collection on incarcerated youth and authorizes grants to improve collaboration between state child welfare and juvenile justice systems. These measures aim to prioritize rehabilitation and better address the needs of children in the justice system.

This bill officially designates the week of April 24th through April 30th as "National Reentry Week." It recognizes the challenges of mass incarceration and the high rates of recidivism facing formerly incarcerated individuals. The legislation encourages increased support and investment in programs that promote successful reentry, including access to housing, education, job training, and mental health services. Ultimately, the goal is to foster safer communities by supporting the stability and success of those returning to society.

The Living Wage For All Act establishes a phased increase of the federal minimum wage, ultimately aiming to tie it to two-thirds of the national median hourly wage. It creates differentiated wage schedules, requiring large corporations to reach higher minimums sooner than other employers. Furthermore, the bill phases out subminimum wages for tipped workers and workers with disabilities, and extends federal wage protections to incarcerated workers.

The SEED Act expands the existing tax deduction for educator expenses to include early childhood educators. This legislation allows early childhood educators to claim the same deduction for unreimbursed classroom supplies as K-12 teachers. The bill broadens the definition of an eligible "school" to cover qualifying early childhood education and childcare facilities.

The Clean Energy Workforce Act establishes grant programs to bolster career and technical education for jobs in clean energy and related fields. These grants will support the development of specialized curricula and the modernization of educational facilities to align with renewable energy practices. The goal is to prepare students for in-demand careers in climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sectors.

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 bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from establishing or operating any new models of immigration detention facilities, such as converting warehouses or using temporary structures. It specifically bans entering into new contracts for these alternative detention setups. Furthermore, any funds already allocated for these new models must be transferred to support services like affordable housing and healthcare.

The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act establishes the new Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment (SOAR) plan for federal student loans. This income-driven option features low monthly payments calculated based on a percentage of income above 250% of the federal poverty line. The plan offers loan forgiveness after 10 or 15 years, depending on whether the borrower has undergraduate or graduate loans. Additionally, 50% of each payment is applied directly to the loan principal.

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.