Legislative Activity

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make non-citizens inadmissible and deportable if they commit fraud against the U.S. government or unlawfully receive public benefits. Additionally, the bill bars individuals convicted of these offenses from receiving any form of immigration relief.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the "Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building." This new name must be used in all federal documents and records referring to the facility.

This bill reauthorizes and extends funding for crucial water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. It specifically extends the authorization period for these grants from fiscal years 2024 through 2031.

The Defend Rural Health Act of 2026 establishes stricter criteria for hospitals seeking rural geographic reclassification for Medicare payment purposes starting in late 2026. It limits eligibility to hospitals meeting specific designations like Rural Referral Center or Sole Community Hospital, and phases out existing reclassifications after 2029 unless new criteria are met. Furthermore, the bill prohibits hospitals from holding dual geographic classifications simultaneously for payment purposes.

The Towing Safety Act aims to improve the efficiency of heavy-duty towing and recovery operations. It expands the conditions under which heavy-duty tow vehicles can operate on the Interstate Highway System without a special permit. Furthermore, the Act prohibits states from imposing certain length or combination restrictions on these tow trucks when transporting already disabled vehicles.

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on utilizing low-orbit satellites to improve internet access across the Appalachian region. This investigation will assess the viability, economic impact, and cost-effectiveness of these satellite systems for supporting regional businesses and economic development. The findings will be reported directly to Congress.

This bill, the CFTC Advisory Committee Improvement Act of 2025, updates the rules governing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) advisory committees. It mandates the establishment of new committees to advise the CFTC on its regulatory activities and subjects them to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Existing advisory committees may continue operating under their current structure until September 30, 2026, or until their charter is renewed.

The Main Street Lending Improvement Act of 2025 mandates a study by the Comptroller General on the timeline and distribution of small business loans within areas that include the Appalachian region. This study will compare loan disbursement processes between Appalachian and non-Appalachian areas from 2021 through 2024. The final report must include recommendations to increase loan accessibility, decrease funding times, and improve applicant communication.

The Workforce Flexibility Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to remove the requirement for local workforce development boards to prioritize out-of-school youth when allocating youth workforce investment funds. This change grants greater flexibility in how these funds are distributed for youth employment initiatives.

This bill, the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act, establishes new federal requirements for commercial driver's licenses. It mandates that all commercial motor vehicle knowledge tests must be administered only in English, effective two years after enactment. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and communicate in English to pass testing and receive certification.

The Improving Drought Monitoring Act extends the authorization for the U.S. Drought Monitor program through 2030. It establishes an interagency working group to improve the accuracy and consistency of drought data used in the Monitor. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service coordinate their drought response activities to ensure consistent severity determinations.

The Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of the technical assistance the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides for clean water infrastructure projects. This review will examine what assistance is available, how partners are selected, and whether the aid effectively meets community needs without duplication. Following the report, the EPA Administrator must submit annual plans to Congress detailing steps taken to implement the GAO's recommendations.

The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act establishes federal crimes for knowingly transporting a minor across state lines to circumvent her home state's parental involvement laws for an abortion. It also mandates that physicians performing out-of-state abortions on minors must provide at least 24 hours of actual or constructive notice to a parent, unless specific exceptions apply. The law protects the minor and her parents from prosecution under the transportation provision and includes civil remedies for parents harmed by violations.

This resolution recognizes the critical importance of the Interstate Highway System for national commerce and security. It specifically supports the planning and development of a new interstate route through southern Ohio, starting south of Columbus. This new highway is intended to boost economic opportunities and support key energy and defense infrastructure in the region.

The Make American Guns Again (MAGA) Act of 2025 requires the Secretary of Defense to study the prevalence of foreign-made or foreign-owned small arms and light weapons used by the U.S. military. Within 180 days, the Secretary must report these findings to Congress and the President. This report must also include recommendations for increasing the procurement of domestically manufactured and owned small arms.

The Confidence in Clean Water Permits Act clarifies when a facility is considered compliant with its clean water permit under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It broadens compliance to cover pollutants identified during the permit application process, even without specific numerical limits listed. Furthermore, the bill establishes clear requirements for the EPA Administrator when imposing additional water quality-based limitations on permits.

The Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2025 mandates that direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid must disclose the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for a 30-day supply, provided the cost exceeds $35. This aims to increase consumer awareness of drug pricing, as current advertising practices often drive demand for expensive, newly approved medications without providing cost transparency. Failure to comply with this new disclosure requirement will result in significant civil monetary penalties.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators seeking a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This ensures drivers can effectively communicate, understand traffic signs, and complete necessary documentation in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in an immediate out-of-service order for the driver.

The United States Automobile Consumer Assistance and Relief Act (USA CAR Act) introduces a new federal income tax deduction for interest paid on loans used to purchase automobiles assembled in the United States. This "qualified automobile interest" can be deducted "above-the-line," reducing a taxpayer's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). These provisions apply to loans taken out on or after the date the Act is enacted.

The Protecting American Farmland Act prohibits federal agencies from funding solar energy projects that convert prime farmland. Furthermore, the bill eliminates several key federal tax credits—including the residential clean energy credit and various production/investment credits—for solar energy facilities constructed on land defined as prime farmland. These restrictions apply to projects placed into service after the law's enactment date.