Legislative Activity

The Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act of 2026 authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to serve as an official advisory member of the Maryland Whole Watershed Program. This legislation enables the Office to provide critical technical assistance, financial resources, and interagency coordination to support restoration projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of March 2 through March 6, 2026, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It recognizes the vital role social and emotional learning plays in boosting student academic achievement and overall well-being. The bill encourages expanding access to these crucial skills for all students and educators.

The "Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act" proposes a comprehensive legislative package funded by a new 5% annual wealth tax on individuals and trusts with assets exceeding $1 billion. This revenue supports a wide range of social investments, including direct affordability rebates for families, expanded health care and Medicare benefits, and significant funding for affordable housing and child care. Additionally, the bill establishes a national $60,000 minimum salary for public school teachers and strengthens long-term home and community-based care services.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.

The Chesapeake WATERS Act reauthorizes and strengthens the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to serve as the lead representative for the agency within the watershed. This legislation enhances scientific research, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration efforts while expanding educational programs for students and teachers. By fostering collaboration across federal, state, and local partners, the Act aims to improve the management and long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

The African American History Act of 2026 establishes a grant program managed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture to support the development and distribution of educational resources regarding African American life, history, and culture. By providing funding for curricula, professional development, and digital programming, the Act aims to enhance historical education in schools through a social justice and anti-bias lens. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual reporting to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of these educational funds.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.

The Access to Consumer Energy Information Act (E-Access Act) establishes federal guidelines to ensure consumers have secure, standardized, and real-time access to their electricity and natural gas usage data. By promoting digital energy management tools and data-sharing standards, the bill empowers consumers to better understand their energy costs and participate in efficiency programs. Additionally, the Act provides financial support for states to implement these data-access policies and mandates a federal study on integrating consumer meter data into wholesale energy markets.

This resolution establishes the first full week of February each year as "Career and Technical Education Educator and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Appreciation Week." It recognizes the vital role these educators play in preparing students for the workforce and supporting critical economic sectors. The bill calls upon the President and local entities to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

This resolution officially recognizes the annual Army-Navy football game as "America's Game" due to its deep patriotic tradition and role in inspiring military service. It urges that the game maintain its exclusive television time slot on the second Saturday of December to maximize national attention. The resolution calls on networks and associations to avoid scheduling competing games during this time to honor the service members involved.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the profound history and enduring contributions of African Americans to the United States. It acknowledges past injustices while honoring the achievements across all fields that have shaped the nation. The resolution encourages continued reflection and unity as we move forward with liberty and justice for all.

The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act establishes a new National Park unit to preserve and interpret the legacy of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the historic Rosenwald Schools program. The legislation creates a national park across multiple sites—including a headquarters in Chicago—to honor the partnership that built thousands of schools for African American children in the segregated South. Additionally, the Act establishes the Rosenwald Schools National Network to provide research, educational resources, and financial assistance for the preservation of these historic sites nationwide.

The ROTOR Act focuses on enhancing aviation safety and transparency, primarily by reforming exceptions that allow aircraft to disable their ADS-B Out tracking systems. It mandates that the FAA require most aircraft to install and use ADS-B In technology for improved situational awareness. Furthermore, the bill establishes new coordination offices and requires comprehensive safety reviews of airspace operations, particularly around major airports, involving both civil and military aviation.

This resolution marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It condemns Russia's ongoing aggression, including attacks on civilians and the forced abduction of children. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for robust, sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's long-term defense and stability.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were subsequently ruled unlawful. The bill prioritizes small businesses in the refund process and requires that larger entities pass these savings on to their customers. All refunds must be processed within 180 days of enactment, with regular progress reports provided to Congress.

The American Homeownership Act aims to increase housing affordability by restricting tax incentives for large-scale corporate investors and prohibiting federal agencies from financing their real estate acquisitions. The bill redirects savings from these tax changes to fund affordable housing construction and provide down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers. Additionally, it strengthens antitrust oversight to prevent excessive market concentration in the residential real estate sector.

The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively strengthens federal workplace protections by requiring new anti-discrimination policies, expanding legal rights for employees, and phasing out the tipped minimum wage. It aims to prevent harassment through mandated training, broadens protections to nearly all workers, and restricts employers' use of secrecy agreements. The Act also establishes grants to increase access to legal aid and worker advocacy nationwide.