Legislative Activity

The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act aims to promote de-escalation by exempting specific, clearly defined less-than-lethal projectile devices from federal firearm restrictions and excise taxes. This legislation provides a formal process for determining which devices qualify for these exemptions under both federal law and the National Firearms Act. The bill also modernizes tax regulations by exempting qualifying less-than-lethal devices and their ammunition from federal excise taxes.

This resolution supports the goals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by recognizing CTE's vital role in preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers. It affirms that CTE is crucial for American economic competitiveness and encourages promotion of these educational pathways. The resolution celebrates the contributions of CTE programs across the nation.

The Contract Our Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens federal support for veteran-owned small businesses by streamlining sole-source and restricted-competition contracting processes. The bill establishes a government-wide goal of awarding at least 5% of federal contract dollars to these businesses and mandates rigorous annual reporting to ensure transparency. Additionally, it integrates veteran-owned firms into key procurement programs, scorecards, and mentorship initiatives to increase their participation in the federal marketplace.

This bill establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate joint research, development, and integration of critical defense technologies. The initiative focuses on key areas like AI, missile defense, and counter-drone systems to enhance the security and technological edge of both nations. It mandates regular reporting to Congress on progress and authorizes funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.

This Act officially renames the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve, establishing distinct management rules for the new Park and Preserve areas. The bill maintains existing fishing regulations across the entire area while generally prohibiting hunting and trapping within the National Park, with exceptions for tribal treaty rights. All references to the former Lakeshore designation must now be updated to reflect the new Park and Preserve title.

This bill authorizes the establishment of two memorials to honor Wisconsin infantry soldiers who fought in the Civil War battles of Antietam and the Second Battle of Bull Run. The memorials will be placed at the respective National Park Service battlefields. All design, construction, and installation costs must be covered by non-federal funding.

The BASICS Act (Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act) reforms federal transportation funding to prioritize local decision-making and infrastructure maintenance. The bill establishes a new $5.5 billion annual program for bridge repairs and replacements, while increasing support for regional and metropolitan transportation planning. Additionally, it mandates greater local consultation for project selection and streamlines the process for regional organizations to receive and manage federal transportation funds directly.

The Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act ensures that Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) receive the full 340B discounted price for drugs at the point of purchase. This legislation prohibits manufacturers from requiring FQHCs to pay more than the established ceiling price upfront, regardless of any later rebates or reimbursements. The goal is to guarantee immediate, upfront savings for these vital health centers.

This Act establishes specific definitions for "female," "male," and "sex" based on biological reproductive systems for amateur athletics. It mandates that organizations recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee must prohibit individuals identified as male from competing in competitions designated for females. This aims to protect competitive opportunities specifically for biological females in amateur sports.

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 modernizes GI Bill benefits and support for service members and veterans. This bill revises the repayment timing for service members who contribute to their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and expands eligibility for independent study programs. It also provides service members with new options when called to active duty during their education and updates compliance survey procedures for educational institutions.

The Make Elections Great Again Act establishes new federal standards for voter identification, citizenship verification for registration, and statewide voter list maintenance for federal elections. It also standardizes election administration by mandating paper ballots, banning ranked-choice voting, and implementing strict new rules for requesting and returning mail-in ballots. The bill aims to increase election integrity through enhanced documentation and procedural uniformity across states.

The Streamlining Small Business Contracts Act of 2026 increases the dollar threshold for sole source contracts available to certain small business concerns. This legislation raises the limit from \$7 million to \$10 million for contracts awarded under the 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Small Business programs. The goal is to simplify and expand opportunities for these specific small businesses.

The FAST VETS Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to review each veteran's vocational rehabilitation plan annually. If a veteran's long-term goals are no longer feasible due to changes in their employment handicap, the VA must work with the veteran to redevelop a new plan. This ensures veterans receive the most effective path toward successful employment and transition.

The Shutdown Fairness Act automatically appropriates necessary funds to ensure federal employees and essential contractors receive their regular pay during a government shutdown. This legislation mandates timely payment for covered personnel, regardless of whether they were deemed "excepted" or furloughed. The funds are charged against the agency's subsequent regular appropriations once they are enacted.

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026 formally codifies the fundamental rights of veterans to receive respectful, transparent, and timely access to VA health care and benefits. This legislation mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs integrate these rights into all policies, training, and communications to ensure consistent accountability. By establishing these clear standards, the Act reinforces the nation’s commitment to supporting those who have served.

The Stop Insider Trading Act restricts Members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing new securities issued by publicly traded companies. It requires advance public disclosure for any sale of existing covered investments, with a mandatory 7-to-14-day notice period before the transaction. Violations result in significant financial penalties, including disgorgement of any net gains, payable by the Member personally.

This bill, the Hemp Planting Predictability Act, seeks to amend the Agriculture Appropriations Act of 2026. Specifically, it delays the implementation of recent amendments affecting hemp production under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The delay for these changes is extended from one year to three years.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

This bill officially designates January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers nationwide. It also establishes National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th) to commemorate officers who have died in the line of duty. The legislation encourages the President to issue annual proclamations recognizing these days and calls for flags to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

The Families First Housing Act of 2026 establishes an 180-day "first look" period for certain homebuyers and organizations to purchase government-owned single-family properties before they can be sold to institutional investors. This mandates that federal housing entities offer eligible properties at fair market value exclusively to qualified primary residents, nonprofits, or local governments during this initial period. The Act also requires public listing, reporting on sales, and imposes penalties for non-compliance.