Legislative Activity

The CHILE Act of 2026 establishes a permanent emergency assistance framework to provide direct financial support to specialty crop growers impacted by adverse events. By authorizing $5 billion in funding, the bill ensures that producers receive aid tailored to the unique high-value and high-input nature of specialty crops. This legislation streamlines the delivery of federal support to help stabilize local agricultural economies during times of crisis.

The "Protecting Americas Herds Act" establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. This program is designed to help cooperative extension services prepare for and respond to New World screwworm outbreaks. Funds will support training, livestock inspections, producer education, and technical assistance to prevent and manage infestations. Priority will be given to areas facing a heightened risk of introduction or spread.

The Careworker Visa Act of 2026 establishes a new "W" nonimmigrant visa category to address the critical national shortage of childcare, eldercare, and disability support workers. This program allows families and small caregiving businesses to sponsor qualified foreign nationals for temporary employment while ensuring robust wage protections and workplace rights. The bill also includes comprehensive whistleblower protections to prevent exploitation and provides a structured pathway for eligible careworkers to maintain and renew their legal status.

The Public Lands Integrity Act amends the Byrd Rule to classify any provision resulting in the sale, disposal, or transfer of federal lands as "extraneous." This change allows senators to challenge and potentially remove such land transfer provisions from budget reconciliation bills. The act aims to protect federal lands from being sold or transferred through the reconciliation process.

The Farmer to Farmer Education Act of 2026 establishes a new program to support and build the capacity of farmer-to-farmer networks. This initiative aims to increase the adoption of science-based conservation practices by connecting farmers with mentors and group learning opportunities. The Secretary of Agriculture will award cooperative agreements to eligible entities, prioritizing those that serve historically underserved farmers.

The Downwinder Commemoration Act of 2025 establishes a formal recognition of New Mexico communities affected by the 1945 atomic bomb test. This legislation mandates the creation and placement of three memorial plaques honoring the Downwinders. These plaques will be installed at publicly accessible locations within the White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands National Park.

The Parity for Tribal Educators Act grants employees of tribally controlled schools eligibility for federal retirement benefits, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Under this bill, the Bureau of Indian Affairs would cover the required government contributions for participating staff. This legislation ensures that educators at these institutions receive retirement benefits comparable to those of federal employees.

The Patient Debt Relief Act establishes new standards for hospitals participating in Medicare regarding financial assistance and medical debt collection practices, including limits on liens and wage garnishment. It also creates a grant program for eligible nonprofits to purchase and eliminate the medical debt of low-income individuals. These provisions aim to protect patients from aggressive debt collection and provide avenues for debt relief.

The Feed Our Veterans Act permanently exempts all veterans from the work requirements associated with receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This legislation ensures that veterans have consistent access to food assistance without meeting specific employment criteria.

The Waste Heat to Wattage Act of 2026 officially recognizes "waste energy recovery" as a source of renewable energy. This legislation defines waste energy recovery as capturing otherwise lost heat or pressure from commercial, residential, or industrial processes. The recovered energy must then be used as the sole input to generate electricity.

The Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive one-year study by the Comptroller General on the use of drones and counter-drone technology by all levels of government. This report must analyze current agency deployment, sourcing of equipment, and operational policies. Crucially, it will provide recommendations for updating legal authorities and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities for UAS technology.

The Strengthening Our Workforce Act of 2025 establishes a pathway to conditional lawful permanent residency for certain undocumented immigrants present in the U.S. as of January 1, 2024, who have worked in designated "covered professions." Eligible individuals receive immediate work authorization and must maintain continuous employment in these essential fields for two years to automatically transition to full permanent resident status. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria, including continuous presence and work history, while imposing restrictions based on criminal history.

The Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to investigate potential price gouging and market manipulation in manufactured home community lot rentals. HUD must report its findings and propose a long-term strategy to address unfair pricing, paying special attention to the impact on seniors and underserved communities. Furthermore, the bill mandates monitoring large institutional purchases of manufactured homes and pad sites to trigger investigations into excessive buying and related price increases since 2015.

This Act establishes the Energy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund, financed by mandatory contributions from oil companies based on executive salaries. The fund will reimburse eligible energy workers and their families for specific medical expenses related to occupational health issues. Furthermore, the legislation creates a Commission to study and recommend improvements for the health outcomes of oil and gas workers.

The No More Narcos Act establishes an informational campaign and a national strategy to protect middle and high school students near the U.S.-Mexico border from recruitment by transnational criminal organizations. This legislation directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement these protective measures. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the use of the Department of Justice's Assets Forfeiture Fund to finance these anti-recruitment and awareness efforts.

The Stop COYOTES Act increases mandatory prison sentences for certain felonies committed near schools and parks, and imposes harsher penalties for fentanyl trafficking based on increased monetary thresholds. Additionally, the bill mandates increased information sharing between Homeland Security agencies and border law enforcement regarding trafficking and smuggling, with required reporting to Congress.

The TRICARE Travel Improvement Act lowers the distance requirement for military families to receive reimbursement for travel expenses when seeking specialty medical care. This bill mandates that the Department of Defense must now cover travel costs if a specialist is more than 50 miles away, down from the previous 100-mile threshold. This updated reimbursement rule specifically applies to military retirees and their dependents.

The Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to develop a comprehensive national strategy to boost job creation and economic competitiveness in U.S. border communities. This strategy must focus on key sectors like logistics, trade, and manufacturing, while also aiming to lower import/export costs. The resulting plan, detailing necessary policy changes and workforce development initiatives, must be submitted to Congress within one year.

The Humane Accountability Act mandates increased transparency and reporting from immigration agencies regarding the detention and removal of noncitizens. It requires detailed, regular reports to Congress concerning detainee incidents, including abuse, deaths, and complaints. Furthermore, the bill establishes a notification process for using non-traditional detention sites and seeks recommendations to improve oversight and due process protections.

The Expanding Regional Airports Act establishes the Regional Airport Expansion Program to provide federal grants to eligible general aviation or nonprimary commercial service airports serving communities of at least 75,000 people. These funds are designated for projects that increase airport capacity, such as expanding passenger areas, lengthening runways, or upgrading infrastructure. The program mandates the distribution of between three and ten grants annually, supported by an authorized appropriation of $50 million each fiscal year.