Legislative Activity

This bill directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran, unless those forces are necessary for imminent self-defense or the defense of an ally. If the exception is used, the President must adhere to the reporting requirements of the War Powers Resolution. This directive ceases if Congress formally declares war or passes a specific authorization for military action against Iran.

The Local Communities Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 establishes the voluntary Urban Bird Treaty Program to protect and improve bird habitats in city areas. This program directs the Secretary of the Interior to partner with local entities to restore habitats, reduce urban dangers to birds, and engage communities in conservation efforts. It also creates a competitive grant system, administered through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to fund these local stewardship projects.

This bill strengthens U.S. access to critical minerals by authorizing international partnerships and agreements to build secure, transparent supply chains with allies. It establishes Energy Security Compacts to diversify energy and mineral sources while protecting American jobs and the environment. Finally, the legislation creates new leadership roles and exchange programs at the State Department to build a skilled domestic mining workforce and counter foreign leverage over essential resources.

The Tehran Incitement to Violence Act targets Iranian clerics and organizations that have issued religious decrees (fatwas) calling for violence against U.S. and Israeli leaders. This bill mandates that the President determine which specific individuals and entities are involved in issuing or amplifying these threats for the imposition of mandatory sanctions. Sanctions include blocking property and rendering those individuals inadmissible to the United States.

The PEACE Act directs the State Department to take diplomatic action to address the growing threat of antisemitism and related extremism in Europe. It requires senior State Department officials to regularly brief Congress on these efforts to promote transatlantic cooperation against these threats.

The "Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act of 2025" aims to combat trade-related crimes by establishing a specialized task force within the Department of Justice, enhancing the investigation and prosecution of illegal activities related to imports and exports. It mandates the Attorney General to develop partnerships, provide training, and submit annual reports to Congress on the progress and financial needs in addressing these crimes. The act allocates \$20 million for fiscal year 2026 to support these efforts, with a focus on bolstering the Criminal Division's capacity to prosecute trade-related offenses.

The Banning Lobbying And Safeguarding Trust Act (BLAST Act) prohibits former Members and elected officers of Congress from lobbying Congress after leaving office. It expands the definition of "lobbyist" to cover former Members engaged in behind-the-scenes strategic work for compensation. This legislation aims to prevent former officials from immediately leveraging their connections for influence.

The **SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026** strengthens protections for veterans by reinstating and expanding penalties against unaccredited representatives who charge unauthorized fees for VA benefit claims assistance. The bill mandates increased transparency by requiring the VA to maintain searchable lists of accredited representatives and improve public warnings about predatory practices on all VA websites. Furthermore, it requires new data collection on paid assistance and establishes a high-availability accreditation system for recognized agents and attorneys.

This act, the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, prohibits the construction of any new triumphal arches in Lady Bird Johnson Park. It also restricts the building of any triumphal arch over 50 feet tall on other National Park Service land within the capital region unless explicitly authorized by Congress. The legislation aims to protect the visual landscape surrounding Arlington National Cemetery.

The Medal of Sacrifice Act establishes a new national medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. This legislation creates a Commission to advise on the medal's design, presentation, and final eligibility decisions, particularly when there are findings of wrongdoing. The medal itself will feature specific symbolic elements and will be awarded to eligible fallen heroes.

The Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act of 2026 establishes a program allowing military exchange stores to offer discounted motor fuel to eligible patrons. This discount will automatically cover at least the federal excise tax rate, with potential supplemental discounts for state or local taxes. The Secretary of Defense must implement safeguards against fraud and report annually on the program's operation until its expiration in 2029.

The American High-Speed Rail Act significantly expands federal support for high-speed and higher-speed rail development by increasing funding limits, broadening eligibility for public-private partnerships, and establishing new planning and safety requirements. The bill authorizes substantial funding through 2031 for corridor development and planning, while also creating pathways for acquiring necessary right-of-way property and ensuring labor protections on federally-funded infrastructure. It also refines definitions, setting the threshold for true "high-speed rail" at 186 mph or more, and introduces a new category for "higher-speed rail."

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA pilot grant program to improve recycling access, focusing specifically on underserved communities. These competitive grants will fund infrastructure projects, such as building transfer stations or expanding curbside service, using a "hub-and-spoke" model. Priority is given to projects located far from existing materials recovery facilities, with grants ranging from $\$500,000$ to $\$15$ million.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

The AADAPT Act reauthorizes the Project ECHO Grant Program and establishes new, dedicated grants to support technology-enabled collaborative training for healthcare professionals in underserved areas. These new grants specifically focus on improving the early diagnosis and quality of care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The bill outlines funding levels and reporting requirements to track the impact of these specialized training models on provider retention and patient outcomes.

This bill reauthorizes key programs under the Kay Hagan Tick Act to combat vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease through 2030. It extends funding for the national strategy and regional centers focused on these illnesses. Additionally, the legislation continues enhanced support for local health departments to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities.

This bill establishes the "NIH Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone" (IMPROVE) Act. It formally creates the IMPROVE Initiative within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance research and address health disparities in maternal health outcomes. The initiative focuses on reducing preventable maternal deaths and severe complications through targeted research and community-based interventions. Congress authorizes significant funding for this program through fiscal year 2031.

The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 aims to improve the accuracy and predictability of Medicare physician payments. The bill reforms budget neutrality calculations, mandates periodic updates to practice expense cost data, and establishes a 2.5% cap on annual conversion factor fluctuations. These measures are designed to ensure more stable reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and research support for ALS therapies through 2031. This legislation enhances grant oversight, clarifies clinical trial definitions, and mandates updated FDA action plans to improve the development of treatments for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases.