Legislative Activity

The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act establishes regional joint boards to study and identify best practices for electric load forecasting to improve grid reliability and affordability. It then mandates that electric utilities incorporate these best practices into their forecasting methods through an amendment to PURPA. Finally, the bill requires states to update their energy conservation plans to include procedures for improving load forecasting accuracy and transparency.

The Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act directs the Secretary of Energy to assess how artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing can enhance the capacity and efficiency of the bulk-power system. This assessment will identify current uses, potential benefits, and existing barriers to adopting these advanced technologies. The resulting report will include recommendations for overcoming these barriers to promote grid modernization.

The Advanced Transmission Technology to Reduce Rates Act aims to lower electricity costs by promoting the deployment of advanced transmission technology. It directs the Department of Energy to establish a public clearinghouse and provide technical assistance for this technology. Additionally, the bill establishes voluntary best practices for electric utilities to mitigate wildfire risks associated with bulk-power system equipment.

The ABLE MATCH Act aims to reduce poverty among individuals with disabilities by incentivizing the use of tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts. The bill establishes a federal matching program that provides refundable tax credits for contributions made by low-to-moderate-income account holders. Additionally, the legislation supports outreach efforts through state grants and improves demographic reporting to better track and encourage account participation.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It calls attention to the systemic racial and gender-based barriers contributing to this disparity and reaffirms a commitment to achieving true pay equity.

The NIH IMPROVE Act directs the National Institutes of Health to continue and expand research aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths and severe pregnancy-related complications. By prioritizing health equity and community-based interventions, the initiative seeks to address the biological and behavioral factors contributing to maternal health disparities across the United States. The bill authorizes $63.4 million in annual funding from 2026 through 2030 to support these critical research efforts.

This bill reauthorizes and expands federal programs dedicated to the prevention, surveillance, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) through 2030. It enhances data collection efforts to better identify high-risk populations and improves state-level grant programs for TBI support services. Additionally, the legislation mandates new research and reporting to better understand the long-term health effects of traumatic brain injuries.

The AADAPT Act expands access to specialized dementia care by authorizing grants for public and nonprofit health centers to integrate these services into their programs. Additionally, the bill extends federal funding authorization through 2031 to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of these critical health outcomes.

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding and support for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory through 2031. This legislation modernizes the management of cord blood supplies by prioritizing clinical utility, genetic diversity, and the use of the latest scientific standards. By streamlining inventory operations, the bill ensures that life-saving transplant resources remain accessible and effective for patients in need.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization extends federal funding and support for vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates national strategy requirements and enhances the capacity of regional centers and health departments to identify, prevent, and respond to tick-borne and other vector-borne illnesses.

The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 directs the FDA to update federal regulations by replacing references to "animal testing" with the broader term "nonclinical tests." This update ensures regulatory consistency with modern testing standards and includes a technical correction to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act of 2026 streamlines the rehiring process for qualified former career Foreign Service members who were involuntarily separated due to reductions in force between 2025 and 2030. This legislation allows the Secretary of State to reappoint these individuals without requiring them to repeat standard written or oral examinations.

The Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act establishes stricter oversight and transparency requirements for significant staff reductions across major U.S. foreign affairs agencies. The bill mandates congressional notification for large-scale layoffs, updates retention procedures for Foreign Service members, and ensures advance notice for personnel changes. These measures aim to protect the stability and effectiveness of the nation’s diplomatic and international development workforce.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Ratepayer Justice and Commercial Power Accountability Act establishes a federal framework to hold utility companies, executives, and lobbyists accountable for corruption and misconduct that inflates energy costs. The bill creates a Ratepayer Justice Fund to provide direct financial relief to overcharged customers and support community restoration grants. Additionally, it mandates rigorous oversight of utility operations and ensures that those responsible for financial harm are held liable for restitution.

The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to partnerships that develop pre-apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. This initiative aims to increase career opportunities for underrepresented populations, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals from low-income or rural communities. By funding training and curriculum development, the bill helps participants gain the necessary skills to successfully transition into registered apprenticeship programs.

The Improving Travel for American Families Act authorizes a two-year TSA pilot program designed to expedite security screening for families traveling with children aged twelve and under. The program prioritizes high-traffic airports with the necessary infrastructure to improve efficiency while maintaining rigorous security standards.

The Improving Travel for Military Members Act authorizes the TSA to launch a three-year pilot program designed to provide active-duty military personnel and their families with expedited airport security screening. The program prioritizes airports near major military installations while maintaining strict adherence to existing security and vetting protocols. TSA officials are required to report on the program's effectiveness to Congress following its implementation.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building." All official federal references to this location will be updated to reflect this new name.

This resolution designates July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the essential, high-risk work performed by these skilled professionals. It pays tribute to the lineworkers who provide critical service during emergencies and recognizes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.