Legislative Activity

This bill, the Great American Outdoors Act 250, significantly reforms and renames the existing public lands restoration fund to the America’s Legacy Restoration Fund. It secures dedicated funding streams, primarily from energy revenues and new fees on foreign visitors, to address critical deferred maintenance across the National Park Service, Forest Service, and other public land agencies. The legislation establishes strict spending priorities for infrastructure repair while also creating pilot programs for enhancing outdoor recreation and sportsmen's access. Finally, it mandates increased transparency and accountability through standardized metrics and public reporting on all funded projects.

The Federal Workforce Reproductive Rights Protection Act restricts federal agencies from relocating operations to states with restrictive abortion laws. It also provides federal employees with travel allowances and administrative leave to access out-of-state reproductive healthcare services. Furthermore, the bill prohibits using reproductive health decisions as a factor in security clearance determinations or other personnel actions.

The Stop Scamming Americans Act mandates the State Department to develop specialized training for diplomatic staff stationed in countries with high levels of online scams targeting Americans. This training will focus on understanding transnational scam syndicates, associated human trafficking, and foreign government involvement. The goal is to equip diplomats with the tools to identify, prevent, and respond to these criminal activities.

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal student aid by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and funding it through mandatory appropriations. This bill also expands eligibility to include Dreamer students, restores Pell Grant eligibility for students with certain scholarships, and reforms Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules to make regaining aid easier after academic setbacks. These changes are designed to stabilize and expand access to postsecondary education for millions of students.

The Voting Systems Protection Act establishes strict federal oversight for the seizure of election materials, requiring state officials to monitor the handling of any federally seized voting equipment or records under a court warrant. It imposes severe criminal penalties on federal officials who tamper with or destroy these materials and prohibits federal seizure of election materials during a restricted 240-day window surrounding federal elections, except in narrowly defined emergency circumstances. Furthermore, the bill mandates that federal agencies provide 48 hours advance notice to state and congressional officials before conducting any seizure.

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.

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 Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 aims to redirect funding by eliminating federal tax incentives for private school scholarships. Specifically, it repeals the tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and removes the income exclusion for certain scholarship amounts received. These changes are set to take effect starting in 2027.

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.

This act establishes the Diplomatic Reserve Corps Pilot Program within the State Department to create a surge workforce for supporting U.S. diplomatic operations during crises. The program will recruit retired Foreign Service members to provide temporary assistance during emergencies like conflicts or disasters. After three years, the Secretary of State will submit a final evaluation recommending whether to establish a permanent corps.

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 "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 **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.

The Celiac Safety Act of 2026 amends federal law to officially classify gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, and barley) as a major food allergen. This change mandates that foods containing these grains must be clearly labeled as such, similar to existing major allergens like peanuts or milk. This new labeling requirement will take effect 18 months after the Act's enactment.

This act establishes a preference for using American-made mass timber and innovative wood products in federal public building projects. It mandates that these materials must be sourced from U.S. facilities and responsibly managed forests. Furthermore, the bill requires a lifecycle assessment to measure the climate impact of these new wood-based federal buildings.

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.