Legislative Activity

The Common Cents Act mandates the end of one-cent coin production for general circulation while authorizing the Treasury to modernize the composition of five-cent coins. To facilitate this transition, the bill establishes voluntary guidelines for rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. Additionally, it requires the Federal Reserve to develop a strategic plan to ensure coin distribution stability and mandates new congressional oversight procedures for the future discontinuation of any circulating coin.

This resolution designates the first week of August 2026 as "National Community Health Center Week" to honor the vital role these centers play in providing accessible, comprehensive primary care to millions of Americans. It celebrates the 60-year legacy of community health centers and encourages the public to visit their local facilities to recognize the dedicated staff and patients who strengthen our nation's health system.

The Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026 establishes a federally funded right to legal counsel for individuals in immigration proceedings who cannot afford a lawyer. The bill creates an independent, nonprofit Office of Immigration Representation to manage and provide these legal services, ensuring high-quality defense through a national network of public and community defenders. Additionally, it mandates a sustainable funding formula tied to immigration enforcement budgets to ensure long-term access to representation.

The Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act establishes a dedicated Office of the Farm and Food System Workforce within the USDA to improve worker access to federal programs and resources. This office will coordinate across federal agencies, integrate worker perspectives through a new Advisory Committee, and provide recommendations to address the unique economic, health, and safety needs of the agricultural workforce.

The Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to support early literacy for students in need. By funding summer reading programs at school lunch sites, the bill helps eligible local educational agencies provide students with library access and expanded learning opportunities during the summer months.

The Protect American Values Act of 2026 expresses Congressional opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" rule, citing concerns over its negative impact on public health, economic stability, and immigrant families. The bill seeks to protect access to essential services by prohibiting the use of federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce the rule.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act establishes a competitive grant program to provide low-income individuals with training and support for high-demand careers in the healthcare sector. The legislation funds comprehensive career pathways, including case management, childcare, and transportation assistance, to help participants earn recognized credentials and secure well-paying jobs. Additionally, the bill mandates specific demonstration projects focused on individuals with past criminal records and maternal health professionals, such as doulas and midwives.

The Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act aims to restore independent reporting at the Department of Defense by reversing recent restrictions on credentialed journalists. The bill mandates the return of unescorted access to traditional press workspaces within the Pentagon and establishes a secure, non-political process for issuing press credentials. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to consult with Congress before implementing any future changes to press access policies.

The **PROTECT Act** establishes a comprehensive federal initiative to combat youth e-cigarette and tobacco use through expanded research, public education campaigns, and improved cessation resources. By funding state and local health efforts, the bill aims to better understand usage patterns, health impacts, and effective prevention strategies. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce nicotine addiction among young people by providing schools and healthcare providers with the tools and guidance necessary to intervene effectively.

The Voice for Farm Workers Act strengthens support for the agricultural workforce by expanding the role and resources of the Department of Agriculture’s Farmworker Coordinator. This legislation authorizes additional staffing and broadens outreach partnerships to improve research, job training, and access to federal programs through 2031. By formalizing these duties, the bill aims to enhance program effectiveness and ensure farmworkers’ needs are better integrated into national agricultural policy.

The Fairness for Farm Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure agricultural workers receive overtime pay and removes long-standing exemptions that have historically excluded them from these protections. The bill establishes a phased-in schedule for overtime eligibility based on employer size, ultimately standardizing labor rights for farm workers by 2033.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act strengthens efforts to combat fraud by significantly increasing funding for federal oversight agencies and expanding investigative authorities. The bill also enhances data-sharing capabilities across Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs while improving reporting transparency. Additionally, it mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of these anti-fraud initiatives.

The Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act of 2026 authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements to improve operational efficiency. This legislation streamlines administrative processes while ensuring congressional oversight by requiring notification to relevant committees whenever this authority is exercised.

The Audit the Pentagon Act mandates financial accountability by imposing a 2 percent funding reduction on any Department of Defense component that fails to achieve a clean audit opinion. These withheld funds are then redirected to the U.S. Treasury to be used exclusively for deficit reduction.

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the control of the invasive spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative. This legislation authorizes federal grants to develop effective tools and treatments to combat the pest while extending the program's funding authorization through 2028.

The Feeding Our Rural Kids (FORK) Act of 2026 establishes a pilot grant program to help service institutions purchase or retrofit vehicles for the delivery of summer meals to children in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. By providing up to $100,000 per grant, this initiative aims to improve food access for students who face barriers to traditional meal sites. The program includes federal oversight and technical support to ensure effective distribution and reporting over its three-year authorization period.

This resolution designates July 30, 2026, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor the historical importance of whistleblowers in protecting the public interest. It reaffirms the federal government's commitment to encouraging the reporting of waste, fraud, and abuse while recognizing the vital contributions whistleblowers make to government accountability.

The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act strengthens federal law by closing loopholes that allow abusive dating partners and individuals subject to emergency protective orders to possess firearms. The bill expands the definition of prohibited domestic abusers and establishes a federal grant program to assist state, tribal, and local governments in the safe removal and storage of firearms from those under domestic violence restraining orders. By setting a national standard, this legislation aims to reduce intimate partner homicides and enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence.

This bill mandates gender-neutral standards for all occupational specialties and assignments across the U.S. Armed Forces, prohibiting gender-based exclusions. It establishes rigorous, science-based performance requirements and increases transparency through enhanced annual reporting and congressional oversight. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Defense to provide Congress with comprehensive, unredacted reviews regarding the operational effectiveness of ground combat units.