Legislative Activity

The Care is an Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Act mandates that regional economic development plans incorporate strategies to increase access to affordable, quality care services. By integrating child care, early childhood education, disability support, and elder care into economic planning, the bill aims to strengthen the workforce and local economies. The Secretary of Commerce will provide implementation guidance to ensure these essential services are prioritized in future development strategies.

The Polling Place Standards Act establishes federal requirements for polling place availability, mandating at least one location for every 2,000 registered voters to ensure geographic diversity and efficient access. The bill also sets specific staffing standards to maintain security and minimize wait times, while providing a grant program to help states implement these improvements. These requirements are waived for states that provide universal mail-in or drop-box voting options.

This resolution honors Danette Anthony Reed for her distinguished 50-year membership and her leadership as the 31st International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It recognizes her commitment to advancing initiatives that empower families, promote economic wealth, and advocate for social justice within local communities.

The HEIRS Act of 2025 establishes federal grant programs to help homeowners clear property titles and resolve complex estate issues associated with inherited land. By providing funding for legal assistance, title services, and housing counseling, the Act aims to help families secure their ownership rights and retain their homes. Additionally, the legislation integrates heirs property education into existing HUD-approved housing counseling services.

The Home Internet Accessibility Act mandates a comprehensive assessment of broadband infrastructure within federally assisted housing to identify gaps in connectivity and physical capacity. Following this report, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is required to develop a strategic plan to retrofit these properties for modern internet access. This legislation aims to bridge the digital divide by providing Congress with the data and actionable recommendations necessary to ensure all federally assisted housing can support reliable broadband service.

This bill, the "Expanding Access to Credit through Consumer-Permissioned Data Act," amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to require mortgage lenders to consider additional, consumer-permissioned credit information, such as rent payments, when evaluating loan applications. This aims to expand mortgage access for millions of consumers whose credit history is not fully reflected in traditional reports. Lenders must provide applicants with a notice explaining this right, and underwriting systems must be updated to process this alternative data.

The PRIDE Act of 2026 officially renames the Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion at certain federal financial agencies to the Office of Minority, Women, and LGBTQI Inclusion. This expansion explicitly incorporates LGBTQI individuals and LGBTQI-owned businesses into existing diversity, inclusion, and contracting requirements. The bill adds specific definitions for "LGBTQI" and "LGBTQI-owned business" across relevant statutes.

The REPORTS Act mandates that federal agencies analyze the potential impact of proposed major rules on individuals living in poverty and on racial inequity. It also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to periodically report on the effects of specific federal programs on these same populations. This legislation aims to ensure a thorough review of how federal actions affect vulnerable communities.

The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026 modifies federal rules to allow the use of Highway Trust Fund and surface transportation block grant funds for constructing specific types of Type II highway noise barriers. The bill also permits these barriers to incorporate secondary beneficial uses, such as hosting renewable energy or broadband infrastructure. Finally, it mandates that project sponsors consider the aesthetics of new or preserved noise barriers.

The Blood Pressure MATTERS Act mandates that health insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHIP, must cover self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices for pregnant and postpartum individuals without any out-of-pocket costs. This ensures access to vital monitoring tools for up to 12 months postpartum to help safeguard against eclampsia risk. The law requires devices to meet specific FDA and AMA validation standards.

This bill expresses Congressional disapproval of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection's rule regarding unfair returned deposited item fee assessment practices (Bulletin 2022-06). By disapproving the rule, Congress renders it without any legal force or effect.

The Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency (WISE) Act requires states receiving federal water infrastructure grants to dedicate at least 20% of those funds toward projects focused on green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency, or other innovative environmental solutions. This mandate applies as long as sufficient eligible project applications are available.

The Clean Slate through Rehabilitation Act aims to automatically expunge federal criminal records for individuals with certain nonviolent convictions who have completed their sentences and remained crime-free for five years. Additionally, the bill expands relief for student loan borrowers by requiring the removal of all adverse credit history information once a defaulted loan is resolved. This legislation seeks to remove barriers to employment and housing for eligible individuals.

The Tech to Save Moms Act establishes grant programs to improve maternal health outcomes by leveraging technology for better identification, monitoring, and response to pregnancy-related risks. It directs the Secretary of HHS to fund projects using remote monitoring, telehealth, and digital tools to reduce maternal mortality and severe morbidity, with a focus on underserved populations. The legislation also mandates studies and reports on integrating technology into maternity care and improving telehealth models for Medicaid recipients.

The OHH SNAP Act of 2026 aims to reduce food insecurity among college students by expanding eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill simplifies access for students with a $0 or less student aid index and those classified as independent, while also streamlining work requirement exemptions. These changes are designed to ensure that more students in higher education can access essential nutritional support.

This resolution designates April 11, 2026, as a "Day of Remembrance and Commitment to Maternal Health Equity" to honor the life of Kira Johnson and address the crisis of maternal mortality. It commends the organization 4Kira4Moms for its tireless advocacy in promoting systemic reform, equity, and transparency in maternal healthcare. The bill serves as a call to action to eliminate preventable pregnancy-related deaths and support the health of mothers across the United States.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 16, 2026, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day." It honors the significant historical and ongoing contributions of Black Americans across all sectors of aviation and aerospace. The bill encourages the President to issue a proclamation recognizing these pioneers and supporting greater opportunities for Black Americans in the field.

The Endometriosis CARE Act aims to improve the understanding and management of endometriosis through increased research funding and data collection at the NIH. The bill also mandates studies to identify barriers to treatment access and requires the development of public education campaigns and provider information resources. Furthermore, it calls for a comprehensive study on disparities in endometriosis prevalence, detection, and treatment outcomes.

This concurrent resolution commends state and local governments for championing reproductive rights as human rights following the overturning of *Roe v. Wade*. It declares that denying abortion care leads to severe health risks and highlights the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes across the U.S. The resolution urges states to repeal abortion restrictions and affirm that reproductive rights are fundamental human rights.

The No New Burma Funds Act mandates the continuation of the pause on World Bank disbursements and new financing commitments to the Government of Burma. This action upholds the U.S. stance against the 2021 military coup. The Secretary of the Treasury must instruct the U.S. Executive Director to maintain this position unless a national interest determination is made otherwise.