Legislative Activity

The COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude specific supplementary payments made under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act from being counted as income for SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations. This change aims to ensure these payments do not negatively impact a household's federal nutrition assistance. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2027.

The Global Climate Resilience Act of 2025 establishes programs to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change impacts. It authorizes the reduction of U.S. debt owed by eligible, climate-vulnerable countries, provided the savings are reinvested in resilience activities. Furthermore, the Act directs the U.S. to advocate within international financial institutions for debt restructuring and the creation of an automatic climate insurance program through the World Bank.

The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 overhauls the process for closing nuclear power facilities by mandating increased public and state consultation for decommissioning plans and license transfers. It establishes new grant programs to fund local community advisory boards and provides direct financial assistance to communities dealing with stranded waste and economic disruption. Furthermore, the bill creates dedicated economic recovery accounts funded by plant operators to support long-term development in host communities.

This resolution congratulates the Vermont Green Football Club on winning the 2025 United Soccer League Two National Championship. It recognizes their undefeated season, the historic achievement of securing a second consecutive national title for a Vermont soccer team, and their commitment to community values. The resolution officially commends the players, coaches, and staff for their success.

This bill mandates the use of ranked choice voting for all federal elections, including those for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, starting in 2030. It establishes specific rules for ballot design, vote tabulation, and prohibits separate runoff elections. The legislation also provides federal funding to states to assist with the implementation costs.

This resolution honors the extraordinary life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. It recognizes her groundbreaking scientific contributions to primatology and her tireless global advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental education. The resolution pays tribute to her dedication to protecting chimpanzees and inspiring humanity to live in greater harmony with the natural world.

This resolution strongly condemns the pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, detailing his extensive involvement in a major drug-trafficking conspiracy. It outlines how Hernández used his presidential power to facilitate the smuggling of hundreds of tons of cocaine into the U.S. while protecting criminal associates. The resolution asserts that the pardon undermines the rule of law and damages U.S. credibility in combating international drug trafficking.

This resolution condemns the anti-Palestinian hatred demonstrated by the November 25, 2023, shooting in Burlington, Vermont, which targeted students for wearing a Palestinian scarf and speaking Arabic. It expresses concern over the rising threats and violence against Palestinian communities linked to anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hatred during the Gaza conflict. The resolution affirms that no one in the U.S. should face violence due to their identity and condemns hateful language targeting Palestinians.

The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act aims to update and index the Social Security lump sum death payment. This bill sets the fixed payment amount at \$2,900, effective January 1, 2026.

This bill establishes a $2,000 tax credit for individuals providing substantial care to qualifying older relatives in their home. It also creates a HUD grant program to fund the construction or renovation of housing specifically designed to support multigenerational living arrangements. The grants aim to facilitate the creation of accessory dwelling units and accessible renovations.

The Farm to School Act of 2025 significantly revises and expands the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program to strengthen connections between local food producers and eligible institutions. This legislation updates definitions, increases funding authorization, and prioritizes grants for projects that incorporate experiential learning and serve high-need populations. It also aims to improve local food procurement by funding innovative distribution and processing solutions while addressing regulatory barriers.

The Fair Credit for Farmers Act of 2025 aims to provide financial relief and reform loan processes for farmers and ranchers. It mandates a two-year deferment of principal and interest payments on direct farm loans for eligible borrowers, while also waiving guarantee fees for covered producers on certain loans. Furthermore, the bill introduces significant reforms to farm loan administration, including stricter requirements for adverse decision letters and limitations on using a principal residence as loan collateral. Finally, it shifts the burden of proof in certain appeals to the agency for low-income appellants.

This bill extends the temporary enhanced premium tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code for two additional years, through 2027. It also adjusts related provisions for taxpayers exceeding 400% of the poverty line. Additionally, the bill extends the open enrollment period for the 2026 plan year until January 15, 2026.

This resolution congratulates the people of North Macedonia on their 34th anniversary of independence and celebrates 30 years of diplomatic relations with the United States. It recognizes North Macedonia as a key ally committed to Euro-Atlantic integration and commends its role as a security partner, particularly in supporting Ukraine. The resolution honors the strong bond of friendship and shared democratic values between the two nations.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress supporting the designation of the week of October 24-31, 2025, as "Bat Week." It recognizes the vital ecological and economic importance of bats, particularly in pest control and pollination. Furthermore, the resolution acknowledges the severe threat posed by white-nose syndrome and supports ongoing federal efforts to monitor and combat this devastating fungal disease impacting bat populations.

The FARM Act ensures that owners and independent repair providers have fair and reasonable access to the necessary documentation, parts, software, and tools required to diagnose, maintain, and repair farm equipment. This legislation mandates that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provide this access, including necessary data, while explicitly protecting OEM trade secrets. Violations of these requirements will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and subject OEMs to specific civil penalties.

The No Big Blockbuster Bailouts Act amends the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program to adjust the treatment of certain orphan drugs. Specifically, it raises the negotiation threshold for drugs exclusively treating rare diseases from \$200 million to \$400 million. These changes will apply to initial price applicability years beginning on or after January 1, 2028.

This resolution formally condemns the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitic hatred experienced by Jewish communities in the United States. It reaffirms the commitment to protecting the rights of all people to practice their faith peacefully without fear of violence or intimidation. Furthermore, the resolution specifically denounces hateful language that unfairly links all Jewish people to the actions of the Israeli government.

The Energizing Our Communities Act establishes the Community Economic Development Transmission Fund to provide direct financial benefits to local communities hosting major new electric power transmission projects. This Fund is capitalized by a portion of the interest collected from related federal transmission loans. Host communities will receive a one-time payment to be used for local infrastructure, public services, and dedicated conservation or recreation efforts.

The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025 establishes a new pilot program to provide specialized development loans for beginning farmers and ranchers. These loans, capped at \$100,000 with low interest rates, are specifically designed to fund long-term investments in essential business infrastructure and capacity. Borrowers will also be required to participate in comprehensive farm and ranch management training.