Legislative Activity

This bill, the Assault Weapon Financing Accountability Act, prohibits the use of "Buy Now, Pay Later" loans for the purchase of semiautomatic assault weapons. It makes it illegal for lenders to issue these loans and for gun dealers to knowingly accept them for these specific firearm sales. Violations carry a significant civil penalty of $100,000 per offense.

The Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026 officially establishes its name and immediately repeals Executive Order 14399. This action cancels any existing contracts made under that order and prohibits the use of agency funds to support its related activities.

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 resolution officially recognizes the week of May 3-9, 2026, as "National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color." It highlights the disproportionate maternal health crisis faced by communities of color and the critical need for respectful, culturally competent postpartum care. The bill supports efforts to eliminate racial disparities in maternal health outcomes by improving access to necessary resources and mental health services.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. It recognizes the vital role of public school teachers and highlights their key priorities, including support for existing federal protections and funding. Furthermore, the bill encourages leaders to engage directly with teachers to ensure their expertise informs education policy.

The Caregiver Access to Resources and Emotional Support Hotline Act (CARES Hotline Act) establishes a national, 24/7, toll-free hotline for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. This hotline will provide emotional support, brief intervention, and referrals to mental health and local support resources. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with establishing and maintaining this vital service, supported by authorized funding through 2032.

The Language Access Board Act of 2026 establishes a framework to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) can meaningfully access federal programs and services. It creates a 32-member Language Access Board responsible for setting and enforcing language access standards across federal agencies. The Act mandates that federal agencies make public-facing materials accessible to LEP individuals, comparable to those provided to English speakers. Finally, the Board is empowered to investigate violations, develop corrective action plans, and report on compliance to Congress.

This Act nullifies three specific Department of State rules concerning foreign assistance, effectively treating them as if they never existed. It prohibits any federal agency from implementing or enforcing these rules, or any substantially similar future policies. The legislation aims to prevent the enforcement of rules related to "Protecting Life," "Discriminatory Equity Ideology," and "Gender Ideology" in foreign aid.

The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act aims to significantly improve the lives of direct care professionals by increasing their pay, benefits, and training opportunities through federal funding and grants. The bill establishes new labor protections, including fair scheduling, paid sick leave, and workplace violence prevention plans. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to stabilize the essential long-term care workforce to ensure better quality care for older adults and people with disabilities.

The Living Wage For All Act establishes a phased increase of the federal minimum wage, ultimately aiming to tie it to two-thirds of the national median hourly wage. It creates differentiated wage schedules, requiring large corporations to reach higher minimums sooner than other employers. Furthermore, the bill phases out subminimum wages for tipped workers and workers with disabilities, and extends federal wage protections to incarcerated workers.

The Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act aims to restore critical federal funding for early intervention services (Part C) and preschool special education programs (Section 619) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legislation recognizes that high-quality early services significantly benefit children with disabilities and their families. The bill authorizes specific increased appropriations for both Part C and Section 619 programs through fiscal year 2031.

This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from establishing or operating any new models of immigration detention facilities, such as converting warehouses or using temporary structures. It specifically bans entering into new contracts for these alternative detention setups. Furthermore, any funds already allocated for these new models must be transferred to support services like affordable housing and healthcare.

This resolution expresses support for honoring Earth Day and reaffirms Congress's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. It recognizes the historical impact of Earth Day on the modern environmental movement and calls for continued action against threats like climate change and pollution. The bill urges immediate steps to reduce emissions, address environmental injustices, and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

The Civics Learning Act of 2026 aims to combat political polarization and strengthen democracy by improving civics education nationwide. This bill amends existing law to expand a federal grant program, prioritizing funding for innovative, hands-on civics learning in high-need schools. Funds will support activities covering the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the history of the civil rights movement. The legislation authorizes $70 million for fiscal year 2027 to support these essential educational efforts.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.

The Securing the Rights our Veterans Earned Act (SERVE Act) extends eligibility for key Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to former service members who were discharged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes access to hospital care, mental health services, national cemetery burial, Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance, and housing loans. The bill also mandates the VA Secretary to conduct outreach regarding these newly available benefits.

The Post-Disaster Protection Act establishes a temporary 180-day federal moratorium on most debt collection and negative credit reporting activities for individuals in presidentially declared disaster areas. This automatic protection prevents creditors from taking actions like foreclosures, repossessions, or wage garnishments following a major disaster. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for appealing FEMA disaster assistance decisions from 60 to 90 days.

This resolution affirms that stable housing is a fundamental human right essential for all families, regardless of immigration status. It strongly condemns a proposed rule that would force families with mixed immigration status to separate or lose vital housing assistance. The bill calls for protecting families in federal housing programs and demands increased investment to address the national housing crisis.

This bill officially designates April 18, 2026, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day." It recognizes the vital contributions of linemen in maintaining critical energy infrastructure and serving as essential first responders during emergencies. The resolution expresses strong support for these brave men and women who work under dangerous conditions to keep communities safe and powered.

This bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This designation overrides other legal requirements and will remain in effect until early 2029.