Legislative Activity

The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act of 2025 makes key changes to retirement plan rules under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. This bill increases the automatic cash-out limit for small retirement balances from $2,500 to $5,000. It also raises the annual contribution limit for Roth contributions in employer plans from $2,500 to $5,000. These changes aim to enhance emergency savings options within retirement accounts, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The MERIT Act aims to increase equity in higher education by prohibiting colleges and universities from granting preferential admissions treatment based on an applicant's family or financial ties to alumni and donors. The bill establishes new accreditation standards to ensure fair admissions practices while mandating transparency and reporting on institutional compliance. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a feasibility study on improving data collection regarding legacy and donor-based admissions.

The Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF) for Students Act establishes a comprehensive federal framework for education financing products where repayment is tied to a borrower’s future income. The bill provides tax incentives for both borrowers and providers, mandates clear and standardized disclosures for consumers, and introduces robust protections regarding payment caps and bankruptcy dischargeability. By aligning these products with federal standards, the legislation aims to increase transparency and affordability while providing a structured path for the growth of income-based education funding.

The Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 establishes a centralized "Web of Biological Data" resource, hosted by a National Laboratory, to provide researchers with unified access to federally funded biological data using advanced computational methods. This initiative includes establishing a supporting research and development program focused on data science and mandates a phased rollout with stringent cybersecurity safeguards. The Act also creates an advisory board to guide development and ensures that existing privacy and human-subject protection rules remain in effect.

The End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2026 overhauls U.S. foreign assistance policy to make ending the global tuberculosis (TB) public health emergency a primary objective. It establishes aggressive 2030 targets for reducing TB incidence and mortality rates while prioritizing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies worldwide. The Act mandates robust monitoring, reporting, and coordination efforts to ensure accountability and accelerate progress against all forms of TB until its expiration in 2033.

The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2026 aims to repeal the long-standing federal retail excise tax on new heavy trucks and trailers. This repeal is intended to lower vehicle costs, encouraging the replacement of older, more polluting trucks with modern, cleaner, and safer models. By removing this disproportionate tax burden, the Act seeks to accelerate the adoption of advanced engine technologies.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the federal deduction for interest paid on certain vehicle loans. Specifically, it adds recreational vehicles, campers, and trailers to the list of qualifying vehicles. This change will apply only to loans taken out after December 31, 2025.

The Government Bailout Prevention Act prohibits the use of federal funds to assist state and local governments that file for bankruptcy, default on obligations, or face imminent default after January 1, 2026. This restriction applies to Treasury actions and Federal Reserve support, with an exception for disaster-related aid. The bill aims to prevent federal bailouts for financially distressed state and local entities.

The Protecting Charitable Giving Act significantly increases penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of donor information from certain tax-exempt organizations, specifically targeting Schedule B information on Form 990. This legislation also mandates that the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration audit and report on any such improper disclosures. The goal is to enhance the privacy and security of charitable contributors' personal data.

The WAGES Act of 2026 establishes a new refundable tax credit for employers who invest in registered apprenticeship programs by covering a portion of qualified wages and program expenses. This legislation aims to strengthen the skilled workforce by incentivizing employer participation in proven training models. Additionally, the Act modifies tax rules to provide favorable treatment for certain apprenticeship awards given to participants.

The CREATE AI Act establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to advance U.S. AI research and workforce skills. This resource will connect eligible American researchers and educators to essential computational, data, and software resources. The National Science Foundation is tasked with establishing and overseeing the NAIRR, ensuring compliance with research security standards.

This resolution officially recognizes April 14, 2026, as "World Quantum Day" in the United States. It supports the day's goal of promoting public understanding of quantum science and technology, which are vital for future economic competitiveness and innovation. The bill encourages educational activities to engage students in STEM fields related to quantum physics.

This resolution designates April 2026 as National Safe Digging Month to promote public safety. It strongly encourages everyone planning to dig to call 811 beforehand so utility lines can be safely located and marked. This simple step helps prevent dangerous accidents, service disruptions, and property damage.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to significantly expand and strengthen the U.S. national commitment to quantum information science, engineering, and technology. This bill reauthorizes and updates the existing initiative by bolstering workforce development, enhancing interagency coordination, and securing the quantum supply chain against foreign threats. It also establishes new programs for quantum testbeds, NIST research centers, and requires a review of regulatory barriers to accelerate domestic quantum innovation.

The Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025 aims to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness by promoting foreign direct investment from trusted countries while mitigating risks from foreign countries of concern. The bill mandates an interagency review to identify barriers to investment and develop strategies to attract responsible private sector entities. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to foster innovation, create jobs, and secure critical supply chains through a strategic, security-conscious approach to global investment.

This resolution honors the life and enduring legacy of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz. It recognizes his historic coaching career, his commitment to fostering character and teamwork in student-athletes, and his significant contributions to the sport and community.

The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 improves patient care by officially recognizing doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians within the Medicaid program. Additionally, the bill streamlines Medicare documentation requirements to ensure patients with diabetes have more efficient access to essential therapeutic footwear.

The AI-Ready Bio-Data Standards Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish standardized frameworks for ensuring that federally funded biological research data is optimized for artificial intelligence applications. By creating clear definitions and data management policies, the bill aims to improve the quality and accessibility of research datasets while supporting advancements in biotechnology.

The America’s Living Library Act establishes a pilot program within the Department of the Interior to collect and sequence genetic data from species across National Parks. This initiative will create a secure, public genomic database to support scientific research and conservation efforts while ensuring all samples and data remain under U.S. control. The program prioritizes ecological diversity and provides a framework for long-term biological storage and interagency collaboration.

The IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act of 2026 removes existing restrictions that prevent individuals from making tax-free charitable distributions from their IRAs to donor-advised funds. This legislation simplifies the charitable giving process, allowing donors greater flexibility in how they support philanthropic causes through their retirement accounts.