Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to include Parkinson's disease in the list of illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities, and for other purposes.

Firefighters who develop Parkinson's disease would be able to claim it as a work-related illness, making them eligible for federal benefits and compensation. Currently, Parkinson's is not officially recognized as a disease caused by firefighting work, even though research suggests firefighters face higher rates of the condition. This change would help firefighters and their families access medical care and financial support for a disease they may have developed on the job.

A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026.

Congress is considering blocking a new Washington D.C. law about how police departments report arrest information, which the D.C. City Council recently approved. If passed, this resolution would overturn that local law and prevent it from taking effect. The measure affects how D.C. police handle and disclose arrest data to the public.

A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Temporary Amendment Act of 2026.

Congress would reject a new Washington D.C. law that requires police to release body camera footage when officers use force against people. The D.C. Council had approved this transparency measure, but this resolution would block it from taking effect, preventing the public from easily accessing videos of police force incidents in the nation's capital. The decision would affect D.C. residents, police departments, and anyone seeking accountability for law enforcement actions in the district.

Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on (1) the impact of esophageal cancer-related health care spending under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) for federal employees and retirees diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and (2) how often FEHBP participants with a high risk of esophageal cancer undergo screenings according to established guidelines.

Medal of Sacrifice Act

Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 This bill directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice for eligible law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. The bill also directs the President to establish a commission on the medal of sacrifice and appoint its members. The bill sets forth responsibilities of the commission, including to advise on the design of the medal and determine how the medal will be presented. Under the bill, eligible law enforcement officers and first responders include federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement officers or first responders who are not subject to an official act of wrongdoing (e.g., a determination that the officer or first responder acted outside the scope of their duties or in a manner that was not in accordance with official policies or procedures). A law enforcement officer or first responder who is subject to an official act of wrongdoing is generally not eligible for the medal of sacrifice. However, in the case of such an officer or first responder, the bill requires the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer or first responder's cause of death and issue a final determination on their eligibility.

A bill to amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide for interest on escrow balances.

The proposal would require mortgage lenders and servicers to pay interest on money that homeowners place in escrow accounts—accounts where funds are held to cover future property taxes and insurance payments. Currently, lenders typically hold these escrow balances without paying any interest, meaning homeowners lose out on potential earnings from their own money. The change would benefit homeowners by allowing them to earn modest returns on funds that are held in their accounts.

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12109 New Kent Highway in New Kent, Virginia, as the "Patricia Paige Post Office".

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12109 New Kent Highway in New Kent, Virginia, as the "Patricia Paige Post Office".

OPEN Act

The bill would require immigration enforcement agencies to be more transparent about their operations and hold officers accountable for misconduct, while also protecting people's civil rights during immigration enforcement actions. It would establish new reporting requirements so the public and Congress can better understand how immigration enforcement is being conducted and whether officers are following proper procedures. The measure affects immigration enforcement personnel, immigrants, and the general public who want oversight of government agencies.

TRUST Act

The bill would establish stricter requirements for hiring and training immigration enforcement officers, including better background checks and screening procedures before they can be hired. It would also create uniform standards for how these officers dress, carry identification, and conduct themselves on the job to ensure consistency and professionalism across immigration enforcement agencies. These changes would affect the Department of Homeland Security and its immigration enforcement operations, potentially improving accountability and public trust in how immigration laws are enforced.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act

The government would create a task force to investigate and report on cyberattacks against America's critical infrastructure—like power grids, water systems, and communications networks—that are carried out by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. This effort would help federal agencies understand the scope and methods of these attacks so they can better protect essential services that millions of Americans depend on daily. The task force would need to deliver detailed findings to Congress about what's happening and how to defend against future threats.

A bill to strengthen Federal efforts to counter antisemitism in the United States and protect the Jewish community.

The bill would increase federal government resources and coordination to combat antisemitism and hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans, including funding for security improvements at Jewish institutions and community organizations. It would also establish new programs to track antisemitic incidents, educate the public about antisemitism, and work with law enforcement to prevent and prosecute hate crimes against Jewish communities.

Renewing our PACT Act of 2026

Federal employees who were exposed to toxic burn pits while working overseas would gain easier access to workers' compensation benefits and medical care under this proposal. The bill recognizes that burn pit exposure can cause serious health problems and aims to help affected civilian government workers get the support they need without having to prove their illness was directly caused by the burn pits. This would primarily benefit federal employees who served in military-related roles in countries where burn pits were used to dispose of waste.

PETSAFE Act

The federal government would be required to include plans for protecting and caring for pets and service animals during disasters and emergencies, similar to how it plans for human evacuees. This would affect disaster relief agencies, pet owners, and animal shelters by establishing standards for how companion animals are handled during evacuations and emergency response operations. The changes update existing disaster relief laws to recognize that families often won't evacuate without their pets, and that service animals need special consideration during crises.

Securing Innovation and Research from Adversaries Act

The bill would prevent U.S. government agencies from funding research projects that involve collaboration with certain foreign entities, likely targeting countries or organizations considered security risks. This would affect universities, research institutions, and scientists who receive federal grants, potentially limiting their international partnerships and research opportunities. The measure aims to protect sensitive research and national security interests while potentially slowing some collaborative scientific work.

Multigenerational Caregiving Data Act

The federal government would be required to collect detailed information about multigenerational caregiving—situations where family members care for both children and elderly or disabled relatives simultaneously—through at least one major national survey. This data would help policymakers and researchers better understand how many Americans juggle these caregiving responsibilities and what challenges they face. The information gathered could inform future policies affecting working families, seniors, and people with disabilities who rely on family care.

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 South Tremont Street in Tremonton, Utah, as the "Sorensen-Estrada Post Office".

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 South Tremont Street in Tremonton, Utah, as the "Sorensen-Estrada Post Office".

A bill to require the United States Postal Service to designate ZIP Codes for certain communities.

The Postal Service would be required to assign ZIP Codes to certain communities that currently lack them, making it easier for residents and businesses in those areas to receive mail and access postal services. This would affect people living in underserved communities who may struggle with mail delivery or conducting business without a proper ZIP Code. The bill is currently under review by the Senate committee responsible for postal operations.

Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025

Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025 This bill expands whistleblower protections for employees of federal contractors and grant recipients to include the act of refusing to obey an unlawful order and to apply these protections to members of the intelligence community and other governmental employees. Current law protects employees of federal contractors or grant recipients from a reprisal (i.e., discharge, demotion, or discrimination) for disclosing evidence to Congress or another appropriate official of certain misconduct involving federal contracts, grants, or funds. The bill expands these protections to include an employee's refusal to obey an order that would require the employee to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to any contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant. The bill also specifies that these protections apply to employees of federal contractors or grant recipients who are current or former members of the intelligence community or employees of state, local, or tribal governments. Further, the bill specifies that these protections may not be waived in a predispute arbitration agreement and renders any such agreement unenforceable. The bill specifies that an executive branch official may not request a federal contractor or grant recipient to engage in a reprisal against a protected employee, and it authorizes federal agencies to propose disciplinary action against officials that do so.

A bill to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain parcels of Federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and for other purposes.

The federal government would transfer control of certain parcels of land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia from one agency to another, allowing different management of these properties. This affects how the land is maintained and used going forward, potentially impacting local recreation, conservation, or historical preservation efforts in the area. The Senate has already approved the measure without any changes.

No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act

Federal employees and military members convicted of certain sex crimes would lose their retirement benefits and pensions if this bill becomes law. Currently, some individuals can continue receiving these payments even after conviction, but the legislation would cut off that income as a consequence of their crimes. The change would affect both civilian federal workers and military personnel who have already retired or are eligible to retire.