Ken Calvert

Zero Tolerance for Fraudsters Act of 2026

The legislation would require judges to impose minimum prison sentences for people convicted of fraud crimes, removing their ability to give lighter sentences in individual cases. This would affect anyone charged with defrauding others through schemes like financial scams, identity theft, or false claims, potentially resulting in longer prison time than judges might otherwise assign. The bill is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee.

Fireworks for Freedom Act

During 2026, when the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, this proposal would temporarily allow fireworks displays that might otherwise violate federal and state safety regulations, while still letting local governments decide whether to permit them in their areas. The waiver would make it easier for communities to hold larger or more elaborate fireworks shows for the milestone celebration without having to follow certain standard rules. Local authorities would retain the power to restrict or ban fireworks displays if they choose to do so.

Condemning State-level energy policies that restrict domestic oil production, increase gasoline prices, and undermine American energy security and national defense.

This resolution expresses disapproval of state-level energy policies that limit oil drilling within their borders, arguing that such restrictions drive up gas prices and weaken America's energy independence and military readiness. The measure has been sent to two House committees for review and debate before any potential vote by the full Congress.

ACCESS Act of 2026.

The proposal would strengthen civil rights protections and address barriers that minority communities face in accessing services, employment, education, and public accommodations. It aims to ensure equal treatment and opportunity by expanding enforcement mechanisms and creating clearer standards for organizations that receive federal funding. The bill would affect businesses, schools, government agencies, and other institutions that serve the public.

Federal Working Animal Protection Act

Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act or the BOWOW Act This bill establishes that a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) convicted of, or who admits to having committed, an offense related to harming animals used in law enforcement is inadmissible and deportable.

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 This bill establishes an interest-bearing account for the nonfederal contributions for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, a cooperative effort between federal and nonfederal entities in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The program works to recover multiple species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Currently, the pace of funding exceeds the pace of work. The bill allows the nonfederal contributions deposited in the fund to be made available, without further appropriation, for the program in the future. However, amounts derived from interest earned on amounts in the fund are subject to the availability of appropriations.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. (The bill excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all included in other appropriations bills.) Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, the bill provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Stuck On Hold Act

Stuck On Hold Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement automated systems for their customer phone lines that inform callers of the expected wait time and that offer callbacks for wait times of more than 10 minutes. The VA must also issue guidance to reduce the average wait time to no more than 10 minutes.

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act

This legislation would settle long-standing water rights disputes for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in California by establishing their legal entitlement to a specific amount of water from local sources. The agreement would help the tribe secure reliable water supplies for their reservation and communities while clarifying water allocation among different users in the region. The settlement affects the tribe's ability to support agriculture, drinking water systems, and economic development on their lands.

HELD Act

Help Ensure Legal Detainers Act or the HELD Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds by a state or local subdivision that has in effect a law, policy, or procedure that prevents or impedes a timely response to a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for information about an alien in state or local custody, including the alien's estimated release date; or compliance with a request from ICE to hold an alien for up to 48 hours so that ICE may assume custody.

Legal Workforce Act

Legal Workforce Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify. The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents. Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-Verify. The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers. Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the system. The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different sizes and categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.

South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with: (1) the city of San Juan Capistrano, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of an advanced water treatment plant facility and recycled water system; and (2) the city of San Clemente, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to expand reclaimed water distribution, storage, and treatment facilities.

Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act

Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act - Designates a memorial that is under construction at March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California, as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial, in honor of current and former members of the armed forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.