Betty McCollum

Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026

This bill would regulate "forever chemicals" (synthetic substances that don't break down in the environment) by establishing stricter rules on how they can be manufactured, used, and disposed of, while also holding companies accountable for contamination they cause. The legislation would affect manufacturers, water utilities, and communities dealing with contaminated drinking water and soil from these persistent chemicals. It likely aims to prevent future pollution and require cleanup of areas already affected by these hard-to-remove contaminants.

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

This bill would direct the U.S. government to investigate and report on alleged human rights violations against Palestinian children and families in areas under Israeli military control, and would condition certain U.S. military aid to Israel on improvements in how Israeli forces treat Palestinian civilians. The legislation aims to hold both Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups accountable for abuses while pushing for better protection of children and families caught in the conflict.

Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors, to Peace Corps volunteers in recognition of their service and contributions to international development and diplomacy. The medal honors volunteers who have worked abroad promoting education, health, infrastructure, and cultural exchange in developing countries. This is a ceremonial recognition of the Peace Corps' mission and the sacrifices volunteers make while serving communities worldwide.

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act This bill protects and preserves approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and waters in a specified area in the Rainy River Watershed of Superior National Forest in Minnesota from certain mining, such as sulfide-ore copper mining. (The area is upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.) Specifically, the bill withdraws those acres from entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. However, the Forest Service is authorized to permit the removal of sand, granite, iron ore, and taconite from national forest system lands within such area if the removal is not detrimental to the water quality, air quality, and health of forest habitat within the Rainy River Watershed. Land or interest in land within such area that is acquired by the United States must be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill.