Chris Van Hollen

A bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 relating to the recall and reappointment of career members.

The bill would change the rules for how the State Department can recall and rehire career diplomats and foreign service officers. It would give the government more flexibility in bringing back experienced diplomats who have left their positions, potentially allowing them to return to work without going through the full hiring process again. This affects professional diplomats and foreign service workers who represent the United States abroad.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to withdrawal of the rule relating to "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2024-05: Improper Overdraft Opt-In Practices".

Congress is considering blocking a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau decision to withdraw its guidance against banks using misleading tactics to get customers to opt into overdraft fees. If approved, this would keep the bureau's protections in place that aim to prevent banks from tricking people into paying overdraft charges they didn't knowingly agree to. The measure affects banks and their customers who use checking accounts.

ABLE MATCH (Making Able a Tool to Combat Hardship) Act

The proposal would allow the federal government to match contributions that people with disabilities make to ABLE savings accounts, similar to how some employers match retirement contributions. This would help individuals with disabilities save money for expenses like education, housing, and medical care by giving them extra funds when they contribute their own money. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Finance Committee.

A bill to clarify the use of direct deposit for contributions to ABLE programs.

The bill would allow people to set up automatic transfers from their paychecks directly into ABLE savings accounts, which are special tax-advantaged accounts designed for individuals with disabilities to save money without losing government benefits. This change would make it easier for workers with disabilities and their families to build savings by using the same direct deposit system many people already use for their regular bank accounts. The measure clarifies that employers and financial institutions can process these automatic transfers the same way they handle regular paycheck deposits.

Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026

The legislation would strengthen community schools—schools that offer students and families wraparound services like healthcare, mental health counseling, food assistance, and after-school programs all in one place. It would likely increase funding and support for schools trying to implement these comprehensive services, helping students who face barriers to learning outside the classroom. This would affect students, families, school districts, and community organizations that partner with schools to provide these services.

Millionaires Surtax Act

The bill would add an extra tax on top of regular income taxes for people earning above a certain income threshold. This additional tax would apply only to high earners and would increase the total amount of federal income tax they owe. The money collected would go to the federal government's general revenue.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sales to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.

Congress is considering blocking a planned sale of military equipment and services to the United Arab Emirates that the Trump administration had approved. If passed, this resolution would prevent the U.S. from selling these defense items to the UAE, affecting both the defense contractors who would have supplied the equipment and the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The measure is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Strengthen Social Security by Taxing Dynastic Wealth Act

This bill would increase Social Security's funding by raising taxes on wealthy individuals and large inheritances, making the wealthy pay more into the system that benefits workers and retirees. The extra revenue would help shore up Social Security's finances and potentially allow for increased benefits or lower payroll taxes for regular workers. The proposal primarily affects high-income earners and families passing down large fortunes to the next generation.

National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act

This bill would establish training programs to help workers in public transportation systems develop job skills and advance their careers. The legislation aims to support bus drivers, rail workers, and other transit employees by funding education and apprenticeship opportunities that could lead to better-paying positions in the transportation industry.

Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act

This bill would reduce federal income taxes for working Americans, though the specific details of which income levels benefit and by how much are not yet finalized since it's still in committee. The goal is to put more money back in the paychecks of employees across the country by lowering the tax burden on wages and salaries. The exact impact on different income groups and the overall cost to the federal government will depend on how lawmakers shape the proposal as it moves through Congress.

BRAVE Burma Act

This bill would establish new U.S. policies and sanctions related to Burma (Myanmar), likely aimed at pressuring the country's government on human rights and democracy issues. The legislation would affect American foreign aid, trade relationships, and diplomatic relations with Burma, while also potentially supporting Burmese pro-democracy groups and refugees. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Taiwan Allies Fund Act

This bill would create a fund to provide financial assistance and support to countries that are allies of Taiwan, helping them strengthen their economies and security. The money would be used to deepen relationships with nations that maintain ties to Taiwan and counter China's influence in the region. The bill affects U.S. foreign policy and international relations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific area.

YALI Act of 2026

I don't have enough information to write an accurate summary. The bill title "YALI Act of 2026" is an acronym, and while it's in the International Affairs policy area, I cannot determine what the acronym stands for or what specific policy changes it would make based solely on the title and subject. To provide a meaningful summary, I would need access to the bill's text or a description of its actual provisions.

Power for the People Act of 2026

Based on the title and energy focus, this bill likely aims to expand access to affordable energy or shift power generation toward renewable sources and away from fossil fuels. The specific changes would depend on the bill's details, but it could affect energy companies, utility customers, and workers in both traditional and clean energy industries by altering how electricity is produced, distributed, or priced across the country.

Moving Transit Forward Act of 2025

This bill would likely provide federal funding and support to improve public transportation systems across the country, helping cities and regions expand or upgrade buses, trains, and other transit options. The legislation would affect transit agencies, commuters who rely on public transportation, and communities looking to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. By making transit more accessible and reliable, the bill aims to help people get around without cars while supporting economic development in urban and suburban areas.

Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act

Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to remove or permanently conceal the name of Francis Newlands on the grounds of the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District of Columbia and take other specified actions. Specifically, Interior must remove the brass plaque bearing the name Senator Francis G. Newlands from the grounds of the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District; remove from the south end of the memorial fountain's face, the stone, tablet-like projection bearing the name of Francis Griffith Newlands and a related inscription; remove or permanently conceal the name Newlands carved into the upper face of the memorial fountain's coping stones; and offer the items removed to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands for a 60-day period, and if not claimed within that period, direct the removed items to be maintained by the National Park Service as federal property and accessioned into the Rock Creek Park museum collection.

Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025

This bill would establish a new national historic site dedicated to Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice, preserving and interpreting his life and legacy for visitors. The site would be managed by the National Park Service and could include his childhood home, offices, or other locations significant to his career and contributions to civil rights law. The bill affects the National Park System by adding a new protected historic property that Americans could visit to learn about Marshall's role in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education.

National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement Act

This bill would establish a national museum dedicated to the history and achievements of the blind rights movement in the United States. The museum would preserve and share stories about blind people's efforts to gain equal rights and opportunities in education, employment, and daily life. It would serve as an educational resource for the public and help recognize the contributions blind individuals have made to American society.

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney, Maryland, as the "Edward L. Ramsey Olney Post Office Building".

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney, Maryland, as the "Edward L. Ramsey Olney Post Office Building".

True Shutdown Fairness Act

This bill would change how federal workers are treated during government shutdowns by ensuring they continue to receive paychecks even when Congress fails to pass a budget. The legislation aims to protect federal employees—including those working for agencies like the FBI, TSA, and Social Security—from losing income during political disputes over government funding.

Democracy in Design Act

This bill would require federal agencies to involve the public in designing government programs and policies before they're finalized, giving citizens a voice in decisions that affect them. It aims to make government more transparent and responsive by building in opportunities for feedback from the people impacted by new rules and initiatives. The bill covers how federal agencies operate and make decisions that shape everything from environmental rules to social programs.

A joint resolution terminating the emergency determined by the President on August 11, 2025, in the Executive Order titled "Declaring a crime emergency in the District of Columbia".

Congress would vote to end a crime emergency declaration that the President announced for Washington, D.C. in August 2025, which would remove any special powers or resources the President claimed under that emergency order. This affects how federal law enforcement operates in the nation's capital and what additional authorities the President can exercise there.

Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act

This bill would change how federal programs help people with disabilities find and keep jobs in regular workplaces alongside non-disabled coworkers, rather than in separate sheltered workshops. It aims to shift funding and support toward competitive employment in the community while phasing out reliance on segregated work settings. The changes would affect people with disabilities, employers, and the agencies that run vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.

SECURE Act

Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act or the SECURE Act This bill allows qualified nationals of a country that has or had a temporary protected status designation (certain countries in which nationals experience conflict or other unsafe conditions) to obtain lawful permanent residence (sometimes referred to as a green card ). To qualify for a green card, such an individual must (1) have or had temporary protected status, (2) have qualified for such status on certain dates, or (3) have been present in the United States due to having been granted deferred enforced departure status that extended past a certain date. Furthermore, the individual must (1) have been continuously present in the United States for three years before applying for a green card or before being removed after a certain date, (2) not be inadmissible or deportable for certain reasons, and (3) pass applicable background checks. The continuous presence requirement may be waived in certain instances. Such an individual's spouse, domestic partner, child, or unmarried child may also obtain a green card under this bill upon meeting certain requirements. An individual with a pending application shall receive work authorization and be eligible for travel authorization. An individual may not be removed if the individual (1) has a pending application, or (2) is prima facie eligible for a green card under this bill and intends to apply. Information from applications may not be used or shared for immigration enforcement, with limited exceptions such as for identifying fraudulent claims.

VALID Act of 2025

The VALID Act would likely establish or modify requirements related to housing validation, verification, or standards to improve housing quality and community development. Based on its referral to the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, the bill probably affects homeowners, renters, housing developers, or lenders by setting new rules for how housing programs operate or how properties are evaluated. The specific details would determine whether it impacts mortgage lending, affordable housing programs, or housing inspection standards.

American Ownership and Resilience Act

American Ownership and Resilience Act This bill creates an investment facility to support the conversion of private businesses into employee-owned businesses. Specifically, the Department of Commerce must establish an investment facility that provides leverage to ownership investment companies (OICs) licensed by Commerce. Under the bill, OICs manage capital for the purpose of financing the sale of a private business to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) or eligible worker-owned cooperative, have the authority to borrow money and issue securities or other obligations to finance the sale, and have the full faith and credit of the United States to guarantee the payment of all such amounts. In a sale to an ESOP, an independent trustee must be appointed to obtain a fairness opinion on the investment from an independent financial advisor. New OICs may be mentored by other OICs through the Protégé OIC program established by the bill. The bill also establishes private capital requirements, third-party debt limitations, and enforcement provisions.

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025

This bill would establish a new national recreation area around the Chesapeake Bay region, protecting certain lands and waters while allowing public activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The designation would affect how federal land is managed in the area and could impact local communities, businesses, and environmental conservation efforts around the bay. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate committee responsible for public lands and natural resources.

Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act

Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act This bill expands the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to include additional bicyclist and pedestrian safety measures and increases the federal cost share for certain safety projects. Specifically, the bill allows HSIP to fund projects (1) for the connection of two or more segments of existing bicyclist or pedestrian infrastructure, or (2) that are based on a state's plan to improve the safety of vulnerable road users (e.g., bicyclists or pedestrians) in areas identified as high-risk. In addition, the bill allows an increased federal cost share of up to 100% for these projects. The bill also allows an increased federal cost share of up to 100% for transportation projects that meet certain criteria, including (1) the project includes a Federal Highway Administration Proven Safety Countermeasure for bicyclists or pedestrians (e.g., bicycle lanes, walkways, and crosswalk visibility enhancements), or (2) the relevant state strategic highway safety plan includes an emphasis area that is related to vulnerable road users.

Protect Our Probationary Employees Act

This bill would change the rules for federal employees during their first few years on the job, likely making it easier for agencies to fire or discipline probationary workers without going through lengthy appeals processes. The measure affects new federal employees across government agencies who are still in their initial employment period, potentially giving managers more flexibility to remove workers they consider underperforming. The bill has been sent to the Senate committee that oversees federal workforce and government operations.

A resolution condemning the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and officials of the Government of the Russian Federation for committing crimes against humanity and war crimes in Ukraine.

This resolution condemns the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian government and Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine.