Frederica Wilson

This resolution designates the week of September 21 through September 27, 2026, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States to raise awareness about the dangers of highway-rail grade crossings. The measure expresses congressional support for efforts to reduce incidents, fatalities, and injuries at these crossings, particularly given that preliminary 2025 data showed 2,274 crossing incidents resulting in 285 deaths and 768 injuries. The resolution encourages Americans to participate in Rail Safety Week events and education programs, with an emphasis on the work of Operation Lifesaver and other organizations that promote safe practices around railroad tracks and crossings. The designation is part of a concurrent observation by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or regulatory requirements, serving primarily to draw public attention to rail safety education and prevention efforts.

H.R. 10475, the Protecting Our History Act of 2026, establishes protections for the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture against federal interference with its collections, exhibitions, and scholarly work. The bill prohibits federal officers from restricting, altering, or removing historically documented information about African American history and allows the museum's Board of Regents to transfer at-risk materials to partner institutions or digital archives if federal action threatens the museum's holdings. The legislation reinforces the curatorial and scholarly independence of the Smithsonian from executive interference while preserving all existing legal protections under civil rights laws and other federal statutes. The bill creates new legal remedies that allow plaintiffs to pursue claims without first going through administrative procedures, ensuring swift legal action if federal officials attempt to alter or restrict historical materials.

The Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 requires health insurance plans to cover annual glaucoma screenings for high-risk individuals at no cost to the patient starting January 1, 2027. High-risk individuals include anyone 40 or older of African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, anyone 40 or older with clinical risk factors like diabetes or family history of glaucoma, and all individuals 60 or older. The bill applies to private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal employee health plans. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award grants for free or low-cost glaucoma screenings in underserved communities during 2027-2028, and provides another $10 million for research into glaucoma treatment and prevention during the same period.

This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act to allow eligible employees to take up to 48 hours of unpaid leave per year, in increments of no more than 8 hours per 30-day period, to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school activities and educational events. The leave covers attendance at school conferences and activities sponsored by schools, Head Start programs, child care facilities, and nonprofit community organizations like sports leagues and scouting groups. Employees must provide at least seven days' notice when requesting this leave, and employers can require certification to support the request. The bill applies to both private-sector employees covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act and federal employees, and allows workers to use their accrued paid vacation, personal, or sick leave to cover the unpaid parental involvement leave if they choose or if employers require it.

The COMPASS Act amends federal special education law to require that students with individualized education programs receive a certificate of completion when they finish secondary school, regardless of whether they earn a regular diploma. Currently, students with disabilities who do not meet standard graduation requirements may leave school without any formal recognition of their achievement. The bill modifies the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require schools to include in each student's IEP a projected completion date and a statement confirming the student will receive a certificate of completion on that date. This change affects millions of students with disabilities across the country and their families, ensuring they receive formal documentation of their educational progress. The legislation does not specify new funding requirements or implementation timelines beyond the standard IEP planning process.

High School Voter Empowerment Act of 2026This bill directs states to designate public high schools as voter registration agencies and requires public high schools to conduct annual voter registration drives to register eligible students. The Department of Education must reimburse eligible public high schools for carrying out voter registration drives.

The Heritage Legacy Act directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) starting in fiscal year 2027 to fund scholarships for students who are descendants of enslaved people in the United States. Each HBCU would receive grant funding equal to the total tuition costs of all qualified students, and the schools would provide direct scholarships covering tuition for up to 12 semesters. To qualify, students must provide documentation showing that at least one-quarter of their ancestry comes from someone who was enslaved in the United States, verified through historical census records or other evidence approved by the Secretary of Education. The bill authorizes unlimited appropriations for the program, with 5 percent of annual funding reserved for verification costs and administrative expenses at the schools. The legislation also amends federal financial aid rules so that scholarships awarded under this program do not reduce students' eligibility for other federal aid.

The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 would allow certain Haitian nationals and their family members to apply for permanent legal residency in the United States. To qualify, Haitian nationals must have been continuously present in the U.S. starting June 26, 2024, and can apply within three years of the bill's enactment, while spouses and children of eligible Haitians can also apply. The legislation waives certain admissibility grounds such as health-related and character-based restrictions, though applicants with aggravated felonies or convictions involving moral turpitude remain ineligible, and immigration enforcement actions against eligible applicants would be paused during their applications. The bill also allows eligible applicants to work in the U.S. while their applications are pending, and grants them access to the same administrative and judicial review procedures available to other permanent residency applicants.

This bill allows public transit agencies to redirect a portion of federal grants for buses and bus facilities toward workforce development and training programs. Specifically, it increases the allowable percentage of funds that can be used for workforce training from 5 percent to 10 percent under certain federal transit grant programs, and expands what types of workforce development activities can be funded beyond just training related to zero-emission vehicle transitions. The legislation affects transit agencies and workers in the public transportation system who would benefit from expanded training opportunities. The bill does not specify new funding amounts but rather reallocates how existing federal transit grants can be spent, giving agencies more flexibility to invest in worker development while still purchasing buses and infrastructure. This change is intended to help transit agencies address workforce shortages and skills gaps in the transit industry.

H.R. 8068, the National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act, directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national transit workforce center and award grants to a qualified nonprofit organization to run it. The center would support recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of skilled public transit workers by developing training programs, educational materials, and providing technical assistance to transit agencies across urban, suburban, rural, and tribal areas. The center would also conduct workforce trend analysis, lead industry dialogues, and conduct outreach to raise awareness about transit career opportunities and workforce development resources. The bill requires the nonprofit operator to collaborate with the Federal Transit Administration, transit agencies, professional associations, and transit worker representatives when developing its programs and responding to industry needs. While the legislation does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines in the text provided, it aims to help transit agencies operate more efficiently and reliably while improving job quality and career pathways for frontline transit workers.

Save Our Girls from Sex Trafficking Act of 2025This bill establishes an interagency task force and authorizes various grants to combat domestic child human trafficking. Additionally, it requires the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to study and report on child human trafficking, including how and why children enter the sex trade.

H.Res. 958 is a symbolic resolution that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which created the federal framework for student financial aid including grants, loans, and work-study programs. The resolution celebrates how this landmark law expanded college access for low-income students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and historically marginalized groups, while also supporting institutions serving these populations and establishing programs like Federal TRIO, Pell Grants, and loan forgiveness for public servants. The resolution does not provide any new funding or create new programs; instead, it formally reaffirms the House's commitment to expanding higher education access for all Americans regardless of background. There are no specific timelines or budget allocations associated with this measure, as resolutions are primarily statements of congressional intent rather than binding legislation. The resolution was introduced in December 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

H.Res. 950 is a commemorative resolution marking the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a major bipartisan effort to restore Florida's Everglades ecosystem that was authorized by Congress in 2000. The resolution recognizes CERP as one of the most ambitious ecosystem restoration projects in U.S. history, designed to restore natural water flow from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay while providing flood protection and water supply benefits. The resolution highlights that restoration efforts have been sustained across five presidential administrations and multiple Florida gubernatorial administrations, demonstrating long-term bipartisan commitment to the project. The resolution notes that the Everglades provides an estimated $1 trillion in value to Florida and the nation while protecting drinking water for millions of residents and strengthening resilience against flooding and saltwater intrusion. Finally, the House resolution calls for continued federal and state investment in planning, construction, and monitoring to keep ongoing CERP projects on schedule and realize the plan's long-term goals.

The Births in Custody Reporting Act requires states to report detailed information to the Department of Justice about pregnant inmates and those who give birth while in custody in jails, prisons, and other detention facilities. States have 120 days (extendable to 240 days) from the bill's enactment to begin submitting quarterly reports containing anonymized data about the number of pregnant inmates, their demographics, whether they received timely pregnancy tests and prenatal care, pregnancy outcomes, use of restraints, and postpartum medical care. States that fail to comply may lose up to 10 percent of their federal law enforcement funding under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, with those funds redirected to compliant states. The Attorney General will publish all reports publicly and must complete a comprehensive study by 2027 examining the data to identify ways to improve treatment of pregnant and postpartum inmates and to investigate relationships between adverse pregnancy outcomes and facility management practices.

The Water Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2025 updates federal law to help protect public water systems from digital attacks by expanding the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program to fund cybersecurity training. The bill allows water utilities and communities to use federal grants to develop training programs, purchase instructional materials, and learn how to prevent and respond to cyberattacks on their systems. The legislation extends the program's funding period from 2020-2021 to 2026-2031, giving water systems a six-year window to build their cybersecurity capabilities. This bill affects public water utilities across the country, particularly smaller systems that may lack dedicated cybersecurity expertise. By strengthening the cybersecurity defenses of water infrastructure, the legislation aims to protect critical services and public health from growing digital threats.

This bill increases federal funding for water infrastructure projects serving American Indian tribes by modifying existing grant programs under federal water pollution control law. The legislation guarantees that tribes receive either 2 percent of annual water infrastructure funds or a minimum of $30 million per year—whichever is greater—and authorizes an additional $500 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2031 specifically for tribal water projects and related training programs. The bill affects federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal entities by making it easier for them to access grants without requiring them to pay matching funds, which was previously a common requirement. Up to $2 million per year can be used for training and technical assistance programs to help tribes operate and manage their water treatment systems. The legislation streamlines access to federal water infrastructure support for tribal communities that have historically faced challenges in securing adequate water and wastewater systems.

The Critical Water Supplies for Resilient Communities Act modifies the federal grant program for alternative water source projects under the Clean Water Act. The bill expands the program beyond its current pilot status to a permanent grants initiative, broadening eligibility to include projects addressing drought resilience and comprehensive water supply planning, not just treatment facilities. The legislation affects water utilities, local governments, and regional water authorities seeking federal funding for water infrastructure projects that address current or anticipated water shortages. The bill requires the EPA to submit annual reports to Congress detailing funded projects and how they meet identified water supply needs. The authorization for this program is extended through 2031, providing a longer funding timeline for states and communities to develop and implement alternative water supply solutions.

H.R. 5833 modifies federal water pollution control programs to help make wastewater and stormwater treatment more affordable for households and communities. The bill amends the Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund program to increase the amount of financial assistance (subsidies) that states can provide to help ratepayers maintain access to treatment services. Under the new rules, states can use up to 50 percent of their annual federal water grants—or their historical 10-year average of state funding contributions, whichever is greater—to provide subsidies, with a minimum requirement of 20 percent if sufficient applications exist. The bill specifically targets assistance to help lower-income households keep their water bills affordable, while clarifying that loans at zero percent interest or higher do not count as subsidies under this program. The legislation was introduced in October 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

This bill would withhold the salaries of members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President during federal government shutdowns. When a shutdown occurs, their daily pay would be placed in escrow accounts and held until the shutdown ends. The withheld amounts would be released only after the shutdown is resolved or, in some cases, at the end of the congressional term or presidential term. The bill applies immediately to the current 119th Congress and would continue for all future congresses. It includes safeguards to comply with the 27th Amendment, which prohibits varying congressional compensation during their terms, by ensuring members ultimately receive all withheld funds by the end of their term if the shutdown extends that long.

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Rail Safety Week. It also encourages the people of the United States to educate themselves and others on how to be safe around railroad tracks and grade crossings.

The Safe Temperature Act of 2025 requires federally-assisted housing units to maintain comfortable and safe indoor temperatures between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill affects three types of housing: public housing, privately-owned units receiving federal rental assistance through Section 8, and supportive housing for elderly residents. The legislation gives the Department of Housing and Urban Development the authority to enforce these temperature standards and allows the agency to use existing public housing Capital and Operating Fund money to make necessary repairs and improvements to heating and cooling systems. No new funding amounts are specified in the bill, and there are no particular implementation timelines mentioned. The measure essentially establishes a minimum housing quality standard for low-income residents living in federally-supported housing programs.

The Liberty City Rising Act reforms safety requirements for federally-funded housing in high-crime neighborhoods. The bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to identify high-crime areas within 90 days and establish specific safety and security standards within one year, with these standards applying to both traditional public housing and federally-assisted private housing. Property owners and housing agencies in these designated areas must implement security measures tailored to their specific needs—potentially including security cameras, improved locks, and enhanced lighting—and must establish anonymous hotlines for tenants to report crimes and suspicious activity. Additionally, the bill directs HUD to prioritize federal Capital Fund grants for safety and security improvements in public housing projects located in high-crime areas. The legislation aims to improve living conditions and security for families in federally-assisted housing without specifying new funding amounts.

This resolution encourages all members of Congress to conduct unannounced visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities within their states to oversee conditions and treatment of detainees. The resolution emphasizes that Congress has statutory authority under the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 to enter these facilities without advance notice, and that Department of Homeland Security funds cannot be used to prevent such visits or alter facilities before inspection. The resolution's sponsors argue that congressional oversight is particularly critical now due to recent reductions in federal oversight personnel—including the closure of offices dedicated to detention ombudsman duties, civil rights investigations, and immigration services ombudsman functions—combined with anticipated increases in detainee populations from recently enacted immigration enforcement policies. The resolution calls for members to assess reported inhumane conditions such as overcrowding and inadequate medical care, and to pursue reforms addressing these issues. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's position rather than creating law or appropriating funds.

The Strengthening Job Corps Act of 2025 reauthorizes and modernizes the federal Job Corps program, which provides training and support services to help young people and disadvantaged adults find employment. The bill expands eligibility to include individuals up to age 28 (if disabled or justice-involved), pregnant individuals, and low-income residents, while rebranding "Job Corps centers" as "Job Corps campuses." It increases operational flexibility for campus operators by allowing them to hire staff and partner with local institutions with less federal approval, while simultaneously strengthening accountability through performance-based selection criteria focused on employment and credential outcomes, mandatory behavioral management plans, and joint assessments of Civilian Conservation Centers by the Departments of Agriculture and Labor. The bill authorizes federal funding to grow from approximately $1.81 billion in fiscal year 2026 to $2.15 billion by fiscal year 2031, with $107.8 million annually dedicated to constructing and rehabilitating campus facilities. Additionally, the legislation ensures Job Corps instructional employees receive wages aligned with federal service contract standards and public education rates, with annual updates to maintain competitiveness.

Transportation Equity ActThis bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reestablish an advisory committee to provide independent advice and recommendations to DOT on transportation equity issues.The bill designates the committee as the Transportation Equity Committee and requires the committee to also evaluate the work of DOT in connecting people to economic and related forms of opportunity and carrying out its strategic, research, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and economic policy activities related to transportation and opportunity.In addition, DOT must appoint a full-time federal employee to serve as coordinator and act as the designated federal officer for the committee.