Grace Meng

This is a resolution expressing support for what lawmakers call a "Mom Economy" that would invest in policies to support working mothers. The resolution acknowledges persistent disparities affecting mothers in the workforce, including that mothers have significantly lower labor force participation than fathers, earn less than men, and disproportionately bear unpaid caregiving responsibilities while also contributing to family income. The resolution calls for Congress to prioritize investments in paid family and medical leave for all workers, universal childcare and early learning programs with higher wages for childcare workers, expanded child nutrition assistance, permanent expansion of the child tax credit, improved maternal health care, and an increase to the federal minimum wage. It also recommends passing legislation to protect LGBTQ+ mothers and reduce wage discrimination. As a resolution, this measure expresses the sense of the House but does not directly authorize spending or create new law, and no specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are included in the text.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the United States Postal Service issuing a commemorative postage stamp honoring Lewis Howard Latimer to mark the 178th anniversary of his birth in 2026. Latimer was an African American scientist and inventor born in 1848 to formerly enslaved parents who made significant contributions to technological advancement, including improving the carbon filament for light bulbs and inventing an early air conditioning unit. He worked closely with inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison and was the only African American among the charter members of the Edison Pioneers group. The resolution asks the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend that the Postmaster General issue such a stamp. This is a nonbinding expression of the House's position that does not require any appropriated funds, as stamp issuance decisions are made by the Postal Service and the advisory committee based on the historical and cultural significance of the proposed honoree.

The Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026 authorizes the Bureau of Prisons to provide free postage stamps to incarcerated people who cannot afford them and wish to send mail. The program must begin within six months of the law's enactment and applies to all types of mail, including correspondence related to legal proceedings and administrative appeals. To prevent misuse, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons can limit stamps to no more than five per inmate per week, and these stamps cannot be saved beyond the week they are provided, though legal mail is exempted from this restriction. The stamps will be limited to first-class domestic postage for one-ounce letters. The bill requires funding to be provided through annual congressional appropriations, meaning there is no dedicated funding amount specified and the program's scope depends on what Congress allocates each year.

This bill authorizes the federal government to award five-year grants to states to improve early childhood educators' qualifications, pay, and professional development. The grants would help fund scholarships for educators pursuing bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, support for educators to obtain relevant credentials, increased compensation during education and upon completion, and ongoing professional development training. States receiving grants must develop comprehensive professional development systems in collaboration with local stakeholders including higher education institutions, child care agencies, and educator organizations, with particular focus on supporting low-income educators, rural areas, and dual language learners. The legislation requires that grant funds supplement rather than replace existing state and local funding for educator programs. Funding would be available as appropriated for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, with states able to renew their grants after the initial five-year period if they meet program requirements and demonstrate satisfactory outcomes.

The Military Family Limb Loss Support Act directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a new support program beginning in fiscal year 2028 to help military families dealing with limb loss or limb differences. The program will provide peer mentoring, education about limb loss care, community reintegration support, and other services to eligible beneficiaries, which include dependents of active duty, retired, and reserve military members, as well as others covered under military health care. The Defense Department can partner with experienced nonprofit organizations and other groups to deliver these services in virtual or in-person formats. The Secretary must submit an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment that outlines how organizations will be selected, estimated costs and staffing needs, and performance metrics for evaluating the program's success. The department will also be required to submit annual reports for four years describing how many people were served, what services were provided, any geographic gaps in coverage, and recommendations for improving support for affected military families.

This bill amends federal food assistance law to help people whose SNAP benefits are stolen through identity theft or card skimming. It requires the federal Department of Agriculture to create rules allowing states to replace stolen benefits for affected households, while minimizing the burden on victims to prove the theft occurred. The legislation also directs the department to report to Congress on the prevalence of stolen benefits and examine whether upgrading to more secure electronic benefit transfer cards with embedded microchips could reduce fraud. Additionally, the bill offers states 90 percent federal funding to cover administrative costs of transitioning from magnetic-stripe EBT cards to chip-enabled cards through September 30, 2031, provided they submit an approved transition plan that ensures uninterrupted access to benefits during the changeover. States must include education and outreach efforts in their plans and follow a specific technical standard for the new chip cards.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Charles Bernard Rangel, a longtime congressman from New York who passed away in May 2025 at age 94. Rangel served 46 years in the House of Representatives representing Harlem starting in 1971, becoming a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee. The resolution particularly celebrates his military service during the Korean War, when as a young soldier he heroically led 40 troops to safety during the Battle of Kunu-ri in 1950 while wounded, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Throughout his congressional career, Rangel championed the U.S.-South Korea alliance and authored legislation recognizing Korean War veterans, work that earned him the Korea Society's highest award in 2020. The resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to honoring Korean War veterans and strengthening the U.S.-South Korea partnership.

This bill establishes a federal grant program through the Attorney General to fund community-based organizations working to prevent and address hate crimes. The legislation authorizes $30 million per year from 2027 through 2031 for eligible nonprofit organizations that are embedded in or led by communities targeted by hate crimes. Grant funds can support various initiatives including conflict resolution programs, diversion programs for juvenile offenders, victim support services, community education campaigns about hate crimes, safety ambassador programs, and de-escalation training. The bill defines eligible community-based organizations as nonprofits with demonstrated effectiveness that serve communities affected by hate crimes and provide educational, public health, and social services. Additionally, the legislation removes a grant amount limit from an existing federal program that supports criminal investigations and prosecutions.

This resolution recognizes the significant impact that stigma around menstruation has on women, girls, and menstruating people, and formally designates May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month." The resolution acknowledges that menstrual stigma and lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and health education can limit educational opportunities, employment, and overall well-being for an estimated 500 million people globally who lack adequate resources for menstrual hygiene management. The bill emphasizes that improving menstrual health is tied to broader goals of gender equity, human dignity, and public health, and calls for expanded clinical research on menstrual health conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. There is no funding mechanism or timeline associated with this resolution, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than a spending bill. The resolution was introduced by a bipartisan group of House members and referred to the Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce committees.

This resolution recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

This bill would overturn three recent State Department rules that restrict certain types of foreign aid. Specifically, it targets rules related to abortion and reproductive health services, diversity and equity initiatives, and gender-related programs in U.S. foreign assistance. The legislation would prohibit federal agencies from implementing, enforcing, or creating successor versions of these rules, and would treat the rules as if they never went into effect. The bill was introduced in April 2026 by Representative Meng and five co-sponsors and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. No specific funding or implementation timeline is included in the text.

This bill allows certain immigrants awaiting deportation decisions to complete required check-ins with immigration authorities through video conference instead of appearing in person. Specifically, it applies to immigrants who have been released from detention while their removal cases are pending and who are required to periodically report to immigration officers or case managers. The change is made through an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act, giving the Department of Homeland Security authority to permit these virtual appearances. The bill does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines. This option could reduce travel burdens on immigrants and potentially lower enforcement costs, though it maintains the existing check-in requirement itself.

H.Res. 1116 is a commemorative resolution marking the fifth anniversary of the March 16, 2021, shootings in the Atlanta area, where eight people were killed at Asian-owned spas. The resolution honors the victims and condemns the violence while highlighting the broader problem of anti-Asian hate crimes and xenophobic rhetoric that have surged in recent years. The resolution calls on the federal government to strengthen hate crime reporting infrastructure, restore and expand Department of Justice programs that combat hate crimes, support mental health services for affected communities, and promote education about Asian American history and anti-bias practices in schools. It also emphasizes that anti-Asian hate crimes remain nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic levels and notes that xenophobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric targeting Asian communities continues to fuel real-world violence and discrimination. This resolution does not authorize new funding but expresses the House's commitment to addressing anti-Asian hate and protecting civil rights.

H.Res. 1061 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2026, which falls on the Year of the Horse. The resolution acknowledges that Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, Seollal, or Tết depending on the country, has been celebrated for over 4,000 years and is observed by millions of Asian Americans and people worldwide through community gatherings and cultural performances. The resolution expresses respect for Asian Americans and all individuals celebrating this holiday, which traditionally emphasizes family reunions and wishes for good fortune, health, prosperity, and happiness. There is no funding attached to this resolution, as it is a non-binding statement of Congressional recognition rather than legislation that establishes programs or allocates resources. The resolution was introduced on February 12, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R. 7439 establishes uniform standards for when federal law enforcement officers can use deadly force, limiting it to situations where the officer reasonably believes force is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others. The bill specifically prohibits using deadly force solely to stop a fleeing suspect, disable a moving vehicle, or prevent harm to property or self-harm, and adds strict conditions for firing at moving vehicles—such as only when someone in the vehicle is actively threatening with deadly force or when the driver poses an imminent threat with no other defensive options available. The legislation requires federal officers to give verbal warnings before using deadly force when it is practical to do so without increasing danger, and bans warning shots except in federal prisons. The bill also directs the Attorney General to develop training programs for federal law enforcement officers on alternative tactics and methods to use in situations where deadly force is prohibited. This requirement applies to all federal law enforcement officers as defined under federal law, including immigration officers.

The Language Access for All Act of 2026 requires federal agencies to ensure that people with limited English proficiency can meaningfully access government services and programs within one year of enactment. Agencies must translate vital documents into frequently encountered and dominant U.S. languages, provide interpreters and translation services, add multilingual features to websites and digital systems, and train staff on language access policies. The bill affects millions of limited-English-proficient individuals seeking federal services across all agencies, and it establishes a public complaint system managed by the Attorney General where people can report language access barriers, with agencies required to respond within 60 days. Each agency must designate a Language Access Coordinator, develop and publish a detailed language access plan for public comment, and establish technical standards to measure progress, while the Attorney General will maintain a public database of all plans and complaints. The legislation also restricts agencies from fully replacing human translators and interpreters with artificial intelligence or machine translation without human verification, and requires biennial audits of AI language systems for accuracy and fairness, though it does not specify dedicated funding amounts or authorization levels.

This bill directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a national certification program that recognizes employers as "family-friendly" workplaces. To qualify for certification, employers must offer a comprehensive package of benefits including at least 12 weeks of paid family leave annually, paid sick days separate from other time off, childcare subsidies, flexible work arrangements, remote work options for caregiving needs, lactation support, and assistance with fertility or adoption services. The certification program applies to employers covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is intended to incentivize companies to adopt policies that help workers balance job duties with family responsibilities. The bill does not specify implementation timelines but authorizes whatever funding is necessary for the Department of Labor to establish and operate the certification program.

H.R. 6212, the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act, protects companies, manufacturers, and nonprofit organizations from lawsuits when they donate menstrual products to charities for distribution to people in need. The bill shields donors from civil and criminal liability related to the age, condition, or packaging of donated products, as long as they're apparently usable and meet quality standards set by federal, state, and local laws. The protections apply to donations made in good faith and cover items like pads, tampons, cups, and period underwear. However, the liability protections do not apply if a donor or nonprofit acts with gross negligence or intentional misconduct that causes injury or death. The legislation has no specific funding or timeline requirements and aims to encourage businesses and individuals to donate menstrual products rather than discarding them.

The Pray Safe Act of 2025 directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Federal Clearinghouse on Safety and Security Best Practices for nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship within 270 days of enactment. The clearinghouse will serve as a centralized online resource providing evidence-based safety recommendations (such as facility hardening, emergency planning, and threat prevention strategies), training materials, and information about federal grant programs available to these organizations. The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate with the Attorney General, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and other agencies to develop tiered best practices based on strong research evidence, and mandates notification of the clearinghouse's existence to state officials, federal agencies, and law enforcement entities. The legislation also requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate federal grants and resources dedicated to nonprofit and faith-based organization security. The clearinghouse will be staffed with at least one designated point of contact to help organizations navigate grants and implement safety measures, and the entire initiative expires four years after enactment.

The Quiet Communities Act of 2025 would reestablish the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which has been unfunded since 1982. The office would work to reduce noise pollution from aircraft, traffic, and other sources by providing technical assistance and grants to states and cities, conducting research on noise's health effects, establishing regional assistance centers, and developing educational programs. The bill is aimed at reducing hearing loss, sleep disruption, cardiovascular problems, and workplace productivity losses caused by chronic noise exposure affecting millions of Americans. The legislation authorizes $25 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and requires the EPA to complete a study on aircraft noise and its impacts within two years, with recommendations for new mitigation measures.

The Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act would prohibit the use of nine specific synthetic food dyes—including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Blue No. 1, and several others—as well as titanium dioxide and any substantially similar additives in food products sold in the United States. The ban would take effect on January 1, 2027, and would classify any food containing these color additives as adulterated and unsafe under federal food and drug law, effectively removing these dyes from the market. This legislation would affect food manufacturers, who would need to reformulate products currently using these dyes, and consumers who would see changes to the coloring of many processed foods including candies, cereals, beverages, and other colored food products. The bill does not specify funding amounts or establish an implementation grant program, focusing instead on regulatory change through the FDA's existing authority. The 18-month timeline before the ban takes effect would give manufacturers time to identify alternative colorings and reformulate their products.

The Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act would prohibit nine specific synthetic food dyes plus titanium dioxide from being used in U.S. food products, effective January 1, 2027. These banned dyes include common color additives like Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Blue No. 1, and others currently approved by the FDA. Once the law takes effect, any food containing these dyes would be classified as "adulterated" and illegal to sell, affecting manufacturers of processed foods, beverages, and candy that rely on these colorings. The bill also covers any additives substantially similar to the listed dyes. The legislation does not specify funding amounts or appropriations, but gives food manufacturers approximately 16 months from the bill's introduction to reformulate their products with alternative colorings or face removal from store shelves.

H.R. 4343 requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive report within 120 days detailing the military and security relationship between the United States and Greece. The report must cover existing basing rights under the 2021 Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, U.S. military investments at Greek bases including Alexandroupolis and Souda Bay, future investment needs, and potential for expanding American military presence on Greek territory and islands. The bill reflects Congress's view that Greece's strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean is vital for NATO operations, regional stability, and countering geopolitical threats, and seeks to ensure the defense partnership continues to evolve to meet current security challenges. The report will be submitted to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and will assess implementation of previous defense cooperation agreements between the two nations.

The ICE Badge Visibility Act of 2025 requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and agents to visibly display their badge numbers on their person whenever they question, arrest, or detain someone. The bill amends existing immigration law to establish this identification requirement, affecting all ICE officers and agents who interact with the public in enforcement actions. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability by making it easier for individuals to identify which ICE officer is detaining or questioning them. No specific funding or implementation timeline is included in the bill text provided.

H.Res. 525 is a congressional resolution affirming the United States' commitment to combating sexual violence in armed conflicts around the world. The resolution acknowledges that conflict-related sexual violence—including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage—is a widespread war crime that primarily affects women and girls but also impacts men, boys, and vulnerable populations, with verified cases increasing 50 percent between reports and actual incidents vastly underreported due to stigma and lack of services. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to ensure accountability for perpetrators through justice mechanisms in peace agreements, support survivors with necessary healthcare and protection services, and guarantee meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or implementation timeline, as it expresses Congress's position rather than establishing new law or programs. The resolution was submitted in June 2025 in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.