Jennifer McClellan

The Behavioral Health Crisis Services Expansion Act of 2026 requires health insurance programs to cover crisis response services for people experiencing mental health or substance use emergencies. These services include mobile crisis response teams, crisis receiving and stabilization facilities that provide short-term observation and treatment, and urgent care centers where people can walk in without an appointment. The bill applies to Medicare, Medicaid, private health plans, TRICARE military insurance, Veterans Affairs, federal employee health insurance, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The legislation takes effect three years after enactment for most programs, giving states and insurers time to prepare. Medicare will cover eighty percent of crisis response service costs, while private insurers must treat these services the same as other medical benefits without higher out-of-pocket costs or visit limits. The bill also ensures that ambulance services can transport people in crisis to appropriate mental health facilities rather than emergency rooms when medically appropriate. No specific federal funding amount is specified in the legislation, as coverage requirements are imposed on existing programs.

This resolution formally acknowledges and apologizes for decades of discrimination and wrongful termination of LGBT individuals who served in the U.S. military, Foreign Service, and federal civil service. The measure chronicles how the federal government discriminated against hundreds of thousands of LGBT employees from the 1940s through recent years, including through the 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which forced service members to hide their sexual orientation or face discharge. The resolution also references recent executive orders issued in 2025 that rescinded protections for LGBT federal employees and contractors, and a 2025 Department of Defense policy that began separating transgender service members from the military. The House formally apologizes on behalf of the United States to affected individuals and their families, condemns discrimination against LGBT service members and federal employees, and commits to treating all employees with equal respect and fairness. The resolution notably includes a disclaimer stating it does not authorize claims against the United States or settle any existing claims.

This bill directs the National Science Foundation to establish a mentorship demonstration program that awards grants to colleges and universities to improve how faculty and researchers mentor students and early-career scientists in STEM fields. The program will support activities like training mentors in cultural competencies, researching effective mentorship methods, and implementing evidence-based mentoring practices across institutions. The bill gives priority funding consideration to minority-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, rural institutions, and emerging research universities. The legislation authorizes five million dollars annually from 2027 through 2031 to run the program and requires the NSF to report back to Congress within five years on whether the program improved mentorship quality and, if successful, develop a plan to make it permanent. Additionally, the bill requires NSF-funded institutions to improve their reporting processes for harassment, discrimination, and other forms of scientific misconduct.

The CONSENT Act establishes a federal civil right of action allowing individuals to sue anyone who knowingly sends them intimate images or deepfake sexual images without their consent. The bill applies to adults and organizations that transmit such images directly to another person through interstate or foreign commerce, though it excludes transmissions made for legitimate medical, educational, or law enforcement purposes. Victims can recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages or actual damages for emotional distress, plus attorney fees and court costs, and can obtain court orders to stop the sender from continuing the behavior. The legislation includes special privacy protections allowing minors to use initials or pseudonyms in court filings to protect their identities. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but rather provides a civil remedy separate from existing criminal laws, and it includes a First Amendment protection to ensure the law does not restrict constitutionally protected speech.

The Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act would allow Amtrak to use Federal grant funds it receives to cover the non-Federal share requirements for three major Federal grant programs: National Infrastructure Project Assistance Grants, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grants, and Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants. Currently, Amtrak typically must find separate funding sources, such as its own revenues or state contributions, to meet these matching requirements. Under this bill, Amtrak could use grants designated for one purpose to fulfill matching obligations for another grant program, as long as Amtrak is actively involved in the project beyond just providing money. The legislation applies flexibly depending on the grant type—for example, allowing Amtrak to use National Network grants to match Northeast Corridor projects and vice versa. This change would make it easier for Amtrak to secure Federal funding for rail infrastructure improvements without depleting other funding sources.

The AI-Ready Networks Act directs the Commerce Department's Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information to study how artificial intelligence can be integrated into America's telecommunications networks and publish a comprehensive report within 18 months of the bill's enactment. The report will assess international standards for AI in telecom, identify industry use cases, and provide recommendations on workforce needs, network security, transparency standards, and potential updates to 1934 telecommunications law. The legislation requires a draft report after one year with a public comment period before the final version is submitted to Congress, and it mandates consultation with federal agencies including the FCC and CISA, state and local governments, telecom companies, and academic institutions. The bill essentially creates a fact-finding and planning effort rather than establishing new regulations, aimed at helping policymakers understand how to safely and effectively deploy AI technology across the nation's telecommunications infrastructure.

This bill amends federal career and technical education law to require states to create searchable online directories listing all career and technical education programs and pathways available within the state. Each program listing would include detailed information such as the program name, location, industry focus, courses offered, credentials awarded, and connections to postsecondary institutions or employers. The directories must be searchable by school location, industry type, and credential type, and states must update them at least once per year. The bill affects high schools, community colleges, workforce agencies, and students seeking career training by making it easier for them to find and compare available education options aligned with actual job market demands. No new federal funding is specified in the legislation, as it works within existing career and technical education funding structures.

The GRAD Act (Growing Reputable Academic Departments Act) expands federal grant eligibility for graduate education programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). The bill amends the Higher Education Act to allow certain HBCUs and PBIs that offer master's degree programs—but weren't previously listed in the law—to qualify for federal grant funding. The legislation increases funding flexibility by removing specific dollar caps ($9 million for HBCUs and $2.5 million for PBIs) and allowing remaining grant funds to be distributed after other allocations are made. This change primarily affects historically underserved institutions seeking to expand their graduate education offerings and the students who attend them. The bill was introduced in February 2026 with bipartisan support and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

H.Res. 964 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 200th anniversary of the DACOR Bacon House, a historic mansion in Washington, D.C. that was completed in 1825 and has hosted numerous prominent figures throughout American history, including Supreme Court justices, presidents, and foreign dignitaries. The resolution honors the building's significant role in American diplomacy, law, and culture, and acknowledges the Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR) organization and its foundation for preserving the property as a center for cultural and diplomatic exchange. The resolution does not authorize any funding or establish new programs; instead, it formally recognizes the historical importance of the house and its contributions to American history. This measure was submitted on December 18, 2025, by Representatives McClellan, Bacon, and Beyer and has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

This resolution expresses Congress's support for continuing U.S. efforts to eliminate pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide, particularly among children and pregnant women in high-burden countries like those in Sub-Saharan Africa. The resolution highlights that while progress has been made—such as increasing the percentage of pregnant women with HIV receiving treatment from 17 percent in 2005 to 84 percent in 2024—significant gaps remain, with only 55 percent of children living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy compared to 78 percent of adults. The resolution calls for the U.S. government to strengthen its commitment through programs like PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, while supporting expanded access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment services, and new long-acting prevention drugs. No new funding is authorized by this resolution, which serves as a statement of congressional intent to maintain and enhance U.S. leadership in the global fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS.

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Prematurity Awareness Month.

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to expand eligibility for the work-study allowance program to individuals who are pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training at a rate equal to at least half of that required of a full-time student.

H.Res. 720 is a symbolic resolution expressing congressional support for designating September 2025 as "African Diaspora Heritage Month." The resolution, submitted by a bipartisan group of representatives, recognizes the significant contributions of African immigrants and people of African descent to American society, culture, and economy. It highlights that the African diaspora population in the United States has grown substantially, with African immigrants showing high educational achievement and contributing over $114 billion in spending power and $24 billion in federal taxes as of 2021. The resolution calls on federal, state, and local governments as well as civil and educational institutions to observe the month through appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities, and affirms that the African diaspora's contributions strengthen the nation. This resolution does not provide funding or create new programs—it is an expression of support intended to raise awareness and encourage recognition of African diaspora heritage and contributions.

H.R. 5327 grants federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, a tribe with documented history dating back to the 1580s that maintained tribal governance and military service despite losing control of their lands to court-appointed trustees starting in 1705. Once recognized, the tribe becomes eligible for federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized Indian tribes. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to place tribal lands into federal trust within seven Virginia counties and allows the tribe to pursue reservation status, though it explicitly prohibits gaming activities under federal Indian gaming law. This recognition restores the tribe's formal status within the federal government and provides access to resources and support programs for tribal members.

H.R. 5243 requires Medicare Advantage plans to provide detailed information about supplemental benefits they offer to seniors, beginning in 2029. Specifically, insurance companies must report data to the federal government showing which enrollees are eligible for various supplemental benefits, what types of benefits are offered, how often beneficiaries use them, and how much the plans spend on these benefits. Starting in October 2030, the government will make this data publicly available online and share it with researchers to help evaluate program performance and conduct health care studies, while protecting enrollees' privacy. The bill affects Medicare Advantage plans and the seniors who use them, giving patients and researchers better visibility into what supplemental benefits are available and how they're being utilized. The legislation has no specific new funding appropriation mentioned, as it primarily creates a reporting requirement for existing Medicare Advantage programs.

Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025This bill generally prohibits deceptive communications and voter interference regarding federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits any person, within 60 days before a federal election, from communicating, causing to be communicated, or producing for communication certain information on voting, if the person (1) knows such information to be materially false, and (2) has the intent to impede or prevent another person from voting in an election.Additionally, the bill prohibits any person, within 60 days before a federal election, from using an artificial intelligence system to produce certain information on voting, if the person has the intent to use the system to (1) produce false information, and (2) impede or prevent another person from voting in an election.The bill also prohibits hindering, interfering with, or preventing voting or registering to vote.A private right of action for preventive relief is established for persons aggrieved by violations of these prohibitions.Criminal penalties are also established for violations.If the Department of Justice (DOJ) receives a credible report that materially false information has been or is being communicated in violation of the prohibitions on deceptive communications, and state and local election officials have not adequately communicated corrected information, then DOJ must communicate to the public accurate information designed to correct the materially false information.The bill extends the prohibition on certain types of intimidation in federal elections to also prohibit intimidation for processing ballots or tabulating, canvassing, or certifying votes.

H.R. 4703 requires the Department of Homeland Security to create a standardized tracking system that records and reports every instance where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident was detained for at least 24 hours or removed during immigration enforcement operations. The bill also requires DHS to track cases where citizens under 18 were removed alongside undocumented parents or guardians. The department must report these incidents to Congress at least quarterly starting within 180 days of the bill's enactment, and must establish a process allowing detainees to submit proof of citizenship or legal status. The bill focuses on accountability for wrongful detentions and removals of individuals who have legal status or citizenship, ensuring Congress receives regular oversight data on these cases.

This resolution expresses the sense that adaptations to and protections from extreme weather conditions must be developed and deployed rapidly and equitably, with consideration for the physical and mental health needs of current and future generations of young people.

H.R. 3574 would expand what families can use 529 education savings plans to pay for by adding transportation and parking expenses to the list of qualified expenses. Currently, 529 plans allow tax-free withdrawals for tuition, fees, room and board, and books, but this bill would permit distributions for transportation costs up to the amount that the student's school includes in its official cost of attendance calculation. The change would apply to both traditional college students and those participating in apprenticeship programs. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and would apply to any distributions made after the law is enacted. This change would give families slightly more flexibility in using their 529 savings without triggering tax penalties.

The Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide loans and loan guarantees up to $200 million per year (through 2030) to help hospitals, clinics, and treatment facilities plan, construct, or renovate mental health and substance use disorder treatment centers. The bill prioritizes funding for facilities that expand psychiatric bed capacity in underserved areas, serve rural communities, or provide integrated mental health and addiction services, with at least 25 percent of funds reserved for pediatric and adolescent facilities. Borrowers must contribute at least 25 percent of project costs from non-federal sources, and loans cannot exceed 20 years in length. Any revenues generated by the loan program that exceed its costs will be deposited into a new Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Trust Fund to support community mental health block grants, creating a potential sustainable funding stream for ongoing mental health services.

The RESEARCHER Act directs the federal government to develop guidelines addressing financial hardship among graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at universities that receive federal funding. Within six months of enactment, the Office of Science and Technology Policy must create consistent policy guidelines for federal research agencies covering stipend increases, support for rural researchers, access to healthcare and housing, food security, and childcare assistance. Federal agencies then have six months to implement these guidelines and share them with grant recipients. The bill also requires data collection on researcher stipends and financial instability, with the National Science Foundation funding research institutions to gather and analyze this information disaggregated by demographics. Additionally, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will conduct a two-year study comparing researcher stipends to local living costs, and the Government Accountability Office will assess agency implementation within three years. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy must report to Congress annually on progress, with updates every five years thereafter.

H.R. 2532 would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using federal funds to carry out mass employee removals. Specifically, the bill blocks any removal action—whether through layoffs, reorganizations, or other agency actions—that would eliminate 3 percent or more of HHS's total workforce within a 60-day period, or 3 percent or more of employees at any individual HHS sub-agency or division within the same timeframe. The measure affects all HHS employees across the department and its operating divisions, and it takes effect immediately by preventing federal funding from being spent on such removals. The bill was introduced in April 2025 and referred to multiple House committees including Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources. No specific funding amount is allocated in the bill, as it works by restricting how existing HHS funds can be spent rather than appropriating new money.

The Celestial Time Standardization Act requires NASA to develop a new timekeeping system for operations on the Moon and other celestial bodies beyond Earth. Current timekeeping systems designed for Earth encounter problems when used in space due to relativistic effects, so NASA must lead an effort to create a "coordinated lunar time" that would allow different spacecraft, equipment, and international partners to coordinate seamlessly. The bill tasks NASA with consulting other federal agencies, private companies, academic institutions, and international standards bodies to develop this system, ensuring it can be traced back to standard Earth time, supports precise navigation, can operate independently if contact with Earth is lost, and can eventually extend to other deep space environments. Within two years of the bill's enactment, NASA must brief Congress on its strategy for implementing this lunar time system, including necessary timelines and resources.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 409 South Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia, as the "James Solomon Russell Post Office".

The Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act requires the Pentagon to request updates to its water pollution permits within one year of the bill's passage to address contamination from PFAS chemicals (forever chemicals used in firefighting foam and other military applications). The bill mandates that the Department of Defense monitor PFAS discharges at its facilities at least four times per year and implement pollution control measures to reduce these harmful chemicals from entering waterways. The legislation also requires that at least 1 percent of annual federal funding dedicated to PFAS remediation be spent specifically on testing for these chemicals in stormwater runoff at military bases. This bipartisan bill affects all Department of Defense facilities nationwide and addresses growing concerns about PFAS contamination at military installations, which has become a significant environmental and public health issue in communities near military bases.