This episode of Congress in Context dives into the procedural efficiency of February 19, 2026, a day when the Senate conducted a pro forma session lasting only 41 seconds. With Senator Marsha Blackburn presiding as Acting President pro tempore—following an appointment by Chuck Grassley—the meeting satisfied formal requirements while the House of Representatives remained out of session. The episode also sets the stage for upcoming legislative business on February 23rd, highlighting Senator Kaine’s scheduled delivery of Washington’s Farewell Address and a pivotal cloture vote on the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. 7147).

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 19, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 7147 – Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act: The Senate is scheduled to vote on a motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the consideration of this bill on Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m..

This episode of Congress in Context explores the brief pro forma sessions held on February 17, 2026, as the 119th Congress navigated the President's Day holiday weekend. While the House and Senate were in session for only minutes, the day's record is rich with legislative intent, including the introduction of 13 new public bills and two resolutions covering diverse issues from firearm safety education to the termination of global tariff emergencies. The episode also highlights the intersection of faith and governance through the Chaplain’s prayer for President Trump and the nation’s leadership, as well as the significant space dedicated to Black History Month. From the 100th anniversary of the George Washington Carver Museum in Arizona to the recognition of distinguished community leaders in Central Florida, we examine how the Congressional Record serves as a vital archive for national and local heritage even when floor debate is absent.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 17, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 1028: Modifies eligibility requirements for amateur sports governing organizations.

• H.R. 7396: Establishes an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration.

• H.R. 7588: Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to require attestation of information during the consumer complaint submission process.

• H.R. 7589: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to continue the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program.

• H.R. 7590: Promotes State requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions in school sports.

• H.R. 7591: Requires local educational agencies to distribute guidance regarding firearm safety to students and parents.

• H.R. 7592: Requires certain agencies to impose extendable sunset dates on regulations.

• H.R. 7593: Authorizes reimbursement for motor vehicle rentals for uniformed service members traveling for certain training or muster duties.

• H.R. 7594: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude post-graduation scholarship grants from gross income.

• H.R. 7595: Directs a study on the number of residential and public housing units located within one mile of a superfund site.

• H.R. 7596: Directs a study to identify options to improve housing for the elderly or disabled.

• H.R. 7597: Requires HUD to identify significant regulatory barriers to affordable housing in its annual report.

• H.R. 7598: Provides for the refund of VA housing loan fees for veterans with pending disability claims.

• H.R. 7599: Authorizes the issuance of extreme risk protection orders.

• H.R. 7600: Modifies pay and benefit negotiation procedures for USPS supervisory and managerial personnel.

• H.J. Res. 150: A joint resolution to terminate the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs.

• H. Res. 1067: Provides for consideration of a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

In this episode of Congress in Context, we examine the proceedings of the 119th Congress during its brief pro forma sessions on February 13, 2026. While the House and Senate met only momentarily, the sources reveal a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity, including the introduction of twenty-one public bills addressing agricultural reforms (H.R. 7567), geothermal energy (H.R. 7568), and a resolution to censure former President Donald Trump. The episode also dives into the heated debate over the SAVE America Act (S. 1383), highlighting Representative Betty McCollum’s concerns regarding federal voter roll seizures and potential barriers for women voters. Finally, we highlight the personal side of the "Extensions of Remarks," where members honored local legends like Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor on its 70th anniversary and celebrated the life-long contributions of masonry educator Yarbrough Williams, Jr..

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 13, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 7567: Reform and continuation of Department of Agriculture programs through 2031.

• H.R. 7568: Establishing requirements for geothermal energy production.

• H.R. 7569: Increasing penalties for health care fraud.

• H.R. 7570: Tax-exempt advance refunding bonds for public schools.

• H.R. 7571: Sustainability of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program.

• H.R. 7572: Civil rights protection against vigilante checkpoints.

• H.R. 7573: Adjusted SSI allowances for institutionalized individuals.

• H.R. 7574: Reorganization of the DHS Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach Office.

• H.R. 7575: Prohibiting political influence on government attorney prosecutions.

• H.R. 7576: Tax credit for workforce artificial intelligence training.

• H.R. 7577: Minimum wage and tax deductions for tipped workers.

• H.R. 7578: Wildfire risk reduction through forest management.

• H.R. 7579: Grant assistance for low-capacity rural communities.

• H.R. 7580: Prohibition of "nutritionally deficient" foods in SNAP.

• H.R. 7581: Medicare demonstration for kidney donor facilitator training.

• H.R. 7582: Capital gains tax exclusion for automobiles.

• H.R. 7583: Prevention of workplace discrimination and harassment.

• H.R. 7584: Tax credit for multigenerational housing.

• H.R. 7585: Support for workers in industries impacted by technology.

• H.R. 7586: Restrictions on federally financed single-family home sales.

• H.R. 7587: Modification of the BARD Fund.

• S. 1383 (SAVE America Act): A bill regarding federal voter roll management and citizenship proof.

• H.J. Res. 142: Disapproving D.C. income and franchise tax revisions.

This episode of Congress in Context explores a day of legislative momentum and deep division, headlined by the House's passage of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (H.R. 2189) to modernize firearms laws for less-than-lethal devices. While the House moved forward, the Senate grappled with a funding deadlock for the Department of Homeland Security, with members clashing over ICE accountability, the withdrawal of agents from Minneapolis, and the potential impact of a shutdown on critical agencies like FEMA and the TSA. The program also delves into the cultural and historical debates of the session, featuring impassioned floor speeches regarding Black History Month and "stolen legacies" alongside the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory. Through these diverse proceedings, the episode captures a Congress wrestling with the delicate balance between public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the preservation of constitutional rights.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 12, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills Passed or Receiving Final Action

• H.R. 2189 — Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act: Passed the House (233–185). It modernizes firearms laws to exempt less-than-lethal projectile devices (such as newer taser models) from certain firearm classifications and excise taxes.

• H.J. Res. 142: Passed the Senate (49–47). This resolution disapproves of the District of Columbia Council's temporary amendment act regarding income and franchise taxes.

• H.R. 5616 — $2.50 for America’s 250th Act: Passed the House; technical changes were made to its final text. It authorizes the minting of numismatic coins.

• S. 3705: Signed by the Speaker and President pro tempore. This act provides for a congressional time capsule for the United States sesquicentennial.

Bills Considered but Not Passed

• H.R. 7147 — Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026: A motion to invoke cloture (end debate) failed in the Senate (52–47), as it did not reach the required three-fifths majority.

Notable Introductions (Among 86+ New Bills)

• H.R. 7521: A bill to lift the trade embargo on Cuba.

• H.R. 7531 / S. 3869 — Healthy Families Act: Legislation to allow Americans to earn paid sick time.

• S. 3863 — Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026: A bill to terminate the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate.

• S. 3877 — Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2026: A bill to address the training needs of workers likely to be impacted by automation.

Resolutions Agreed To

• S. Res. 610: Congratulating the Seattle Seahawks for winning Super Bowl LX.

• S. Res. 611: Authorizing the "Bipawtisan Doggi Gras Pawrade" in the Hart Senate Office Building.

On February 11, 2026, the House and Senate grappled with high-stakes legislative action and fundamental constitutional challenges. The House passed the SAVE America Act, sparking an intense debate over whether requiring proof of citizenship and photo IDs restores trust in elections or acts as a tool for voter suppression. Economic policy also took center stage as the House voted to terminate the national emergency justifying tariffs on Canada—weighing the "tax on American families" against the need for pressure to stop fentanyl trafficking—and passed the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act to reduce reliance on nations like China. Across the Capitol, the Senate addressed the "frightening" failed attempt by the Department of Justice to indict six Democratic lawmakers for their speech, while also debating a resolution to override D.C.’s local tax laws, which critics warned would blow a $600 million hole in the District's budget. With a Department of Homeland Security shutdown looming on Friday, leaders warned of significant risks to the Coast Guard and airport security if negotiations do not mature quickly.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 11, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Legislation Passed by the House

• S. 1383: Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act – Requires proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for federal elections,,.

• H.R. 3617: Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act – Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to protect essential energy resource supply chains,,.

• H.R. 261: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 – Prohibits duplicative permit requirements for fiber optic cables in marine sanctuaries,,.

• H.J. Res. 72 – Terminates the national emergency declared in February 2025 used to justify tariffs on Canada,.

• S. 3705 – Provides for a congressional time capsule in honor of the U.S. semiquincentennial.

• H. Con. Res. 72 – Authorizes use of Emancipation Hall for a Holocaust remembrance ceremony.

Legislation Considered in the Senate

• H.J. Res. 142: Disapproving D.C.’s Local Tax Law – A resolution to override District of Columbia tax code changes; the motion to proceed was agreed to,.

• H.R. 7147: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 – Ongoing debate regarding funding for the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA,.

Notable Resolutions and Introduced Bills

• S. Res. 605 – Denounces statements regarding the "nationalization" of elections (introduced and blocked),,.

• S. Res. 606 – Condemns the Government of Iran for suppressing peaceful assembly.

• H.R. 7506 – Imposes sanctions on foreign persons dealing in Russian crude oil.

• H.R. 7482 – Authorizes prize competitions for Lyme disease innovation.

• H.R. 7490 – Facilitates U.S. Marshals' assistance in Tribal criminal matters.

In this episode of Congress in Context, the House and Senate grapple with procedural gridlock and deep partisan divides over economic policy and federal oversight. The House session is defined by the defeat of a procedural rule for several bills—including the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act—as members engage in a heated debate over a "gag" preventing a vote on President Trump’s tariffs. In the Senate, tensions flare over Department of Homeland Security funding, with Democrats demanding "guardrails" on ICE conduct while Republicans argue such measures would compromise community safety. The day's proceedings also include the confirmation of Daniel Burrows as Assistant Attorney General and a sobering address on the fragility of democracy inspired by the sentencing of journalist Jimmy Lai. Beyond these conflicts, the record highlights tributes to local community leaders and athletic achievements, illustrating the constant interplay between high-stakes national politics and local representation.

Does the focus on procedural tactics—like the debate over "gag rules" in the House or "sensitive locations" in the Senate—strike you as an effective way to govern, or do you think these maneuvers further distance Congress from the everyday concerns of their constituents?

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 10, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 7147: The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, which provides funding for agencies like ICE, the Coast Guard, and FEMA.

• H.R. 2189: The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, designed to modernize firearms laws by reclassifying less-than-lethal weapons like tasers.

• H.R. 261: The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, which aims to protect global internet infrastructure by streamlining the permitting process for fiber optic cables.

• H.R. 3617: The Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, intended to secure domestic supplies of minerals essential for defense and energy.

• S. 3815: Virginia’s Law, which seeks to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil actions relating to certain sexual abuse and trafficking crimes.

• H.R. 7471: A bill to provide for increases in the Federal minimum wage.

• S.J. Res. 95: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of an IRS rule relating to the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax for partnerships.

• H.R. 7480: A bill to increase the rates of pay for certain Federal employees by 4.1 percent.

• H.R. 6500: A bill to extend duty-free treatment for certain imports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

• H.R. 7469: A bill to authorize the use of SNAP benefits for online grocery purchases.

• S. 3813: A bill requiring notice for copyrighted works used in building generative artificial intelligence models.

This episode of Congress in Context explores a high-stakes legislative day dominated by the passage of the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a major bipartisan effort to tackle the national housing crisis by streamlining approvals and empowering community banks. As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, the House also authorized the creation of a Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule and the minting of commemorative $2.50 coins to honor the American experiment. These celebratory milestones contrast with intense friction in the Senate, where leaders remain deadlocked over Department of Homeland Security funding and the SAVE America Act, reflecting deep partisan divides over immigration enforcement and election integrity. Additionally, the session reinforces U.S. foreign policy through the PROTECT Taiwan Act and the BRAVE Burma Act, underscoring a legislative agenda that balances domestic infrastructure with global stability.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 9, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

S. 3705: Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

• H.R. 5616: $2.50 for America’s 250th Act

• H.R. 6644: Housing for the 21st Century Act

• H.R. 3682: FSOC Improvement Act

• H.R. 3390: Discount Window Modernization Act

• H.R. 1531: PROTECT Taiwan Act

• H.R. 3190: BRAVE Burma Act

• H.R. 7147: Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026

• S. 1383: SAVE America Act

• H.R. 2189: Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act

• H.R. 261: Undersea Cable Protection Act

• H.R. 3617: Critical Minerals Supply Act

• S. 3424: Bankruptcy Trustee Compensation Act

• H.R. 1834: Policy Gridlock Breakthrough Act

• H.R. 6500: African Growth and Opportunity Act Extension

• S. 3805: Immigration Law Enforcement Obstruction Act

• H.R. 2294: Ocean Observation System Reauthorization

• H.R. 5077: CDBG Affordable Housing Construction Act

• H.R. 6774: FHA Small-Dollar Mortgage Pilot Act

• H.R. 6773: Unused Land Database Publication Act

• H.R. 4544: CDFIs and MDIs Formation Act

• H.R. 4551: Employee Paycheck and Small Business Protection Act

• (Unnumbered): No Funds for Forced Labor Act

• (Unnumbered): Working Families Tax Cut Act

In this episode of Congress in Context, we analyze the high-stakes legislative session of February 5, 2026, which was dominated by a deepening standoff over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding as Majority Leader Thune and Minority Leader Schumer clashed over ICE’s enforcement tactics and the potential for a "travel disaster" if the TSA lapses. The Senate also saw the contentious confirmations of judicial nominees Brian Charles Lea and Justin R. Olson, the latter sparking intense debate over his involvement in litigation regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports. Listeners will hear about the escalating legal battle for transparency regarding the Epstein files, including a Democratic resolution to sue the administration for failing to release millions of documents and for redacting the names of co-conspirators while exposing victims' identities. The program further explores national security alarms over the export of advanced AI chips to the UAE following a secret crypto deal, Senator Grassley’s push to renew the USMCA to protect American agriculture, and Senator Cornyn’s urgent warning about the New World screwworm parasite threatening the $11 billion Texas cattle industry. Finally, we review new House legislation, including proposed social media age limits and digital right-to-repair requirements.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 5, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

H.R. 7386: Reauthorizes the First Responder Network Authority.

H.R. 7391: Ensures Federally qualified health centers pay no more than the 340B ceiling price for outpatient drugs.

H.R. 7392: Imposes a hiring freeze on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

H.R. 7394: Establishes a Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program.

H.R. 7396: Creates an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration.

H.R. 7399: Bans social media access for users under 13 and limits personalized recommendations for those under 17.

H.R. 7404: Requires digital equipment manufacturers to provide repair information to independent providers.

H.R. 7411: Expands the Department of Veterans Affairs tele-screening mammography pilot program.

H.R. 7412: Establishes an Office of Whistleblower Awards within the Small Business Administration.

S. 3782: Creates a civil remedy for individuals harmed by sanctuary jurisdiction policies.

S. 3784: Promotes accounting career awareness within STEM education (Accounting STEM Pursuit Act).

S. 3788: Requires drug labels to list the original manufacturer and supply chain details.

S. 3793: Caps consumer credit interest at 36 percent APR to combat predatory lending.

S. 3796: Establishes an Ohio River Basin Restoration Program.

S. 3797: Prohibits the sale of tianeptine and similar dangerous products marketed as supplements.

S. 3800: Requires cloud-based platforms to modernize environmental reviews and authorizations.

S. 3801: Strengthens anti-money-laundering prohibitions and enforcement.