Week of March 23, 2026
House and Senate Action
House
The House is expected to consider several measures this week, including legislation related to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and support for DHS employees amid the ongoing funding lapse. Lawmakers will also take up bills addressing the protection of U.S. property abroad.
Senate
The Senate will continue working on a major election-reform package (the SAVE America Act), as Republican leaders attempt to advance the House-passed bill despite lacking the 60 votes needed for passage. At the same time, the chamber may also consider legislation to reopen DHS as negotiations continue to resolve the ongoing funding lapse.
Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act Approved in House Committee
In a victory for special districts across the country, last week, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act. The legislation (H.R. 2766), which is sponsored by Representatives Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), cleared the committee on a strong, bipartisan vote of 32-8.
To view the committee's action on H.R. 2766, please click here. The discussion on the bill begins at the 8:15 mark.
The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act embodies NSDA's longstanding objective of codifying in federal law a first-ever, formal definition of special district. In addition to establishing such a definition, H.R. 2766 would direct the White House Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations.
Looking ahead, the legislation is expected to be considered by the full House of Representatives at some point in the near future. As of this writing, it is unclear exactly when House leaders will schedule the bill for a floor vote. In the meantime, special districts are encouraged to reach out to their House delegation members to urge them to support H.R. 2766.
Congressional Outlook
Ahead of a two-week spring recess, lawmakers have made little progress toward ending the partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has now stretched beyond a month. Negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House are ongoing, but major sticking points – especially around funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – continue to prevent a resolution. Senate leaders have warned that members may be required to remain in Washington if a deal is not reached.
At the same time, a group of Senate Republicans is exploring a potential path forward following a meeting this week with President Trump. The proposal under discussion would fund most of DHS while addressing ICE funding separately, potentially through a party-line reconciliation bill. While some lawmakers have expressed optimism that a deal may be within reach, the approach would represent a shift from the President’s earlier position tying DHS funding to the SAVE America Act, a sweeping voter identification proposal.
In other developments, the Senate voted Monday to confirm Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as the next DHS Secretary, placing him at the center of efforts to manage the department during an ongoing shutdown. The 54–45 vote largely fell along party lines, with all Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) supporting the nomination. Democratic Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) also voted in favor of Mullin's nomination.
During his confirmation hearing, Mullin emphasized the need to restore stability and confidence in DHS and called for a more streamlined and accountable leadership approach. He has indicated support for policy changes such as requiring immigration agents to obtain court-ordered warrants before entering homes or businesses (except in exigent circumstances) and reducing internal bureaucratic requirements, including eliminating the need for the secretary to personally approve grants and contracts in excess of $100,000
Beyond DHS, lawmakers are also preparing for potential debate over a large supplemental funding request tied to U.S. involvement in Iran, which could exceed $200 billion and is already facing skepticism from some members of both parties.
White House Releases AI Policy Framework
Last week, the White House released a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy framework that calls for broad federal preemption of certain state AI laws, signaling a potential shift that could limit California’s ability to regulate AI development and deployment. The proposal emphasizes a light-touch regulatory approach, opposes the creation of a new federal oversight body, and seeks to reduce liability for AI companies while promoting innovation through tools like regulatory “sandboxes” and expanded access to federal data.
The framework outlines seven priority areas for congressional action, including child safety, community and small business impacts, intellectual property, workforce development, and protections against AI-enabled fraud and deepfakes. Of particular relevance for counties, the proposal calls for streamlining permitting for data centers – potentially including on-site energy generation – which could have direct land use, zoning, and infrastructure implications at the local level.
Trump Administration Proposing New DEI Certifications for All Federal Grantees
The General Services Administration recently proposed significant changes to the System for Award Management (SAM), the federal government’s primary portal for entities seeking and managing federal funding, including grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. The system is widely used by local governments, tribes, and nonprofits.
As part of the proposal, applicants and recipients of federal financial assistance would be required to sign new certifications under penalty of criminal and civil law. The certifications reflect recent executive branch priorities, including provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as requirements tied to undocumented immigration and terrorism. Comments on the proposal are due March 30.
Relevant Hearings and Markups
House Appropriations
The panel's various subcommittees will hold a number of Member Day hearings throughout the week allowing lawmakers the opportunity to lobby for issues pertinent to their districts.
Wednesday, March 25 | 11:00 a.m. ET | The Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science Energy will hold an oversight hearing on the National Weather Service.
House Financial Service
Thursday, March 26 | 2:00 p.m. ET | The Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance will hold a hearing entitled, "Mitigation and Multiple Loss Properties: Factors Influencing the High Cost of Flooding."
House Homeland Security
Wednesday, March 25 | 10:00 a.m. ET | The panel will hold a hearing entitled, "Funding Lapse and Security Gaps: Assessing the Harmful Impacts of the DHS Shutdown on Americans."
House Natural Resources
Thursday, March 26 | 2:00 p.m. ET | The Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on several bills within its jurisdiction, including the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act (H.R. 7951). The bill would extend the maximum term of agreements between states, tribes, local governments, and the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management from 10 to 20 years, allowing for more long-term forest management and restoration projects.