Legislation

The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and updates critical federal support programs for rural healthcare providers through fiscal year 2030. This legislation reauthorizes key Medicare payment adjustments for small and low-volume rural hospitals, ensuring their continued operation. Furthermore, it refines grant programs supporting rural health services and networks, emphasizing that funds must directly benefit and involve rural underserved populations.

This bill significantly strengthens consumer control over personal financial data by limiting what financial institutions can collect and share, and granting customers the right to opt-out, view, or delete their information at any time. It also establishes federal law as the primary authority for financial data privacy, overriding most state-level protections. Furthermore, the legislation requires regulators to consider the unique compliance challenges faced by smaller financial institutions when creating new rules.

The ACCURATE Act establishes standards for the federal government's development, validation, and use of risk assessment tools related to natural hazards in criminal justice settings. It creates a Commission on Hazard Risk Assessment Tools within the Department of Commerce to identify current tools, develop quality standards, and recommend best practices for federal agencies. Agencies must incorporate these adopted standards when procuring or using private-sector hazard risk tools, with specific reporting requirements for exceptions.

The Legacy IT Reduction Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies inventory their existing legacy information technology systems and develop comprehensive modernization plans. This legislation requires agencies to prioritize the updating, retirement, or disposal of outdated systems to improve efficiency. The Act also establishes reporting requirements to Congress and mandates a review by the Comptroller General, while explicitly excluding national security systems from its scope.

The Military VOTE Act aims to improve voting access and timeliness for military and overseas citizens. It mandates that states accept voter registration and absentee ballot applications electronically and allows voters to use a single application for multiple future elections. The bill also directs studies on improving voter registration information provided to service members upon relocation.

This bill reauthorizes and provides funding for the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs under the Public Health Service Act. It secures funding of over \$42 million annually for these essential telehealth initiatives from fiscal year 2026 through 2030.

The Small Business Tax Cut Act increases the deduction for qualified business income from 20% to 23% for eligible taxpayers. It modifies the income limitations on this deduction and expands eligibility to include certain interest dividends from business development companies. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The Kari's Law Reporting Act mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issue a public report detailing its enforcement of existing requirements for multi-line telephone systems. This report must assess manufacturer and vendor compliance with Section 721 of the Communications Act of 1934. Furthermore, the FCC is required to outline any compliance obstacles and suggest policy improvements or legislative recommendations.

The Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act of 2026 establishes a national system to map, protect, and restore critical pathways for wildlife movement across federal and nonfederal lands. It creates a scientific mapping program, designates formal wildlife corridors on federal property, and funds grants for habitat connectivity projects on private and state lands. The bill aims to reduce habitat fragmentation, improve species adaptation to climate change, and enhance public safety by mitigating wildlife-vehicle conflicts.

The Climate Change Education Act establishes a federal program, managed by NOAA, to fund climate change education for all ages through formal schooling and nonformal learning. This initiative aims to increase climate literacy, integrate solutions into education and career pathways, and ensure equitable access to climate-related knowledge. The Act authorizes significant funding to support grants for K-12, higher education, professional training, and youth corps organizations.

This resolution recognizes the 56th anniversary of Earth Day and honors its founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson. It highlights the historical impact of the first Earth Day and affirms the continued urgency of addressing current environmental challenges like climate change and pollution. The resolution also acknowledges the ongoing youth-led activism demanding environmental action.

The Active Transportation for Public Lands Act mandates that a minimum of 5% of certain federal transportation funds must be dedicated to active transportation projects. This funding supports the planning and construction of infrastructure like trails, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes for nonmotorized travel. The goal is to enhance safe access for pedestrians and cyclists to public lands and accommodations.

The Consumer Price Information Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies publish a Consumer Price Information Statement when issuing a major rule. This statement must detail the rule's potential impact on consumer prices across key sectors like energy, food, and housing. The goal is to increase transparency by ensuring the public understands how major regulations may affect household costs.

This Act establishes an independent, nonpartisan commission tasked with comprehensively assessing the risks and financial challenges posed by natural disasters across the United States. The Commission will examine issues related to insurance availability, risk reduction efforts, and the role of various government levels in disaster financing. It is required to deliver a final report with findings and recommendations to Congress within two years of enactment.

The Farmland for Farmers Act of 2026 restricts foreign and corporate ownership of U.S. agricultural land, generally limiting ownership to actively engaged natural persons or small, farmer-controlled entities. The bill mandates divestiture for current unauthorized owners and establishes a new Department of Agriculture program to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in purchasing farmland. Enforcement includes civil and criminal penalties, with states authorized to enact equally or more restrictive regulations.

This bill establishes a grant program to enhance screening, intervention, and services for pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. It also mandates a study on how various forms of violence and trauma impact maternal health risks. Finally, the legislation supports grants for innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of violence and trauma.

This bill prohibits the Export-Import Bank from providing financing to any individual or entity that has seriously delinquent federal tax debt. The Bank must verify this status using federal databases and consultation with the IRS. The President retains the authority to waive this prohibition in cases of urgent and compelling U.S. interests, provided a report is submitted to Congress.

The Prevent the Misuse of Federal Law Enforcement Act aims to restrict the scope of federal law enforcement authority across several agencies. This bill limits the Drug Enforcement Administration's duties primarily to drug-related matters and places new restrictions on the U.S. Marshals Service's ability to deputize state or local officers. Furthermore, it limits the Department of Homeland Security's ability to deploy additional law enforcement personnel during protests without local executive branch approval.

This resolution raises awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of the lake sturgeon, a long-lived, prehistoric freshwater fish facing population declines. It recognizes the ongoing threats from overfishing and habitat loss while highlighting collaborative efforts to restore healthy populations across their range. The Senate encourages continued partnership, habitat protection, and increased public education regarding this vital indicator species.

The Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2026 strengthens federal oversight of energy markets by enhancing penalties for market manipulation. This act grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the authority to prohibit individuals or entities who violate energy trading rules from participating in the buying or selling of electricity or natural gas. Furthermore, it criminalizes the willful submission of false information to federal or private price reporting agencies concerning natural gas transactions.