Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late former United States Senator John Seymour of California. It recognizes his extensive public service, highlighting his career in business, local government, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow and directs that official copies of this resolution be delivered to his family.

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act establishes a competitive grant program managed by the Secretary of Education to fund long-term facility improvements at eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and similar institutions. Grants prioritize entities with the greatest facility needs, the most limited fundraising capacity, and high Pell Grant enrollment. Funds can be used for construction, modernization, repairs, and technology infrastructure, while also requiring loan forgiveness for certain prior HBCU Capital Financing Program debts.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, recognizing his significant contributions as a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow over his passing and offers condolences to his family. The resolution directs that this tribute be communicated to the House and his family, and the Senate will adjourn in his memory.

This bill ensures that veterans' disability compensation and related benefits receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The increase will match the percentage increase applied to Social Security benefits taking effect on December 1, 2026. This adjustment applies to various compensation and dependency/indemnity payments administered by the VA.

This bill combines two major components: the **Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act**, which reforms and extends key surveillance authorities like Section 702 of FISA with new privacy protections and criminal penalties for misuse, and the **Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act**, which explicitly prohibits the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the public. In essence, the legislation tightens oversight on foreign intelligence gathering while blocking the creation of a government-controlled digital currency.

This resolution commends the "Donut Dollies" for their patriotic service and steadfast support of U.S. servicemembers, particularly during the Vietnam War. It honors these American Red Cross volunteers for providing vital recreation and emotional support in combat zones. The bill recognizes their extraordinary contributions to troop morale and preserves the legacy of their courage and sacrifice.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month." The designation aims to raise public awareness about the critical importance of personal financial education. It calls upon various sectors of society to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities promoting financial well-being.

This resolution supports the designation of April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child." It recognizes the more than 1.6 million children connected to the military across the United States. The bill encourages the public to observe this month with appropriate activities to honor the commitment, struggles, and support provided by military children.

This resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress. It recognizes the deep, historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. across security, innovation, and shared democratic values. The bill reaffirms the enduring friendship and encourages deeper cooperation on strategic global issues.

This bill officially reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for an additional seven years, extending its operation until 2034. It also updates the mandatory recoupment timelines for when the government recovers insurance payments following a covered terrorist act.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

The Save Struggling Hospitals Act permanently codifies a policy to increase Medicare payments for hospitals with low wage indices. By adjusting the area wage index for these facilities, the bill aims to provide financial support to struggling hospitals while maintaining budget neutrality. These adjustments include specific protections to ensure that other hospitals do not face significant payment reductions.

The FARM Stability Act introduces a two-tier wage system for H-2A agricultural workers based on skill level to better reflect experience and training. Additionally, the bill establishes a housing credit, allowing employers to offset a portion of required cash wages based on the fair market value of provided housing.

The Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act establishes a dedicated Office of Novel Therapeutics to research, evaluate, and implement emerging mental health treatments for veterans. This office will develop national clinical standards, safety protocols, and training programs to prepare the VA for the potential adoption of innovative therapies, including FDA-reviewed psychedelic-assisted treatments. By creating a Clinical Implementation Program and designated Centers of Excellence, the bill ensures the VA is strategically prepared to provide veterans with safe, high-quality access to cutting-edge mental health care.

The Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility (EBITDA) Act repeals recent modifications to the calculation of adjusted taxable income regarding business interest deduction limits. By removing these specific constraints from the Internal Revenue Code, the bill aims to restore previous standards for how businesses determine their deductible interest expenses. This change is set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act establishes a grant program to help states expand access to structured outdoor recreation activities for veterans. By funding programs that promote physical and mental well-being, this legislation aims to reduce financial barriers and foster community through nature-based therapeutic experiences.

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 aims to improve the availability of mental health care by increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for specific services. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill raises the payment rate from 75% to 85% of the physician fee schedule. This adjustment is designed to better support providers and expand access to essential mental health treatment for Medicare beneficiaries.

This resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to honor the vital contributions of women across the agricultural industry. It celebrates the essential roles women play as producers, educators, and leaders, while encouraging the nation to support and empower the next generation of female agricultural professionals.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.