Legislative Activity

The NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a federal property right for individuals and right holders to control the use of their voice or visual likeness in unauthorized, highly realistic computer-generated digital replicas. This grants the right to authorize or prohibit such uses, both during life and for a term following death, creating civil liability for unauthorized distribution or the provision of tools primarily designed for creating such replicas. The Act includes specific liability standards, exclusions for uses like news and parody, and detailed safe harbor provisions for online services that comply with notification and removal procedures.

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits licensed healthcare providers and transplant hospitals from denying organ transplants or related services to qualified individuals solely because of a disability. This legislation mandates reasonable modifications, auxiliary aids, and consideration of a patient's support network to ensure equal access throughout the entire transplant process. Exceptions only apply if a physician determines the disability is medically significant to the transplant, or if accommodations fundamentally alter the service.

This bill authorizes government representatives and military personnel from Taiwan to display the flag and official insignia of the Republic of China while conducting official business. This permission applies to the wearing of uniforms, participation in government-hosted ceremonies, and official social media engagements.

The UNLOCK AUKUS Act streamlines defense cooperation by amending the Arms Export Control Act to remove specific regulatory barriers. This legislation facilitates the seamless transfer of defense articles and services among AUKUS partners, strengthening collaborative security efforts.

The Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2026 aims to boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and job preservation by updating foreign-trade zone operations. This legislation specifically allows certain goods manufactured or processed within these zones to enter the U.S. duty-free. It directs Customs and Border Protection to implement these new tariff rules promptly.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment collectively. This recognition honors the regiment's crucial and heroic service during the Revolutionary War, notably as one of the first integrated military units in American history. The original medal will be displayed at the Rhode Island State Library, and bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs.

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to annually assess terrorism threats posed by the use of generative artificial intelligence. These assessments, produced in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, will analyze how terrorist organizations might use generative AI for propaganda or to enhance weapon development. The findings will be shared with Congress and incorporated into information sharing with state and local fusion centers.

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly amends existing law to provide broad immunity to the firearms industry from civil lawsuits related to the criminal or unlawful use of their products. This legislation mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against the industry and establishes strict definitions and procedural hurdles for any claims attempting to use statutory exceptions. Furthermore, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on manufacturers or sellers for harms resulting from criminal misuse of firearms.

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act increases the penalty for providing a phone or voice communication device to a federal inmate from one year to two years in prison. The bill also mandates that the Director of the Bureau of Prisons review and update policies related to prohibited objects within federal prisons. This legislation aims to enhance security by specifically targeting the supply of contraband communication devices.

The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 addresses the high rates of PTSD and acute stress disorder among public safety officers and telecommunicators. This bill directs the Attorney General to study and report on options for providing state-of-the-art, confidential mental health treatment and preventative care to these essential personnel. The resulting report will outline proposed programs, necessary legislative language, and funding estimates for implementation across all levels of government.

The Promoting Police Leadership Act directs the Attorney General to develop and certify standardized leadership training curricula for command-level law enforcement personnel. This training will focus on critical areas like strategic thinking, risk management, and building community trust through evidence-based methods. The bill also requires tracking trained officers and mandates reports to Congress on implementation and effectiveness, while explicitly preserving state and local authority over their own training standards.

The **Take Care of America’s Veterans Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to significantly expand compensation, benefits, and healthcare access for veterans and their survivors. It overhauls VA claims processing to be faster and fairer, modernizes education and transition support, and strengthens caregiver resources. Ultimately, the legislation aims to deliver more timely, high-quality, and veteran-centered services across the board.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and communities that supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The Canteen was a massive, entirely volunteer-run operation that fed approximately six million service members traveling across the country. The original gold medal will be permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. The bill also allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

This resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The designation aims to increase public understanding, reduce the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress (PTS), and encourage timely treatment for affected veterans and service members. It recognizes the high risk of PTS among those who have served in recent conflicts and supports efforts to ensure those with this treatable injury receive proper care.

The CONSENT Act establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue those who knowingly transmit unsolicited intimate visual depictions, including deepfakes, across state or foreign commerce without consent. Successful plaintiffs can recover damages, attorney's fees, and obtain court orders to stop future transmissions. This civil remedy exists alongside any applicable criminal laws and must be applied in a manner consistent with First Amendment protections.

This bill, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026, significantly increases the penalties for stealing firearms from federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers. It establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for theft committed during a burglary or robbery of these businesses. Furthermore, the act clarifies that attempts to steal firearms from licensed collectors face the same enhanced penalties as successful theft.

The Pathways to a Thriving Household Act (PATH Act) permits public housing agencies and certain assisted housing owners to establish optional work requirements for tenants starting in 2027. If adopted, these requirements cannot exceed 40 hours per week and must include specific exemptions for vulnerable populations. Agencies choosing to implement these requirements must offer supportive services and establish hardship policies.

This bill, the Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026, aims to improve benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service at specific Department of Energy facilities and Nevada test sites. It establishes presumptions of toxic exposure for service at these "covered locations," easing the burden of proof for disability claims. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of a veteran registry and requires a comprehensive study on toxic exposures at these sites.

This resolution honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable Donald W. Riegle, Jr., former Senator for Michigan. It recognizes his decades in Congress, highlighting key legislative achievements such as co-sponsoring the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and leading significant banking reforms. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow and adjourns in his memory.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 establishes automatic, 14-day continuing appropriations to prevent federal operations from halting when regular funding lapses. This mechanism funds programs at the previous rate until Congress enacts a full budget or continuing resolution. The bill also imposes strict limitations on official travel and congressional business during these funding gaps. Finally, it classifies the costs of this Act as discretionary spending subject to existing budget enforcement rules.