Legislative Activity

The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, mandatory electronic employment verification system for all U.S. employers, building upon the existing E-Verify program. This legislation phases in requirements for all businesses to use the system to confirm employee work authorization, imposing significantly enhanced civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or hiring unauthorized workers. The Act also establishes an individual self-check tool and mandates federal agencies to share necessary records to ensure system accuracy and security.

The Detention Authority Clarification Act updates terminology in immigration inspection law and expands mandatory detention requirements. Specifically, it changes the term "alien seeking admission" to "applicant for admission." This change subjects applicants for admission to the same mandatory detention rules currently applied to other specified groups.

This bill, TREY's Law, declares that nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements are void and unenforceable if they prevent the disclosure of sexual abuse against a minor. The legislation aims to protect survivors' rights to report crimes and cooperate with authorities by overriding any state or private contract that suppresses information about child sexual abuse. This law applies retroactively to all existing and future agreements.

The Jewish American Security Act addresses the rising threat of antisemitism across the nation. It mandates new protections for Jewish students against discrimination in educational settings and enhances security measures for Jewish communities through grant program modifications and threat assessments. Furthermore, the Act requires large online platforms to report on their content moderation practices regarding antisemitism and mandates government reports linking online activity to real-world violence.

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 GAME Act of 2026 prohibits large digital advertising platforms from displaying targeted advertisements for sports gambling directed at minors under 18. This ban takes effect one year after enactment and will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Repeat violations may result in criminal prosecution and significant fines for the platform.

This resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of foster youth and expresses gratitude for foster parents, social workers, and advocates. Ultimately, the measure encourages Congress to implement policies that improve outcomes for children in foster care, from prevention to successful transition to adulthood.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, observed May 10–16, 2026. It honors the critical role of hospitals and their dedicated workers in providing essential care across the nation. The bill recognizes the diverse services offered by U.S. hospitals, from critical access to specialized mental health care. It encourages the public to observe the week to demonstrate appreciation for these vital community institutions.

This resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It highlights the severe, lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences and the substantial economic burden of child maltreatment. The resolution advocates for increased public awareness, education, and evidence-based programs to prevent abuse and support survivors.

The Blocking Leaks Undermining Enforcement (BLUE) Act creates new federal penalties for knowingly sharing the personal information of federal law enforcement officers with the intent to obstruct their duties or retaliate against them. This legislation expands existing prohibitions to specifically protect officers by criminalizing the disclosure of their sensitive personal details, including physical locations. The bill aims to prevent unauthorized disclosures that undermine ongoing law enforcement activities.

The **BACK OFF Act** aims to prevent "birth tourism" by making it grounds for inadmissibility and deportation for non-permanent residents who travel to the U.S. solely to give birth and secure automatic citizenship for their children. The bill establishes severe criminal penalties for facilitating this practice and mandates new medical examinations and expedited removal processes for suspected offenders. It also creates a dedicated Department of Homeland Security task force to investigate and combat birth tourism schemes.

This bill aims to improve the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by requiring telecommunications providers to transmit precise, **dispatchable location information** for all calls made to the service. It mandates the FCC to initiate an inquiry into the technical and privacy challenges of this requirement. Additionally, the GAO must report to Congress on the feasibility and implications of using geolocation technology for 988 callers.

The Baby Changing on Board Act mandates the installation of baby changing tables in restrooms on newly purchased Amtrak and federally assisted passenger rail cars. This ensures that certain public restrooms on these trains are equipped with accessible changing stations for parents and caregivers. The bill specifically targets new rail cars that have at least one non-private restroom.

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 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 resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6th to May 12th. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses across patient care, public health, and research. The bill encourages the nation to observe this week with appropriate recognition for the importance of nurses in everyday lives.

This bill, the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, raises the mandatory retirement age for commercial airline and cargo pilots from 65 to 67. It also provides an option for certain operators to allow experienced pilots to fly until age 70 under specific conditions. The legislation ensures that older pilots are subject to the same safety and medical standards as younger pilots unless the FAA determines otherwise.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly concerning minors. It mandates that companies operating these AI systems implement rigorous age verification processes for all users. Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for designing AI that solicits minors into explicit conduct or promotes violence, and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with user protection and disclosure requirements.

The Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prohibits the Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing OSHA's proposed 2024 heat safety standard. Congress finds the proposed rule too rigid, burdensome, and confusing for both businesses and workers across diverse industries. This legislation prevents the adoption of that specific, prescriptive standard or any substantially similar regulation.