Legislative Activity

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Digital Age Assurance Act of 2026 mandates that operating system providers verify user ages and share standardized age-bracket data with apps, browsers, and websites to enforce age-appropriate access. The bill prohibits targeted advertising and data monetization directed at children under 17 while establishing strict privacy protections and data minimization requirements. Enforcement is overseen by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, with additional provisions to prevent anticompetitive practices in the digital marketplace.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

The Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026 aims to speed up broadband deployment by increasing transparency and efficiency in the permitting process. It mandates new public dashboards to track BEAD program progress and establishes tools to help states monitor federal permit acquisition for subgrantees. Furthermore, the bill requires federal agencies to better track, analyze, and report on delays in processing communications use applications. Finally, it expands eligibility for streamlined environmental review for large broadband infrastructure projects.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive legislative package designed to combat fraud, reduce government waste, and ensure the integrity of federal spending programs. The bill implements stricter oversight for child care and health care payments, permanently bars those convicted of pandemic-related fraud from future Small Business Administration assistance, and rescinds unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the national deficit. Additionally, it enhances whistleblower protections for government contractors, strengthens data-sharing to intercept improper payments, and establishes new safeguards against foreign influence and deep fake scams.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham, recognizing his decades of dedicated military service and his impactful career in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. It pays tribute to his commitment to national security, the rule of law, and the people of South Carolina. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow for his passing and extends its deepest condolences to his family.

This resolution designates May 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Month to address worsening wildfire conditions across the nation. It aims to raise public awareness about increasing wildfire threats and promote essential education on lifesaving and fire-mitigation practices. The designation encourages governments and organizations to support initiatives focused on home hardening, land management, and improved evacuation planning. Ultimately, this effort seeks to reduce human-caused ignitions and lessen the significant health and economic impacts of wildfires.

This resolution officially designates July 15, 2026, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." It seeks to raise public awareness about glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadliest form of malignant brain tumor. The bill supports increased research efforts and better treatments to improve the outlook and quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease.

This bill, the "Free to Exit Administrative Tribunals Act" (FEAT Act), allows certain parties involved in specific Department of the Interior administrative proceedings to transfer their case to a federal district court. Once transferred, the district court will review the matter *de novo*, meaning they will examine the case from the beginning without deference to the agency's prior decision. This provides an expedited path for resolution outside of the Department of the Interior's internal appeals process.

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 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 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 Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 exempts small-scale "marginal wells" from specific Clean Air Act emission standards and regulatory requirements set by the EPA. This legislation removes obligations like monitoring, reporting, and leak detection for these low-production oil and gas sites. Furthermore, it prevents the EPA from requiring states to include these standards in their air quality plans.

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.

This bill officially renames the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, to the **Barbara L. Cubin National Historic Trails Interpretive Center**. The legislation ensures all official documents and references will use the new designation moving forward.

The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026 addresses the growing shortage of general surgeons across the U.S., particularly in rural areas. The bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate current methods for designating surgical shortage areas. This study must analyze new methodologies, including one based on surgeon-to-population ratios within specific service areas, to accurately identify where general surgery access is inadequate. Ultimately, the legislation aims to establish a clear process for designating and addressing these critical general surgery shortage areas.

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.

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 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.