Legislative Activity

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes federal minimum wage and fringe benefit standards for a wide range of service workers at small, medium, and large hub airports. By mandating that employers provide competitive compensation based on prevailing-wage methodologies, the bill aims to ensure fair pay for essential airport personnel. It also includes robust enforcement mechanisms, including monthly certification requirements and provisions for private civil actions to ensure compliance.

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.

The Medicare Cost Cap Act of 2026 establishes a new annual out-of-pocket spending limit for Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries, ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities are protected from catastrophic healthcare costs. Additionally, the bill expands access to low-income assistance programs by eliminating asset tests, raising income eligibility thresholds, and streamlining the enrollment process between Medicare and Medicaid.

The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act establishes a competitive grant program to assist states and Indian tribes in developing or improving their own firearms dealer licensing systems. To qualify for funding, jurisdictions must implement rigorous licensing requirements, including mandatory dealer inspections and clear enforcement protocols for violations. The Act also mandates annual reporting to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the effectiveness of these licensing programs.

This joint resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of the Department of Health and Human Services' rule titled "Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)." By nullifying this rule, the resolution prevents the proposed relaxation of federal child care subsidy requirements from taking effect.

The Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act strengthens protections for workers by mandating transparent pay disclosures, ensuring timely final paychecks, and increasing penalties for wage violations. The bill extends the statute of limitations for filing claims, bans forced arbitration, and establishes a grant program to support community-based efforts in preventing wage theft. These measures aim to hold employers accountable and provide workers with more robust legal tools to recover unpaid wages.

This resolution expresses support for designating **July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day**. It honors the critical and often dangerous work these individuals perform to maintain the nation's electric grid, especially during emergencies. The day also commemorates the anniversary of the first IBEW president's line-of-duty death while restoring power.

The Let Doctors Provide Reproductive Health Care Act protects health care providers and their patients from state-level interference, ensuring the legal provision of reproductive health services across state lines. The bill establishes federal legal protections, prohibits the use of federal funds for enforcement actions against providers, and creates grant programs to support legal defense and facility security. Additionally, it prevents professional liability insurers from penalizing providers for offering lawful reproductive care.

This resolution officially recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month to celebrate the history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality of the LGBTQ community. It acknowledges the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ individuals both domestically and globally. The resolution supports equal rights and treatment for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, encouraging education and celebration of the community's resilience.

The MOMMIES Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by expanding Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pregnant and postpartum individuals to a full year. The bill mandates comprehensive benefits, including oral health services, while establishing a maternity care home demonstration project to provide coordinated, person-centered care. Additionally, it increases provider reimbursement rates for primary care and directs federal studies to address coverage gaps and improve access to doula and telehealth services.

This resolution honors the 27th anniversary of the landmark *Olmstead v. L.C.* Supreme Court decision, which affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate. It strongly condemns a recent Department of Justice opinion that rejects this fundamental community integration mandate. The resolution calls for the immediate rescission of that flawed opinion and urges Congress to increase funding for home- and community-based services.

The Right to Vote Act establishes a fundamental federal right to vote and prohibits government actions that make voting more difficult or substantially impair the ability to cast a ballot. It provides a clear legal framework for citizens to challenge restrictive voting policies in federal court and ensures that any government-imposed burdens on voting must be justified by a significant, specific interest.

This joint resolution disapproves a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule that would have implemented prior authorization for certain Medicare services under the WISeR model. The rule aimed to reduce wasteful spending by requiring pre-approval for specific procedures. Due to this congressional disapproval, the CMS rule will not take effect.

The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to provide financial assistance for travel and practical support to individuals seeking abortion services. By authorizing $350 million annually, the bill helps community-based organizations cover costs such as transportation, lodging, childcare, and doula services for those traveling to access care. Additionally, the legislation includes protections to ensure these funds can be utilized regardless of restrictive state laws.

The Investor Choice Act of 2026 protects retail investors by prohibiting mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts with brokers, investment advisers, and public companies. This legislation ensures that investors retain the right to choose between arbitration and pursuing legal action in court, including the ability to participate in class action lawsuits. By voiding restrictive mandatory arbitration agreements, the bill aims to restore fair and equitable legal recourse for defrauded investors.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal student aid by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and shifting the program to mandatory funding. This bill also expands eligibility to include Dreamer students, restores Pell eligibility semesters, and reforms Satisfactory Academic Progress rules to better support students. Overall, it seeks to stabilize and increase financial support for millions of postsecondary students, particularly those with high financial need.

The Small Farm Conservation Act establishes a dedicated Small Farm EQIP subprogram to provide enhanced financial and technical conservation assistance to small-scale agricultural producers. This subprogram mandates minimum payments, offers increased incentives for soil health management on smaller farms, and reserves significant funding for tailored support. It aims to streamline the application process and ensure equitable access for historically underserved groups, including beginning and limited-resource farmers.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide up to $50 million in federal grants to support the establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. To receive these funds, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation must first secure $100 million in non-federal matching contributions. Additionally, the Act allows for the loan of federal artifacts to the library while ensuring that the facility remains under non-federal operation.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish grant programs for researching and developing next-generation firefighter turnout gear that is free of harmful PFAS chemicals. These grants will support the creation of safer protective clothing and the development of training programs for first responders on its proper use and decontamination. The ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness and injury among firefighters by advancing safer alternatives.