Legislative Activity

This Act establishes the **Build America, Buy America Compliance Act** to reinforce existing "Buy America" laws for federally funded infrastructure projects. It emphasizes that these projects must use materials and products made in the United States to support domestic jobs and supply chains. Furthermore, it mandates regular, detailed reporting from federal agencies on their compliance efforts and the reduction of broad waivers to these domestic content requirements.

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 **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive bill aimed at reducing government waste, preventing fraud, and increasing financial transparency across federal programs. It targets improper payments in areas like child care and Medicare, permanently bars pandemic relief fraudsters from future SBA aid, and cancels unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the deficit. Additionally, the Act strengthens oversight of welfare programs, enhances fraud enforcement timelines, and expands whistleblower protections for federal contractors.

This bill prohibits federal family planning funds under Title X from being provided to any entity that performs, promotes, or refers for abortion. Entities receiving funds must certify they will not perform abortions or give funds to organizations that do, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing grant recipients and any abortions performed under the exceptions.

The MATCH Act mandates the U.S. government to work with allies to align export controls on critical semiconductor manufacturing equipment to prevent adversaries from accessing foundational technology. It requires identifying key equipment and facilities, prioritizing diplomatic engagement with allies to adopt similar controls, and imposing U.S. unilateral controls if diplomatic efforts fail. Ultimately, the bill aims to secure the U.S. advantage in advanced computing by closing gaps in the current export control system.

The VA Appraisal Modernization Act aims to improve the efficiency of the VA home loan process by establishing a standardized, annually adjusted base appraisal fee. The bill mandates higher compensation and mileage reimbursement for appraisers working in high-demand or remote areas to address current staffing shortages. Additionally, it requires the VA to study and report on the impact of these changes to ensure program effectiveness and oversight.

This Act establishes new requirements for distributors of highly pathogenic agents to maintain detailed electronic sales logs to enhance public health security. It also mandates a federal evaluation of high-containment laboratories to assess national biosafety and biosecurity risks. The legislation aims to centralize oversight and create standards for dangerous pathogen handling and storage.

The Main Street Depositor Protection Act establishes a new federal insurance program for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts at community banks and credit unions. This legislation provides coverage for these accounts up to $5 million, separate from standard deposit insurance limits, to enhance financial stability for businesses and individuals. Small institutions are granted a 10-year exemption from special assessments to support this transition.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act of 2026 increases the annual stipend for books, supplies, and equipment for veterans utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Additionally, the bill mandates that these stipend amounts be adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation, ensuring educational support remains consistent with rising costs.

This resolution honors the memory, service, and ultimate sacrifice of six Air Force service members who lost their lives in a 2026 KC-135 Stratotanker accident during Operation Epic Fury. It expresses the Senate’s deepest condolences to the families of the fallen and recognizes their bravery in service to the United States.

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.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans, such as ramps and specialized seating, must be included in the Department of Veterans Affairs' definition of medical services. This ensures veterans receive necessary support for safe transportation related to service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veteran pension payments from late 2031 to September 30, 2032.

This resolution honors the life and enduring legacy of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz. It recognizes his historic coaching career, his commitment to fostering character and teamwork in student-athletes, and his significant contributions to the sport and community.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

The Home School Graduation Recognition Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to formally recognize home school graduates as high school graduates for federal education purposes. This legislation ensures that students completing secondary education in state-recognized home school settings are treated equitably under federal law.

This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.

The FUTURES Act of 2026 establishes a joint initiative between the U.S. and Israeli defense departments to accelerate and expand cooperation on defense technology research, development, and industrial integration. This program focuses on rapidly incorporating jointly developed and Israeli-origin technologies into U.S. military systems across critical domains like AI, counter-drone systems, and directed energy. The Act authorizes funding for these efforts and mandates regular reporting to Congress on progress and technology transition.

This bill formally integrates Therapeutic and Diagnostic Medical Physicists into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. It establishes specific qualification requirements, including board certification, and incorporates these roles into the VA's established pay and personnel administration structures. The legislation also mandates a report assessing the impact of pay adjustments for these specialized physicists.

This resolution congratulates the Indiana University Hoosiers football team for winning the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. It celebrates their historic, undefeated 16-0 season and recognizes the outstanding achievements of the players and coaching staff. Official copies of this recognition will be presented to key university and team leadership.