Legislative Activity

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of the National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve area in Washington, D.C. This legislation provides the necessary site-specific authorization to ensure the monument can be established in this prominent location.

The Guidance Out Of Darkness (GOOD) Act increases government transparency by requiring federal agencies to publish all active guidance documents in a single, centralized, and publicly accessible online location. This legislation ensures that policies, memoranda, and other informal agency directives are easily searchable and clearly marked if rescinded. By streamlining access to these documents, the Act helps the public better understand the regulatory interpretations that affect them.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 strengthens immigration enforcement by shifting primary detention and custody authority from the Attorney General to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The bill establishes stricter standards for the detention of noncitizens during removal proceedings and expands the government's authority to hold individuals with final removal orders. Additionally, it limits administrative and judicial review of custody determinations to ensure more consistent enforcement of immigration laws.

The Use Sovereignty To reduce Rx (USTRx) Act aims to combat foreign pharmaceutical price controls that exploit U.S.-funded innovation. The bill establishes a new Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator position to advocate for fair market access and requires the U.S. Trade Representative to annually report on and develop response plans for high-income countries that engage in unfair drug pricing practices.

The K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026 amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to authorize the use of federal grant funds for artificial intelligence education. This legislation enables states and school districts to invest in AI-focused student curricula and professional development for educators. All funded initiatives must prioritize the safe, effective, and responsible use of AI technologies in the classroom.

The Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to establish clear, biological definitions for the terms "sex," "female," and "male." These definitions are intended to provide legal clarity for educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance. The act takes effect immediately upon being signed into law.

This resolution honors the vital contributions of small firearm manufacturers to the U.S. economy, domestic innovation, and the preservation of recreational shooting traditions. It recognizes these businesses as essential drivers of job creation and community engagement. Additionally, the resolution officially designates August 2026 as "National Shooting Sports Month."

The National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act grants the Secretary of the Interior the authority to extend certain existing National Park System leases without adhering to standard regulatory procedures. This exception applies only if the original lease is at least five years old, the lessee is in compliance, and the extension is deemed beneficial for park management. The Secretary must update the relevant regulations within 90 days to reflect this new authority.

This bill reauthorizes the Action for Dental Health program, increasing its annual funding to $15 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The legislation aims to address critical dental workforce needs and improve access to oral healthcare services.

This bill, the "Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act," overhauls the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) hurricane hunter program. It mandates NOAA to acquire and maintain a dedicated fleet of 6 to 9 aircraft for essential hurricane reconnaissance and research missions. The legislation ensures the continuous collection and real-time sharing of critical weather data while authorizing significant funding for aircraft acquisition through fiscal year 2031.

The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

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 Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the entry of foreign nationals traveling to the United States primarily to secure U.S. citizenship for their children through birth. The bill authorizes immigration officials to deny admission or initiate deportation proceedings against individuals determined to be engaging in this practice.

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 Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits federal officials from including third-party payments in government settlement agreements, unless those payments directly provide restitution for actual harm or compensate for services rendered. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the Congressional Budget Office and requires Inspector General audits to ensure agency compliance. These measures aim to increase transparency and prevent the redirection of settlement funds to non-governmental entities.

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 **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.

The **American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026** aims to accelerate energy and infrastructure development by streamlining federal permitting processes. The bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for natural gas pipeline reviews, sets strict timelines for interagency coordination, and limits the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA. Additionally, it reforms water quality certification requirements and restricts judicial review to prevent project delays, fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for energy and mining projects.

This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision, celebrating the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and the return of abortion regulation to elected representatives. It affirms the right to life for the unborn and commits to supporting families and expectant mothers. The resolution also recognizes the role of pregnancy centers and advocates for laws protecting unborn life.