Legislative Activity

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026 prohibits physicians from performing dismemberment abortions, except when necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violators and provides civil remedies for patients or their parents to sue for damages. It explicitly excludes the woman undergoing the procedure from criminal prosecution or monetary liability.

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits licensed healthcare providers and transplant hospitals from denying organ transplants or related services to qualified individuals solely because of a disability. This legislation mandates reasonable modifications, auxiliary aids, and consideration of a patient's support network to ensure equal access throughout the entire transplant process. Exceptions only apply if a physician determines the disability is medically significant to the transplant, or if accommodations fundamentally alter the service.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

The CHIPS Training in America Act of 2026 aims to bolster the domestic semiconductor workforce through targeted education and training initiatives. It establishes a competitive grant program to fund workforce development programs at eligible institutions in semiconductor-related fields. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a national strategy for microelectronics workforce development and centralizes information via a single, publicly accessible online clearinghouse.

The COMPASS Act aims to ensure educational continuity for children in military families who frequently relocate due to permanent change of station orders. It simplifies compliance with state compulsory education and homeschooling laws by allowing families to adhere to the requirements of either their new state or the servicemember's state of legal residence. This measure reduces administrative burdens and supports military readiness during transitions.

The Illegal Immigration Cost Recovery Act significantly increases civil penalties for employers who hire unauthorized aliens. It also raises the fines imposed on aliens who fail to depart after a removal order or who enter the U.S. improperly. Furthermore, this Act mandates annual inflation adjustments for all these increased civil penalties starting in 2027.

The Protecting Asylum Integrity Act establishes a mandatory fee, starting at a minimum of $100, for credible fear interviews conducted during the asylum process. This fee must be paid prior to the interview and will be adjusted annually for inflation starting in fiscal year 2027. Collected funds will be split, with half supporting USCIS operations and the other half going to the Treasury's general fund.

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.