Legislative Activity

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act amends federal law regarding the use of motor vehicles in certain crimes. This bill lowers the required mental state for conviction from proving "intent to cause death or serious bodily harm" to simply proving the act was done "knowingly." It also clarifies that enhanced penalties for death apply when the vehicle was taken with the intent to cause serious harm, and death subsequently occurs.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month." The designation aims to raise public awareness about the critical importance of personal financial education. It calls upon various sectors of society to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities promoting financial well-being.

The Engineering Biology Readiness Act focuses on strengthening national biodefense against risks associated with engineering biology. It extends deadlines for national biodefense strategy briefings and mandates a comprehensive analysis of current and future engineering biology threats. Furthermore, the bill requires recommendations for modernizing U.S. authorities, regulations, and research efforts to mitigate risks while supporting beneficial innovation.

The Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 prohibits state and local governments from imposing liability on energy businesses for climate change-related harms through lawsuits or new penalty laws. This legislation asserts that the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of federal law. Consequently, all pending "qualified liability actions" in state or federal court must be dismissed.

The Medication Competition Act establishes a clear pathway for the FDA to approve biosimilar and interchangeable versions of biologic drugs. It sets rigorous standards for safety and efficacy, requiring biosimilars to be highly similar to the reference product. The bill also institutes a one-year exclusivity period for the first approved interchangeable product and outlines procedures for resolving related patent disputes.

The FLEX Act revises federal funding distribution for charter schools under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It expands allowable uses for grant funds to support new programs within high-quality charter schools and increases minimum funding reservations for development, replication, and facilities assistance. The bill also streamlines application requirements and clarifies rules regarding advance payments and technical assistance for charter school grantees.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several individuals, including Pastor Jin Mingri and Jimmy Lai, who are wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China. It calls for immediate and unconditional release of all those detained for peacefully exercising their rights. Furthermore, the resolution directs the President to raise these humanitarian concerns during future engagements with President Xi Jinping.

This bill aims to eliminate "sanctuary jurisdictions" by penalizing local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It provides legal protections for local officers who comply with DHS detainers and makes sanctuary jurisdictions ineligible for a wide range of federal grants. Furthermore, it allows states to sue jurisdictions that release immigrants who subsequently commit crimes in other states.

The IGO Anti-Boycott Act expands existing law to prohibit boycotts imposed by international governmental organizations, not just foreign countries. It also mandates that the President submit an annual public report detailing all covered boycotting entities and their actions.

This bill prohibits all future United States financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It also restricts the use of federal funds for U.S. delegations to UN bodies chaired by countries deemed to repeatedly support international terrorism. Furthermore, the legislation revokes all privileges and immunities for UNRWA officials and employees.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to significantly expand and strengthen the U.S. national commitment to quantum information science, engineering, and technology. This bill reauthorizes and updates the existing initiative by bolstering workforce development, enhancing interagency coordination, and securing the quantum supply chain against foreign threats. It also establishes new programs for quantum testbeds, NIST research centers, and requires a review of regulatory barriers to accelerate domestic quantum innovation.

Dalilah’s Law Act establishes strict federal regulations prohibiting noncitizens who are unlawfully present or paroled from using commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in interstate commerce. The bill mandates employment eligibility verification for all CDL applicants, imposes severe criminal and civil penalties for violations, and introduces new immigration consequences and death penalty aggravating factors for accidents involving covered individuals. Additionally, it grants federal and state authorities enhanced enforcement powers to ensure compliance with these licensing requirements.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act clarifies that states may use federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy centers. It ensures that organizations providing resources and services to expectant mothers, fathers, and families cannot be discriminated against in the allocation of these grants.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of a new National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation ensures the monument’s site selection complies with specific federal location requirements while remaining subject to the broader planning and construction standards of the Commemorative Works Act.

The Homegrown Fertilizer Act establishes a grant and loan program to expand the domestic manufacturing, processing, and storage of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives. By supporting independent producers and innovative technologies, the bill aims to increase market competition, reduce price volatility, and strengthen the supply chain for American farmers.

The Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026 mandates that fertilizer manufacturers and wholesalers report weekly price and quantity data to the USDA to increase market transparency. The bill also establishes a retail price survey program and creates a public dashboard to provide farmers and the industry with accessible, aggregated market information. These measures aim to improve price discovery while protecting confidential business data.

The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2026 establishes a program allowing federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase their retired service firearms directly from their agencies. Under this legislation, eligible officers may acquire these surplus weapons at their designated salvage value.

The PREDICT Act establishes a national wastewater surveillance program to improve the early detection and monitoring of infectious diseases. By providing grants and technical support to state, Tribal, and local health departments, the bill creates a standardized framework for analyzing community wastewater data. This initiative aims to enhance public health responses through better data transparency, rigorous testing standards, and ongoing research into emerging health threats.