Legislative Activity

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.

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 Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly amends existing law to provide broad immunity to the firearms industry from civil lawsuits related to the criminal or unlawful use of their products. This legislation mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against the industry and establishes strict definitions and procedural hurdles for any claims attempting to use statutory exceptions. Furthermore, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on manufacturers or sellers for harms resulting from criminal misuse of firearms.

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.

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 Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and communities that supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The Canteen was a massive, entirely volunteer-run operation that fed approximately six million service members traveling across the country. The original gold medal will be permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. The bill also allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

This bill, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026, significantly increases the penalties for stealing firearms from federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers. It establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for theft committed during a burglary or robbery of these businesses. Furthermore, the act clarifies that attempts to steal firearms from licensed collectors face the same enhanced penalties as successful theft.

This joint resolution disapproves of the District of Columbia Council's temporary law regarding arrest reporting. Congress is exercising its oversight authority to overturn the D.C. Council's enactment of the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026. If passed, this resolution will prevent the D.C. law from taking effect.

This joint resolution disapproves the District of Columbia Council's temporary amendment regarding body-worn camera transparency for use of force incidents. By passing this resolution, Congress is exercising its authority under the Home Rule Act to overturn the local D.C. legislation before it takes effect.

This resolution honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable Donald W. Riegle, Jr., former Senator for Michigan. It recognizes his decades in Congress, highlighting key legislative achievements such as co-sponsoring the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and leading significant banking reforms. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow and adjourns in his memory.

The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, mandatory electronic employment verification system for all U.S. employers, building upon the existing E-Verify program. This legislation phases in requirements for all businesses to use the system to confirm employee work authorization, imposing significantly enhanced civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or hiring unauthorized workers. The Act also establishes an individual self-check tool and mandates federal agencies to share necessary records to ensure system accuracy and security.

The SILVER Act aims to enhance the resilience and liquidity of precious metals markets by addressing the systemic risks associated with geographically concentrated storage. It mandates that derivatives clearing organizations diversify and transparently select precious metals depositories across different U.S. time zones. This legislation requires objective criteria for depository selection, considering factors like geographic diversity, competition, and cost efficiency while maintaining high security standards.

This bill establishes a formal research and development partnership between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The collaboration focuses on joint projects addressing national security, agricultural resilience, and supply chain integrity, including bioindustrial manufacturing feedstocks. The Secretaries must coordinate through an agreement, utilize competitive funding, and implement robust risk management to protect sensitive research.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late former United States Senator John Seymour of California. It recognizes his extensive public service, highlighting his career in business, local government, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow and directs that official copies of this resolution be delivered to his family.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific individuals wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with President Xi Jinping. The resolution condemns these politically motivated detentions and calls for immediate humanitarian access and release for those named. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedoms globally.