Legislative Activity

The Stopping Border Surges Act proposes comprehensive reforms to U.S. immigration law by tightening asylum eligibility requirements and expanding the government's authority to detain or repatriate noncitizen children and families. The bill introduces stricter standards for asylum claims, shortens application deadlines, and increases penalties for immigration fraud. Additionally, it modifies the processing and placement procedures for unaccompanied minors while overriding existing judicial consent decrees regarding family detention.

The Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act mandates that government agencies provide a public, online status tracker for all permit applications. This tracker must detail every step of the review process, the time taken for each stage, current status, and contact information for all involved personnel. The goal is to increase accountability and provide applicants with clear timelines for final decisions.

The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act establishes a CDC grant program to increase awareness, education, and early screening for colorectal cancer, with a specific focus on individuals under age 45. By funding state-led outreach and diagnostic initiatives, the bill aims to address rising cancer rates in younger populations and improve health outcomes for those at increased risk.

The Space Superiority Readiness Act of 2026 directs the Department of Defense to enhance the Space Force’s operational readiness for potential conflicts in space. The bill mandates expanded wargaming and specialized training for space operators while requiring a formal report on the military implications of Chinese commercial space capabilities.

This joint resolution seeks to overturn an EPA decision that authorized California’s strict pollution control standards for ocean-going vessels while docked. If passed, the resolution would invalidate the EPA’s authorization, rendering the state's emission requirements for these vessels null and void.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 updates and clarifies the leadership structure, duties, and responsibilities of the Chaplain Corps across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The bill strengthens protections for chaplains to perform their duties in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs and the tenets of their endorsing organizations, free from censorship or retaliation. Additionally, it establishes clear legal standards for the chaplaincy and ensures that military leadership provides the necessary support for chaplains to fulfill their spiritual mission for service members.

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 College Transparency Act establishes a secure, privacy-protected federal data system to track postsecondary student outcomes, including enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings. By repealing the existing ban on a national student-level database, the bill aims to provide students and families with transparent, customizable information to help them make informed educational decisions. The system is designed to streamline institutional reporting requirements while strictly prohibiting the use of personal data for law enforcement, immigration, or federal ranking purposes.

The Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act aims to strengthen rural healthcare by expanding eligibility for rural emergency hospital (REH) status and enhancing financial support for these facilities. The bill introduces new payment incentives, allows for expanded service offerings like swing beds and specialized units, and ensures REHs are eligible for critical grant programs and Medicaid coverage. These measures are designed to increase the sustainability of rural hospitals and improve access to essential care in underserved communities.

The Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act amends federal law to restrict membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to adult human females. The bill establishes a biological definition of "female" to serve as the standard for eligibility, alongside the society's existing genealogical requirements.

This resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day," honoring the historical significance of the end of slavery in the United States. It celebrates the resilience of African Americans and encourages nationwide reflection on the history and heritage that have shaped our democracy.

The CLEAR LABELS Act enhances pharmaceutical transparency by requiring drug labels to clearly identify the original manufacturers of both active ingredients and finished products. It mandates that this supply chain information be accessible through digital tools like QR codes or barcodes, while ensuring paper copies remain available upon request. Additionally, the bill streamlines regulatory compliance by exempting these products from redundant customs country-of-origin marking requirements.

The Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create and maintain a public, user-friendly list of medications approved for pilots and air traffic controllers. This list will clearly inform current and prospective aviation personnel about medications they can safely use while holding or applying for a medical certificate. The FAA must consult with medical and stakeholder groups to develop and annually update this comprehensive resource, including both approved and prohibited drugs.

The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes in rural areas by providing grants for emergency obstetric training, essential medical equipment, and staffing at facilities without dedicated obstetric units. The legislation also establishes a telehealth pilot program to connect rural providers with maternal health specialists for urgent consultations. Additionally, it mandates a comprehensive study on rural maternity ward closures to better inform future regional care strategies.

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 increasing transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. The bill also fosters competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs and establishes new support programs to provide affordable insulin access for uninsured individuals.

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 **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.

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.