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 NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a federal property right for individuals and right holders to control the use of their voice or visual likeness in unauthorized, highly realistic computer-generated digital replicas. This grants the right to authorize or prohibit such uses, both during life and for a term following death, creating civil liability for unauthorized distribution or the provision of tools primarily designed for creating such replicas. The Act includes specific liability standards, exclusions for uses like news and parody, and detailed safe harbor provisions for online services that comply with notification and removal procedures.

This bill, the "Save Our Shrimpers Act," mandates that U.S. representatives at international financial institutions must oppose funding for projects supporting shrimp farming, processing, or export in borrowing countries. The Secretary of the Treasury can waive this opposition if deemed in the national interest after notifying Congress. This requirement is set to expire seven years after enactment.

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 Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2026 aims to boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and job preservation by updating foreign-trade zone operations. This legislation specifically allows certain goods manufactured or processed within these zones to enter the U.S. duty-free. It directs Customs and Border Protection to implement these new tariff rules promptly.

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 Tribal Warrant Fairness Act aims to enhance cooperation between the U.S. Marshals Service and federally recognized Indian Tribes. This legislation explicitly broadens the Marshals Service's duties to include Tribal fugitive matters and ensures Tribes are integrated into federal threat protection coordination efforts. Ultimately, the bill recognizes and supports Tribal law enforcement within federal frameworks.

This resolution recognizes the strategic importance of the Arctic region to U.S. national security and economic interests. It supports continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Senate specifically backs efforts to strengthen Arctic security, infrastructure, and scientific research while upholding a rules-based international order. The resolution also affirms the vital role of Indigenous peoples in Arctic governance.

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 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 Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 establishes automatic, 14-day continuing appropriations to prevent federal operations from halting when regular funding lapses. This mechanism funds programs at the previous rate until Congress enacts a full budget or continuing resolution. The bill also imposes strict limitations on official travel and congressional business during these funding gaps. Finally, it classifies the costs of this Act as discretionary spending subject to existing budget enforcement rules.

This bill, the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2026, amends Medicare rules to count time spent receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital toward the required 3-day inpatient hospital stay. This change allows beneficiaries to qualify sooner for Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. The provision applies to observation services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.

The Safe Cloud Storage Act amends existing law to establish a secure framework for law enforcement agencies to utilize approved cloud service providers for storing child pornography and related materials. This legislation sets strict cybersecurity and evidence handling requirements for these vendors while granting them limited liability protections for their contractual duties. The bill ensures data remains secure, primarily within the U.S., and mandates regular audits and notifications to the Department of Justice.

This bill, TREY's Law, declares that nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements are void and unenforceable if they prevent the disclosure of sexual abuse against a minor. The legislation aims to protect survivors' rights to report crimes and cooperate with authorities by overriding any state or private contract that suppresses information about child sexual abuse. This law applies retroactively to all existing and future agreements.

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 mandates that the pay for all Senators be withheld during any federal government shutdown. The Secretary of the Senate must hold these compensation payments until the shutdown concludes, at which point the funds will be released. This measure will take effect following the November 2026 general election.

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 resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of foster youth and expresses gratitude for foster parents, social workers, and advocates. Ultimately, the measure encourages Congress to implement policies that improve outcomes for children in foster care, from prevention to successful transition to adulthood.

The Advancing Water Reuse Act establishes a new 30% investment tax credit for taxpayers who invest in qualifying water reuse projects. This credit incentivizes the installation or expansion of systems that recycle water for industrial, manufacturing, data center, food processing, or municipal use. The provision applies to projects placed in service within 10 years of enactment, provided construction begins after that date.