Legislative Activity

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a formal disclaimer of interest for approximately 15.12 acres of land in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. By relinquishing federal claims to this property, the legislation facilitates the clear conveyance of land originally platted under the Revised Statutes. The measure specifically excludes any territory located within the Kootenai Indian Reservation.

The **Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026** updates and streamlines federal housing programs for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. The bill simplifies environmental review processes, expands eligibility for homeownership and student housing assistance, and increases the maximum leasehold interest on trust lands to 99 years. Additionally, it establishes new grant programs to address homelessness among veterans and tribal populations while strengthening tribal self-determination in housing administration and procurement.

The Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act of 2026 modernizes the federal judiciary by redrawing the boundaries of the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits to better reflect population growth and regional geography. This legislation reassigns judicial districts and judges to these new circuits while establishing clear transition rules for pending cases and legal precedents. Additionally, the Act authorizes the necessary funding to implement these structural changes and develop new courthouse facilities.

The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 strengthens immigration enforcement by shifting primary detention and custody authority from the Attorney General to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The bill establishes stricter standards for the detention of noncitizens during removal proceedings and expands the government's authority to hold individuals with final removal orders. Additionally, it limits administrative and judicial review of custody determinations to ensure more consistent enforcement of immigration laws.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act strengthens efforts to combat fraud by significantly increasing funding for federal oversight agencies and expanding investigative authorities. The bill also enhances data-sharing capabilities across Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs while improving reporting transparency. Additionally, it mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of these anti-fraud initiatives.

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 Protect and Serve Act of 2026 establishes a new federal crime for killing or attempting to kill law enforcement officers when the act is motivated by their status as an officer. This legislation provides federal jurisdiction over such offenses under specific circumstances and outlines strict penalties, including potential life imprisonment. Federal prosecution under this act requires certification by the Attorney General to ensure the case meets specific public interest or state-requested criteria.

This resolution honors the vital contributions of small firearm manufacturers to the U.S. economy, domestic innovation, and the preservation of recreational shooting traditions. It recognizes these businesses as essential drivers of job creation and community engagement. Additionally, the resolution officially designates August 2026 as "National Shooting Sports Month."

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.

This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand eligibility for certain water infrastructure funds under the Carey Act. Specifically, it authorizes the Secretary to use these funds for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of older dams originally authorized under the Act of August 18, 1894. This funding can only be used after confirming that necessary rehabilitation work on these eligible dams is already secured through other means.

This resolution designates July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy" to honor the historical and cultural significance of cowboys and cowgirls. It recognizes their vital role in shaping the American West and celebrates the enduring values, economic contributions, and community spirit they continue to embody today.

This resolution commemorates the 179th anniversary of the arrival of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pioneers in the Great Salt Lake Valley. It honors their historic journey in pursuit of religious freedom and recognizes their foundational role in settling the American West. Furthermore, it celebrates the enduring pioneer spirit of resilience and industry that continues to shape the American story today.

The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act aims to streamline the federal licensing process for hydropower projects by narrowing the scope of regulatory requirements. It mandates that conditions imposed for Indian reservations and fishway prescriptions must be directly linked to mitigating the specific adverse effects of the project in question.

The Small County PILT Parity Act seeks to update the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program by adjusting population thresholds for qualifying local governments. By lowering these figures and introducing a new payment calculation table, the bill aims to better support the unique financial needs of the nation's smallest counties.

The Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 updates the EPA’s formula for distributing federal clean water funding to states, territories, and Indian tribes. By prioritizing infrastructure needs, population data, and poverty levels, the bill ensures a more equitable and modern allocation of resources. Additionally, it streamlines administrative requirements and expands the eligible uses of state capitalization grants to better support water infrastructure projects.

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 **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 expresses support for designating **July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day**. It honors the critical and often dangerous work these individuals perform to maintain the nation's electric grid, especially during emergencies. The day also commemorates the anniversary of the first IBEW president's line-of-duty death while restoring power.

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.