Legislative Activity

This bill, the FIRE SMART Act of 2026, requires the EPA to immediately expand the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The expansion specifically directs funding toward water infrastructure projects that aid in wildfire suppression for rural communities at high risk from fire. The EPA must prioritize projects that benefit both drinking water quality and fire safety in these vulnerable areas.

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 Duty Status Reform Act aims to modernize and improve the regulations governing work-hour requirements for professionals in high-stakes industries. By updating duty status standards, the bill seeks to enhance operational safety, reduce fatigue-related risks, and promote better work-life balance for employees.

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 Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act increases the penalty for providing a phone or voice communication device to a federal inmate from one year to two years in prison. The bill also mandates that the Director of the Bureau of Prisons review and update policies related to prohibited objects within federal prisons. This legislation aims to enhance security by specifically targeting the supply of contraband communication devices.

The Wildfire Prevention Act of 2025 aims to accelerate wildfire risk reduction on federal lands by mandating ambitious, measurable targets for forest thinning and prescribed burns. The legislation streamlines environmental reviews for vegetation management near power lines and roads, while empowering local governments and tribes to participate in legal proceedings. Additionally, it fosters agency innovation through new technology pilot programs and requires enhanced public reporting to ensure greater accountability and transparency in forest management.

The Carla Walker Act establishes two competitive grant programs, totaling \$10 million annually from FY 2027-2031, to improve forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis and database searching capabilities. These grants support accredited laboratories and law enforcement agencies in using advanced DNA sequencing for investigations and identifying human remains. The bill imposes strict operational rules, including CODIS pre-search requirements and informed consent provisions, while mandating detailed reporting on FGG usage. Finally, it requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress on FGG practices and future funding needs.

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 supports designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the critical mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high suicide rates. This day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness within the agricultural industry.

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.

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.

The Government Bailout Prevention Act prohibits the use of federal funds to assist state and local governments that file for bankruptcy, default on obligations, or face imminent default after January 1, 2026. This restriction applies to Treasury actions and Federal Reserve support, with an exception for disaster-related aid. The bill aims to prevent federal bailouts for financially distressed state and local entities.

This bill reauthorizes and extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program through fiscal year 2030. The program allows eligible small, rural hospitals to receive Medicare payments based on reasonable costs for inpatient services to promote financial stability. It maintains participation limits and requires a report evaluating the program's impact on rural access to care and costs.

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 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.

This bill aims to improve the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by requiring telecommunications providers to transmit precise, **dispatchable location information** for all calls made to the service. It mandates the FCC to initiate an inquiry into the technical and privacy challenges of this requirement. Additionally, the GAO must report to Congress on the feasibility and implications of using geolocation technology for 988 callers.