Legislative Activity

The Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to better support children raised by relatives, both within and outside the foster care system. The bill prioritizes kinship placements, expands advisory board representation, and enhances community-based resources to ensure these families receive the specialized training and services they need.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2026 strengthens the nursing profession by expanding grant eligibility for advanced education and modernizing training resources, including simulation and telehealth technologies. The bill addresses critical workforce shortages by increasing funding for nursing faculty and student programs while broadening support for specialized care, such as services for sexual assault survivors. These updates ensure that nursing education remains robust and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare system through 2030.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

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 Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 strengthens the national aging network by expanding access to mental health, nutrition, and caregiver support services while increasing transparency and accountability. The bill promotes independence for older adults through enhanced preventive health programs, improved housing accessibility, and modernized employment training. Additionally, it bolsters protections against elder abuse and ensures more culturally responsive care for Native American elders through 2030.

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 Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

The AI Labeling Act of 2026 mandates that providers of generative AI systems and major online platforms clearly label AI-generated digital content with both human-readable and machine-readable disclosures. The bill establishes strict prohibitions against tampering with these labels or creating tools designed to circumvent them, with enforcement overseen by the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General. Additionally, it creates a specialized working group to develop technical standards for content provenance and transparency to help consumers distinguish between AI-generated and authentic media.

The Investing in State Energy Act of 2026 streamlines the delivery of federal energy assistance by establishing strict deadlines for the Department of Energy to release program guidance and distribute funds to states and Indian Tribes. Additionally, the bill authorizes increased funding for the State Energy Program through 2031 and secures a permanent distribution formula to ensure consistent financial support.

The Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act mandates that U.S.-funded foreign aid—including food, medicine, and vaccines—must be delivered or donated to intended beneficiaries before it spoils or expires. The bill requires federal agencies to expedite funding to prevent waste and establishes strict annual reporting requirements for any commodities that fail to reach their destination. This legislation ensures that vital resources are utilized effectively to save lives while protecting taxpayer investments.

The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to support the Iranian people by expanding access to uncensored information and countering regime-imposed internet blackouts. The bill mandates the development of new communication technologies, increases funding for digital freedom programs, and requires the identification and sanctioning of individuals complicit in human rights abuses. Additionally, it strengthens support for independent media and provides cybersecurity training to Iranian journalists and civil society activists.

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 Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act establishes the Eastern Mediterranean as a critical strategic hub within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The legislation directs the U.S. to prioritize energy security, defense cooperation, and regional integration through enhanced multilateral strategic dialogues. By fostering deeper ties with key partners like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, the Act aims to strengthen connectivity and stability across three continents.

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.

This resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The designation aims to increase public understanding, reduce the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress (PTS), and encourage timely treatment for affected veterans and service members. It recognizes the high risk of PTS among those who have served in recent conflicts and supports efforts to ensure those with this treatable injury receive proper care.

The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive federal review to improve lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment specifically for women. This review will identify knowledge gaps in research, particularly concerning environmental and genomic factors, and assess strategies to increase screening rates. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must report findings and recommendations for program improvements to Congress within two years.

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 Maternal Health for Veterans Act, establishes a comprehensive maternity care coordination program within the VA. The program will provide coordinated care for eligible veterans from the start of pregnancy through 12 months postpartum. It also mandates training for community providers and requires detailed annual reports to Congress on maternal health outcomes, including mortality and severe morbidity data.

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.

This resolution reaffirms strong, bipartisan Congressional support for the foundational **Taiwan Relations Act** and the longstanding U.S. policy framework regarding Taiwan. It emphasizes that the future of Taiwan must be determined peacefully, consistent with the Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances. The bill supports maintaining robust ties and ensuring Taiwan's ability to defend itself against coercion.