Legislative Activity

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The College Transparency Act establishes a secure, new Postsecondary Student Data System to track student enrollment, completion, and post-college outcomes across higher education institutions. This system aims to increase transparency for students and families by providing clear data on costs and success rates, while minimizing duplicate reporting burdens for schools. The collected data will be used for secure research and public reporting of aggregate statistics, strictly prohibiting the sale of data or its use for federal college rankings.

This act authorizes a feasibility study for designating the route of George Washington's 1753 diplomatic mission as a National Historic Trail. The proposed trail spans approximately 500 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf, Pennsylvania. This study will assess the historical significance and potential for national recognition of this critical pre-Revolutionary War journey.

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026 expands the existing historic district to include four additional counties across Virginia and West Virginia. This legislation updates the district's management framework, authorizes dedicated annual funding for operations and land preservation, and requires a report on replicating this successful partnership model elsewhere in the National Park System.

This bill officially renames a playground within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. The site will now be known as the "Hearts of Gold Playground: In Honor of West Virginia Children and Families Impacted by Childhood Cancer." This change requires all official references and records to use the new designation moving forward.

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.

This bill mandates that the United States Postal Service continue selling the Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp for an additional six years. Proceeds from these sales will be transferred to the National Institutes of Health to support ongoing medical research into Alzheimer’s disease.

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 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 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 mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026 streamlines the regulatory process for states to manage air quality data affected by prescribed fires, recognizing their role in wildfire prevention. Additionally, the bill establishes the "Smoke Ready Communities Program" to provide competitive grants for projects that mitigate wildfire smoke hazards in schools and other community buildings.

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.

This resolution commemorates the tenth anniversary of the catastrophic June 2016 West Virginia floods, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction across the state. It honors the memory of those who lost their lives and recognizes the heroic efforts of first responders and neighbors. Furthermore, the bill celebrates the resilience and strength demonstrated by West Virginia communities in their ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

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.

Lulu's Law mandates that the FCC classify shark attacks as an event eligible for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This ensures that alerts regarding shark attacks can be broadcast to the public via emergency messaging systems.

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 establishes a national framework guaranteeing student-athletes the right to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) while mandating comprehensive health and academic protections. It also creates a new structure allowing conferences to collectively sell media rights under specific revenue-sharing and rivalry preservation rules. The bill empowers athletes with new enforcement mechanisms while preempting conflicting state laws to create uniform national standards.

This Act encourages colleges and universities to adopt comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention plans. It directs the Department of Education to develop and distribute evidence-based model plans to guide these voluntary efforts. The legislation also mandates the provision of technical assistance to schools interested in implementing these plans.

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 Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits licensed healthcare providers and transplant hospitals from denying organ transplants or related services to qualified individuals solely because of a disability. This legislation mandates reasonable modifications, auxiliary aids, and consideration of a patient's support network to ensure equal access throughout the entire transplant process. Exceptions only apply if a physician determines the disability is medically significant to the transplant, or if accommodations fundamentally alter the service.