Legislative Activity

The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 increases the debt eligibility limits for small businesses filing under subchapter V of Chapter 11 to $7.5 million and for individuals filing under Chapter 13 to $2.75 million. These adjustments aim to provide more businesses and individuals with access to streamlined bankruptcy reorganization processes. The new limits take effect for all bankruptcy cases filed on or after the date the Act is signed into law.

The Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine’s Defense Act creates an expedited process for key U.S. allies to purchase specific munitions for transfer to Ukraine. By bypassing standard congressional review requirements for these select defense articles, the bill aims to accelerate the delivery of critical military support to Ukraine. This initiative reinforces the U.S. commitment to facilitating international contributions to Ukraine's defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.

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.

The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act aims to address the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals by establishing two pilot programs focused on training and apprenticeships within the Department of Homeland Security. These initiatives prioritize the recruitment of veterans, military spouses, and underrepresented communities to build a sustainable pipeline for federal cyber roles. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for federal agencies to complete critical cybersecurity workforce assessments through 2028.

The Tax Complexity and Fraud Prevention Review Act requires the Treasury Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the IRS’s efforts to combat tax fraud. These reports must analyze fraud-prevention strategies, collaboration with tax-filing providers, and data regarding identified and prevented fraudulent refund claims. To ensure transparency, this information will be made available to the public on the IRS website.

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 Taxpayer Transparency and Notice Act requires the IRS to provide taxpayers with quarterly notices regarding overdue tax debts, replacing the current annual notification system. These notices must include updated estimates of potential penalties and interest, as well as information on available taxpayer assistance programs. This measure aims to increase transparency and help taxpayers manage their delinquencies more effectively.

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 Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the entry of foreign nationals traveling to the United States primarily to secure U.S. citizenship for their children through birth. The bill authorizes immigration officials to deny admission or initiate deportation proceedings against individuals determined to be engaging in this practice.

The PROMISE Act of 2026 establishes a formal, expedited legislative process designed to ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security. The bill mandates that the Social Security Advisory Board develop recommendations to guarantee 100 percent of scheduled benefits for the next 50 years. It further creates a "fast-track" framework for Congress to introduce, debate, and vote on these solvency measures within a strict 2026 timeline and provides a mechanism for decennial reviews to maintain future financial stability.

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 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 **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.

This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision, celebrating the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and the return of abortion regulation to elected representatives. It affirms the right to life for the unborn and commits to supporting families and expectant mothers. The resolution also recognizes the role of pregnancy centers and advocates for laws protecting unborn life.

This resolution officially designates June 30, 2026, as "Asteroid Day." It expresses support for global planetary defense efforts, recognizing the importance of detecting and mitigating near-Earth objects to protect Earth. The bill highlights U.S. leadership in asteroid research and calls for continued investment in detection and public education.

The "No Lead in Toys Act" mandates that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) implement key oversight improvements to better detect and regulate toxic substances in children's products. This legislation requires the CPSC to establish stricter compliance monitoring, refine laboratory risk assessments, and formalize recurring reviews of lead and phthalate safety standards. Through these actions, the bill aims to strengthen federal oversight and ensure safer products for children.

The Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2026 aims to incentivize financial preparedness among first-time homebuyers. This act modifies mortgage insurance premium requirements by offering a 25 basis point reduction for those who complete approved housing counseling *before* applying for a mortgage or signing a sales agreement. This change replaces the previous cap on the discount.

The TAAP Act reauthorizes the vital United States-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program. This legislation expands the program's scope to include priority aquifers in Arizona, alongside New Mexico and Texas. Furthermore, it extends the program's funding authorization through fiscal year 2036 and resets its termination date.

The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 grants federal appellate and district court judges the discretion to permit public photographing, recording, and broadcasting of court proceedings. This authority is subject to due process considerations and includes mandatory protections for vulnerable witnesses, such as the right to remain unrecognizable. The Act also prohibits all media coverage of jurors and the jury selection process.

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.