Legislative Activity

The National Guard for National Service Act establishes a pilot program to integrate National Guard members with national service initiatives to bolster U.S. infrastructure and security. This program focuses on enhancing cybersecurity, improving disaster preparedness, and protecting critical systems. Additionally, it creates a structured workforce development pipeline to provide career pathways and financial stability for part-time National Guard and Reserve members.

The State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to define and regulate state-based education loan programs. It ensures that students are fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and the associated benefits before opting for state-sponsored private loans. The bill also mandates that these state programs offer interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as federal alternatives.

The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act of 2025 makes key changes to retirement plan rules under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. This bill increases the automatic cash-out limit for small retirement balances from $2,500 to $5,000. It also raises the annual contribution limit for Roth contributions in employer plans from $2,500 to $5,000. These changes aim to enhance emergency savings options within retirement accounts, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve support for postsecondary students with disabilities. It standardizes the types of documentation colleges must accept to verify a student's disability status and requires institutions to increase transparency regarding accommodations. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for a national technical support center and mandates that colleges report key data on enrolled and graduating students with disabilities.

The Fairness in Foreign Filing Act reforms how the IRS assesses and collects certain tax penalties, ensuring taxpayers receive advance notice and an opportunity for independent review before penalties are enforced. The bill also streamlines administrative requirements for foreign trust information returns. These changes aim to enhance taxpayer rights and provide a more transparent process for resolving penalty disputes.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to protect Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) recipients from having their tax refunds seized to pay off debts that the IRS has already deemed uncollectible. By preventing these offsets for low-income taxpayers, the legislation ensures that essential tax credits reach those who need them most.

The **Making America's Food Safer Act** strengthens national food safety by expanding the FDA’s third-party certification program and streamlining the destruction of high-risk, refused food imports. Additionally, the bill enhances public health coordination by authorizing the FDA to share critical, non-public food safety data with state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities. These measures collectively improve oversight and response capabilities across the food supply chain.

The Improving Housing Performance Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to commission an independent study on the safety and durability of manufactured homes in areas prone to natural disasters and extreme weather. The resulting report will provide Congress with data-driven recommendations to update construction and installation standards while balancing safety improvements with housing affordability.

The Work Without Worry Act of 2026 removes barriers to employment for adults with childhood-onset disabilities by expanding benefit eligibility and eliminating the requirement for continuous disability status. The bill also ensures that beneficiaries can receive the highest possible monthly payment by allowing them to claim benefits based on their own work history alongside childhood disability benefits.

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.

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 Save Our Shrimpers Act directs the U.S. to oppose international financial institution funding for shrimp farming, processing, or export projects in borrowing countries. This measure aims to protect domestic shrimpers by limiting foreign competition supported by these institutions. The opposition requirement is set to expire after seven years unless a national interest waiver is invoked by the Treasury Secretary.

The NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a federal property right for individuals and right holders to control the use of their voice or visual likeness in unauthorized, highly realistic computer-generated digital replicas. This grants the right to authorize or prohibit such uses, both during life and for a term following death, creating civil liability for unauthorized distribution or the provision of tools primarily designed for creating such replicas. The Act includes specific liability standards, exclusions for uses like news and parody, and detailed safe harbor provisions for online services that comply with notification and removal procedures.

This bill, the "Save Our Shrimpers Act," mandates that U.S. representatives at international financial institutions must oppose funding for projects supporting shrimp farming, processing, or export in borrowing countries. The Secretary of the Treasury can waive this opposition if deemed in the national interest after notifying Congress. This requirement is set to expire seven years after enactment.

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 **Take Care of America’s Veterans Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to significantly expand compensation, benefits, and healthcare access for veterans and their survivors. It overhauls VA claims processing to be faster and fairer, modernizes education and transition support, and strengthens caregiver resources. Ultimately, the legislation aims to deliver more timely, high-quality, and veteran-centered services across the board.

This resolution supports designating the second Friday in June as "National Service and Conservation Corps Day." It recognizes the vital work of over 140 Corps programs that engage young adults and veterans in conservation, community improvement, and workforce development. The bill highlights the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the readiness of modern Corps to address national needs ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.

This resolution officially designates May 10–16, 2026, as the 27th Annual National Charter Schools Week. It congratulates the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of public charter schools nationwide for their contributions to education. The bill highlights the growth, accountability, and positive academic impact of these tuition-free public schools. It encourages communities to hold events supporting high-quality charter schools during that week.