Legislative Activity

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 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 act modifies percentage depletion rules for small oil and gas producers, specifically for marginal properties. It introduces a new calculation for the depletion rate, removes existing taxable income limits, and doubles the daily oil production eligible for the deduction. These changes are designed to support small producers and rural jobs, taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

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.

The Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Education to prioritize program reviews for institutions that disburse federal financial aid to students whose applications show a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud. This ensures heightened scrutiny of schools where potential fraud is detected, unless the institution can prove it followed strict identity verification procedures before disbursing the aid. The identification serves as a flag for oversight activities and is not a standalone determination of non-compliance.

This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant licensees of certain hydropower projects, licensed before March 13, 2020, an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction. This extension is available upon request and demonstration of good cause. The legislation also addresses projects whose original deadlines expired recently, allowing for reinstatement of the license before the extension period begins.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, recognizing his significant contributions as a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow over his passing and offers condolences to his family. The resolution directs that this tribute be communicated to the House and his family, and the Senate will adjourn in his memory.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The START Act aims to streamline and increase transparency in the national apprenticeship system by establishing formal, time-bound processes for registering new apprenticeship programs. It clarifies the roles of state apprenticeship councils and establishes a new federal grant program to support states in expanding and improving registered apprenticeships. Furthermore, the bill mandates public posting of reciprocity and standards information to ensure clarity for program sponsors across state lines.

The INSIGHT Act mandates the Department of Labor to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the status of employee benefit plan investigations. It also establishes new requirements for when the Department provides "adverse assistance" to individuals for use in lawsuits against plan fiduciaries, requiring written agreements and subsequent reporting to Congress. Finally, the bill amends ERISA to reinforce the policy of promoting the voluntary sponsorship of private pension plans.

This bill prohibits federal family planning funds under Title X from being provided to any entity that performs, promotes, or refers for abortion. Entities receiving funds must certify they will not perform abortions or give funds to organizations that do, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing grant recipients and any abortions performed under the exceptions.

The Improving IRS Customer Service Act aims to significantly enhance taxpayer experience by mandating increased transparency and accessibility from the IRS. This bill requires the IRS to publish real-time data on call wait times, expand online access to return and refund information, and develop comprehensive online taxpayer accounts. Furthermore, it directs the IRS to improve callback technology and ensure taxpayers facing economic hardship are informed of all available payment alternatives.

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates funding for existing regional ocean partnerships through fiscal year 2031. This legislation amends previous law to ensure continued support for these vital ocean management initiatives. It also adjusts reporting requirements to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the partnerships.

The No Fentanyl on Social Media Act requires the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and report on how minors access and purchase fentanyl through social media platforms. This report, developed with key agencies, will detail the risks, marketing tactics used by sellers, and platform design impacts. Ultimately, the legislation seeks recommendations for Congress on how to prevent minors from obtaining dangerous drugs online.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to establish a committee to review and recommend updates to policies regarding the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions. The bill mandates regulatory updates to encourage aviation personnel to seek mental health care without fear of penalty. Furthermore, it allocates funding to enhance the FAA's capacity to process reviews and launches a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma within the industry.

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of a new National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation ensures the monument’s site selection complies with specific federal location requirements while remaining subject to the broader planning and construction standards of the Commemorative Works Act.

The "No Funding to Honor Crime Scenes Act" mandates the abolishment of the César E. Chávez National Monument in California. It prohibits the use of federal funds for the monument's continued operation and redirects all remaining unobligated resources toward the elimination of the national DNA analysis backlog.

This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. It honors the organization’s century of dedication to using science, policy, and advocacy to protect and restore the nation’s coastal communities and natural resources.