Legislative Activity

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 bill expands benefits and improves processes for the Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program. It establishes a new benefit for officers who suffer permanent partial disability in the line of duty and mandates stricter timelines and interim payments for delayed claims processing. Furthermore, the legislation requires increased outreach, annual audits, and expedites death benefit approval for 9/11 first responders certified by related federal funds.

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.

This resolution officially designates May 16, 2026, as "Kids to Parks Day." The day aims to promote healthy outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and encourage families to visit local, state, and national parks. It recognizes the importance of outdoor access for youth health, education, and community strengthening.

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act establishes a competitive grant program managed by the Secretary of Education to fund long-term facility improvements at eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and similar institutions. Grants prioritize entities with the greatest facility needs, the most limited fundraising capacity, and high Pell Grant enrollment. Funds can be used for construction, modernization, repairs, and technology infrastructure, while also requiring loan forgiveness for certain prior HBCU Capital Financing Program debts.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense that access to mifepristone should be based on over 25 years of proven safety and effectiveness supported by peer-reviewed science. It calls for equitable and transparent laws and policies governing access to this time-sensitive medication abortion care. The resolution affirms the FDA's authority to regulate the drug based on the best available evidence, free from political interference.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to exclude certain direct charitable distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans from their gross income. To qualify, the distribution must be made after age 70½ and sent directly to eligible charities, excluding private foundations and donor-advised funds. The exclusion amount is capped based on existing IRA charitable distribution limits.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific individuals wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with President Xi Jinping. The resolution condemns these politically motivated detentions and calls for immediate humanitarian access and release for those named. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedoms globally.

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.

The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2026 aims to improve postpartum care by requiring the HHS Secretary to issue guidance on Medicaid/CHIP coverage for pelvic health services. The bill also mandates a study on existing coverage gaps for postpartum women under Medicaid. Furthermore, it establishes a federally funded education and training program to inform both health professionals and new mothers about the importance and availability of pelvic floor examinations and physical therapy.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly concerning minors. It mandates that companies operating these AI systems implement rigorous age verification processes for all users. Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for designing AI that solicits minors into explicit conduct or promotes violence, and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with user protection and disclosure requirements.

This bill mandates the U.S. government to report on the details and terms of Chinese mining agreements across Africa. It also requires the State Department to annually publish a list identifying Chinese entities involved in African mining that utilize forced labor or cause environmental damage. The overall goal is to increase transparency regarding China's mineral supply chain influence on the continent.

This resolution officially recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2026. It celebrates the significant and growing contributions of these communities to American history, culture, and government. The resolution also acknowledges important anniversaries and ongoing challenges faced by the community.

This resolution recognizes the escalating global threats to press freedom and reaffirms the vital role of a free and independent press in upholding democracy and informing the public. It condemns actions that suppress journalism and endangers journalists worldwide, especially in conflict zones. The resolution calls for the immediate release of wrongfully detained journalists and reaffirms press freedom as a priority of U.S. foreign policy.

This bill reauthorizes and strengthens existing law to accelerate access to ALS therapies by extending program deadlines to 2031. It improves grant renewal processes by requiring review of clinical trial enrollment data and clarifies the definition of a Phase 3 trial. Furthermore, the legislation mandates an updated FDA action plan for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases, alongside a required GAO report assessing progress.

This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act to prohibit U.S. foreign assistance funds from supporting programs that violate human rights or undermine public health, including those involving coercive family planning. It specifically nullifies three recent Department of State rules related to foreign assistance. The Secretary of State is required to issue compliance guidance and report annually to Congress on any violations.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 significantly strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by establishing rigorous new standards for dog dealers. This bill mandates substantial improvements to housing, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care for dogs. Furthermore, it introduces strict regulations on breeding practices, including health screening and limits on female dog litters, while ensuring humane retirement for breeding dogs.

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.

This resolution commends the "Donut Dollies" for their patriotic service and steadfast support of U.S. servicemembers, particularly during the Vietnam War. It honors these American Red Cross volunteers for providing vital recreation and emotional support in combat zones. The bill recognizes their extraordinary contributions to troop morale and preserves the legacy of their courage and sacrifice.

This resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress. It recognizes the deep, historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. across security, innovation, and shared democratic values. The bill reaffirms the enduring friendship and encourages deeper cooperation on strategic global issues.