Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. It recognizes the devastating impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and affirms the Senate's dedication to improving access to treatments and supports for those affected. The bill also commits to supporting research to find causes, risk factors, and a cure for ALS.

The Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 formally establishes and strengthens the EPA's voluntary Safer Choice and Design for the Environment programs. This legislation mandates the EPA to continue operating these programs, which use rigorous, science-based standards to identify products made with safer chemical ingredients. The Act authorizes funding through 2034 and ensures ongoing transparency through annual reporting and a public database of certified products.

The NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a federal property right for individuals to control the use of their voice or visual likeness in highly realistic, computer-generated "digital replicas." This right applies to both living and deceased persons, granting control over unauthorized creation and distribution of these likenesses in commerce. The bill outlines specific licensing requirements, liability for unauthorized use, and safe harbor provisions for online services that comply with notice-and-takedown procedures.

This Senate resolution declares the People's Republic of China (PRC) the foremost strategic competitor of the United States, citing threats across military, economic, and technological domains. It calls for countering these threats by making them a top foreign policy priority. The resolution urges strengthening deterrence, protecting U.S. economic interests against predatory practices, and reaffirming commitments to Indo-Pacific allies.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized the action. It asserts Congress's constitutional authority over declaring war and cites the War Powers Resolution regarding unauthorized military engagements. The bill permits necessary defensive actions, intelligence sharing, and support for attacked allies.

This resolution commends the American Chemical Society (ACS) on its 150th anniversary, recognizing its vital service to the United States. It honors the ACS's enduring contributions to science, education, and economic strength. The resolution further affirms the importance of promoting STEM education and careers in chemistry.

The Energy Security Pacts Act establishes a framework for the State Department to create multiyear agreements, or "Energy Security Pacts," with partner countries. These pacts aim to enhance U.S. and partner energy security by diversifying critical mineral and energy supply chains. The Act creates a new Office of Energy Security Pacts and an interagency Council to oversee the negotiation, implementation, and coordination of these international partnerships.

The Railroad Retirement Fairness Act of 2026 aims to ensure railroad employees and their families receive equitable Social Security benefit protections. This bill prevents the reduction of Social Security benefits for railroad workers who also qualify for benefits through other employment by treating their railroad retirement annuity as a Social Security benefit for WEP and GPO calculations. Additionally, it eliminates a specific deduction from annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act.

The Ending Scam Credit Repair Act (ESCRA) strengthens consumer protections by imposing stricter regulations on credit repair organizations, including prohibitions against deceptive practices and "dispute jamming." The bill mandates that these organizations provide proof of results before collecting payment, requires state licensing, and increases transparency through enhanced disclosure and recordkeeping requirements. Additionally, it expands consumer rights by allowing for statutory damages in cases of noncompliance.

The Pro Codes Act of 2026 protects the copyright of technical standards incorporated into law, ensuring that standards development organizations can continue to fund their work. In exchange for this protection, the Act requires these organizations to provide the public with free, searchable online access to the specific standards referenced in government regulations.

The Military Learning for Credit Act of 2025 allows eligible veterans to use their existing educational assistance benefits to cover the costs of approved examinations, such as CLEP and DSST tests, to earn college credit. This benefit is capped at \$500 per exam and will count against the veteran's total educational entitlement time. Using these funds for testing will not affect any separate educational assistance received from the Department of Defense.

The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act establishes a federal grant program to help law enforcement agencies and nonprofits improve interactions with individuals who have autism or other developmental and communication disabilities. By funding voluntary "blue envelope" initiatives, the bill provides officers with specialized de-escalation training and offers community members tools to help navigate law enforcement encounters safely. The program also creates a public directory to connect individuals with local resources and prioritizes trauma-informed, community-supported practices.

The Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the existing conservation program by authorizing $20 million in annual funding from fiscal years 2028 through 2032. This legislation ensures continued financial support for the protection and preservation of vital tropical forest and coral reef ecosystems.

The ICE Accountability Act establishes an independent Commission for Independent Monitoring of Immigration Enforcement to oversee and investigate immigration agencies like ICE and CBP for compliance with civil rights and civil liberties requirements. This Commission will have broad access to agency records and facilities, issue public reports on its findings, and can initiate civil actions for serious violations. The Act also establishes whistleblower protections and mandates that the Commission terminate operations once agencies demonstrate sustained compliance.

The Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 aims to modernize the bankruptcy system by significantly increasing compensation for Chapter 7 trustees, which has been stagnant since 1994. The bill also adjusts bankruptcy fee structures to ensure adequate funding for the United States Trustee System. Finally, it extends the terms of certain temporary bankruptcy judge positions from five to ten years.

The NDO Fairness Act of 2026 establishes new, stricter requirements for government agencies seeking court orders to prevent technology companies from notifying users that their data has been requested. It sets specific time limits for these nondisclosure orders and mandates that courts find a clear danger before granting them. Furthermore, the bill requires the government to notify customers after an order expires and mandates annual public reporting on the use of these secrecy orders.

The Auto Theft Prevention Act establishes a new grant program within the Department of Justice to provide federal funding to states to combat rising auto theft. States receiving funds must distribute the majority to local law enforcement agencies for activities like hiring dedicated personnel and purchasing investigative equipment. This legislation aims to supplement existing resources to help states and localities prevent, detect, and investigate vehicle theft and trafficking.

This bill extends the legislative authority for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish its commemorative work in the District of Columbia. Specifically, it revises a deadline within the original authorization, changing the relevant expiration or extension date tied to a seven-year period to November 3, 2032. This grants the Foundation additional time to complete the memorial establishment process.

The Helping Improve Recruitment and Retention Efforts for Prosecutors Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program administered by the Department of Justice. This program aims to help state, local, territorial, and tribal governments hire, retain, and train prosecutors and support staff. Grants will be awarded competitively, with preference given to proposals focusing on new hiring or serving tribal, remote, or rural areas. The federal government will cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring a non-federal match.

This resolution officially recognizes December 10, 2025, as Human Rights Day, marking the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It reaffirms support for this declaration and condemns the use of political imprisonment to repress civil liberties. Furthermore, the resolution calls for the immediate release of unjustly detained political prisoners worldwide.