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 WARP Act of 2026, mandates the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacts warfighters' ability to retain critical skills and maintain operational readiness. The assessment must identify risks associated with AI reliance, evaluate training programs, and recommend policies to ensure proficiency is sustained, especially when AI systems are unavailable. The Department must report findings and recommendations to Congress within one year and submit a longitudinal study three years after enactment.

This bill, the SUSTAIN Act, prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing, retiring, or modifying existing MQ-9 aircraft units through September 30, 2032, with limited exceptions for unsafe aircraft or approved mission conversions. It also requires the Air Force to submit a comprehensive report detailing the recapitalization and modernization plan for the MQ-9 fleet through fiscal year 2035. The legislation aims to protect the current inventory and operational status of these critical unmanned systems.

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.

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.

The Government Bailout Prevention Act prohibits the use of federal funds to assist state and local governments that file for bankruptcy, default on obligations, or face imminent default after January 1, 2026. This restriction applies to Treasury actions and Federal Reserve support, with an exception for disaster-related aid. The bill aims to prevent federal bailouts for financially distressed state and local entities.

The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, mandatory electronic employment verification system for all U.S. employers, building upon the existing E-Verify program. This legislation phases in requirements for all businesses to use the system to confirm employee work authorization, imposing significantly enhanced civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or hiring unauthorized workers. The Act also establishes an individual self-check tool and mandates federal agencies to share necessary records to ensure system accuracy and security.

The Blocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026 mandates a national security review of communications equipment and services from specific Chinese technology companies to assess potential risks to U.S. national security. Based on this evaluation, the FCC will either add the identified technology to the official list of equipment posing security risks or clear it. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense to determine if any of these entities should be identified as Chinese military companies operating in the U.S.

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.

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 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.

The AI OVERWATCH Act establishes strict new export controls on advanced integrated circuits to designated countries of concern, including China, Iran, and Russia. It mandates a rigorous licensing process requiring detailed Congressional certification before high-performance chips can be transferred. Furthermore, the bill temporarily halts all licenses for these chips while requiring the development of a comprehensive national strategy to secure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.

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 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 Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 prohibits state and local governments from imposing liability on energy businesses for climate change-related harms through lawsuits or new penalty laws. This legislation asserts that the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of federal law. Consequently, all pending "qualified liability actions" in state or federal court must be dismissed.

This bill extends the surveillance authority granted under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for an additional 18 months. It specifically amends the expiration date for this critical national security tool to October 20, 2027.

The Safer Prisons Act of 2026 focuses on increasing the safety of correctional officers by significantly enhancing penalties for assaulting Bureau of Prisons staff. This legislation doubles the maximum prison sentence and adjusts fines for individuals convicted of such assaults.

The MATCH Act mandates the U.S. government to work with allies to align export controls on critical semiconductor manufacturing equipment to prevent adversaries from accessing foundational technology. It requires identifying key equipment and facilities, prioritizing diplomatic engagement with allies to adopt similar controls, and imposing U.S. unilateral controls if diplomatic efforts fail. Ultimately, the bill aims to secure the U.S. advantage in advanced computing by closing gaps in the current export control system.