Legislative Activity

The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act of 2026 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national information system and public web hub dedicated to chronic pain research. This initiative aims to standardize data collection, identify research gaps, and provide clinicians and the public with evidence-based resources for pain management. By aggregating federal data and fostering collaboration, the bill seeks to improve the understanding, treatment, and outcomes of chronic pain conditions nationwide.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

This resolution celebrates the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It recognizes the significance of this expanded global event in fostering international unity, cooperation, and peace through the spirit of sports. The bill formally welcomes players and fans to North America while commending the host nations and cities for their collaborative efforts.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 authorizes critical investments in national water infrastructure, including flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The bill also reauthorizes key EPA programs through 2030 to improve drinking water safety, modernize wastewater systems, and address emerging contaminants like PFAS. By streamlining project approvals and increasing funding for rural and disadvantaged communities, the legislation aims to enhance climate resilience and strengthen the security of the nation's water resources.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive legislative package designed to combat fraud, reduce government waste, and ensure the integrity of federal spending programs. The bill implements stricter oversight for child care and health care payments, permanently bars those convicted of pandemic-related fraud from future Small Business Administration assistance, and rescinds unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the national deficit. Additionally, it enhances whistleblower protections for government contractors, strengthens data-sharing to intercept improper payments, and establishes new safeguards against foreign influence and deep fake scams.

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.

The SAFE Banking Act of 2026 creates a federal safe harbor for depository institutions and insurers that provide financial services to state-sanctioned marijuana and hemp-related businesses. By prohibiting federal regulators from penalizing financial institutions for serving these legal entities, the bill aims to improve industry transparency and public safety. Additionally, the Act establishes protections for mortgage lenders and clarifies requirements for suspicious activity reporting and account termination procedures.

This resolution expresses support for designating **July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day**. It honors the critical and often dangerous work these individuals perform to maintain the nation's electric grid, especially during emergencies. The day also commemorates the anniversary of the first IBEW president's line-of-duty death while restoring power.

The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026 prohibits physicians from performing dismemberment abortions, except when necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violators and provides civil remedies for patients or their parents to sue for damages. It explicitly excludes the woman undergoing the procedure from criminal prosecution or monetary liability.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide up to $50 million in federal grants to support the establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. To receive these funds, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation must first secure $100 million in non-federal matching contributions. Additionally, the Act allows for the loan of federal artifacts to the library while ensuring that the facility remains under non-federal operation.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act establishes the Eastern Mediterranean as a critical strategic hub within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The legislation directs the U.S. to prioritize energy security, defense cooperation, and regional integration through enhanced multilateral strategic dialogues. By fostering deeper ties with key partners like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, the Act aims to strengthen connectivity and stability across three continents.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

This resolution celebrates the historic significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It welcomes the international community to North America for the expanded 48-team tournament. The bill expresses support for the event as a symbol of continental unity and recognizes soccer's role in global friendship.

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.

The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act aims to support volunteer first responders by making it easier for them to access housing assistance. The bill allows qualified volunteers to receive an $18,000 income deduction when applying for USDA guaranteed home loans. Additionally, it makes these volunteers eligible to purchase discounted homes through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program and similar initiatives. Eligibility requires continuous service, meeting minimum activity standards, and holding current first responder certification.

The Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026 authorize over $1.4 billion in inflation-adjusted funding to support critical municipal, rural, and Tribal water infrastructure projects across North Dakota. This legislation ensures the completion of essential water treatment, supply, and distribution systems while providing necessary technical updates to existing water resource laws.

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.

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 resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The designation aims to increase public understanding, reduce the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress (PTS), and encourage timely treatment for affected veterans and service members. It recognizes the high risk of PTS among those who have served in recent conflicts and supports efforts to ensure those with this treatable injury receive proper care.