Legislative Activity

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of the National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve area in Washington, D.C. This legislation provides the necessary site-specific authorization to ensure the monument can be established in this prominent location.

The Diversity Jurisdiction Inflation Adjustment Act raises the minimum amount in controversy required for federal diversity jurisdiction from $75,000 to $150,000. It also establishes a mechanism for automatic, decennial inflation adjustments to this threshold beginning in 2030. Additionally, the bill grants courts the authority to impose cost penalties on plaintiffs who fail to recover the required minimum amount in federal court.

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 streamlines the federal benefits process for public safety officers and their families by establishing strict processing timelines and mandatory interim payments for delayed claims. The bill improves transparency through enhanced reporting and annual audits, while simplifying eligibility for 9/11-related claims by leveraging existing certifications from the VCF and WTCHP. Additionally, it mandates proactive outreach and requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement key GAO recommendations to improve overall program management.

The Stopping Border Surges Act proposes comprehensive reforms to U.S. immigration law by tightening asylum eligibility requirements and expanding the government's authority to detain or repatriate noncitizen children and families. The bill introduces stricter standards for asylum claims, shortens application deadlines, and increases penalties for immigration fraud. Additionally, it modifies the processing and placement procedures for unaccompanied minors while overriding existing judicial consent decrees regarding family detention.

The Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act of 2026 modernizes the federal judiciary by redrawing the boundaries of the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits to better reflect population growth and regional geography. This legislation reassigns judicial districts and judges to these new circuits while establishing clear transition rules for pending cases and legal precedents. Additionally, the Act authorizes the necessary funding to implement these structural changes and develop new courthouse facilities.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 strengthens immigration enforcement by shifting primary detention and custody authority from the Attorney General to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The bill establishes stricter standards for the detention of noncitizens during removal proceedings and expands the government's authority to hold individuals with final removal orders. Additionally, it limits administrative and judicial review of custody determinations to ensure more consistent enforcement of immigration laws.

This bill officially designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lubbock, Texas, as the "Lieutenant General Bernie Mittemeyer VA Clinic." All future federal references and official documentation for this facility will reflect this new name in honor of Lieutenant General Bernie Mittemeyer.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 620 East Pecan Boulevard in McAllen, Texas, as the "Agent Raul H. Gonzalez Jr. Memorial Post Office." The legislation ensures all official records are updated to reflect this new memorial name for the post office.

The Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026 narrows the federal definition of "navigable waters" to limit EPA and Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over isolated wetlands and intermittent water bodies. The bill strengthens state authority over water regulation, mandates landowner consent for federal property entry, and requires agencies to compensate property owners for regulatory actions that reduce land value. Additionally, it nullifies previous federal guidance and prohibits future expansions of jurisdictional authority without explicit Congressional approval.

This resolution designates August 1, 2026, as "Gold Star Children’s Day" to honor the sacrifices and unique hardships faced by children who have lost a parent in military service. It serves as a formal expression of national gratitude, encouraging Americans to recognize and support these children.

The Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act prohibits the use of federal funds for research or publications concerning gender transition procedures for minors. This restriction applies to studies involving hormone treatments or surgeries intended to affirm a minor's gender identity when it differs from their biological sex at birth.

This resolution designates July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy" to honor the historical and cultural significance of cowboys and cowgirls. It recognizes their vital role in shaping the American West and celebrates the enduring values, economic contributions, and community spirit they continue to embody today.

This bill, the "Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act," overhauls the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) hurricane hunter program. It mandates NOAA to acquire and maintain a dedicated fleet of 6 to 9 aircraft for essential hurricane reconnaissance and research missions. The legislation ensures the continuous collection and real-time sharing of critical weather data while authorizing significant funding for aircraft acquisition through fiscal year 2031.

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 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 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the operations and funding of the Commission through September 30, 2028. This legislation ensures the continued mandate of the Commission in monitoring and promoting religious freedom globally.

The **Reassessing the United States-Tanzania Bilateral Relationship Act** mandates a comprehensive review of U.S.-Tanzania relations in response to significant democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and political violence surrounding the 2025 elections. The bill authorizes the President to impose targeted sanctions on Tanzanian officials responsible for these violations and restricts certain U.S. security and financial assistance until the government implements verifiable democratic reforms.

The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 aims to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric defense capabilities by integrating its drone industry into the U.S. "Blue UAS" supply chain. The bill establishes a working group to identify opportunities for co-developing secure, PRC-independent unmanned aircraft systems and creates a fast-track certification process for Taiwanese manufacturers. By fostering these partnerships, the legislation seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese-sourced components and enhance regional security through a collaborative, allied drone supply chain.

This bill, the "Free to Exit Administrative Tribunals Act" (FEAT Act), allows certain parties involved in specific Department of the Interior administrative proceedings to transfer their case to a federal district court. Once transferred, the district court will review the matter *de novo*, meaning they will examine the case from the beginning without deference to the agency's prior decision. This provides an expedited path for resolution outside of the Department of the Interior's internal appeals process.