Legislative Activity

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Youth Poisoning Protection Act bans the sale of consumer products containing 10% or more sodium nitrite by weight to prevent accidental or intentional poisoning. This legislation classifies such high-concentration products as banned hazardous substances under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The ban includes specific exemptions for industrial use, as well as regulated food, drug, and cosmetic products.

The Children's Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the risks, educational impacts, and ethical concerns surrounding AI-enabled toys for children. Additionally, the bill requires the FTC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop a joint action plan to establish safety standards, marketing regulations, and consumer protections for these products.

This resolution commemorates 35 years of independence for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, marking the end of Soviet rule in the region. It reaffirms the strategic importance of the United States' partnership with these nations in promoting regional stability, economic modernization, and global security. Furthermore, the bill underscores a commitment to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these Central Asian countries.

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.

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 Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

The Building Community in America Act aims to increase diversity in national service programs by prioritizing the recruitment and training of underrepresented populations, including men. The bill directs federal service initiatives to focus on essential community roles such as youth mentoring, disaster response, public safety, and workforce development. By expanding participation, the legislation seeks to strengthen community-building efforts across the country.

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.

The Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 updates the EPA’s formula for distributing federal clean water funding to states, territories, and Indian tribes. By prioritizing infrastructure needs, population data, and poverty levels, the bill ensures a more equitable and modern allocation of resources. Additionally, it streamlines administrative requirements and expands the eligible uses of state capitalization grants to better support water infrastructure projects.

The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the FAA to conduct a comprehensive review of low-altitude airspace safety policies, with a specific focus on mitigating risks posed by temporary obstructions like slacklines. The bill mandates stakeholder consultation and requires the FAA to improve aeronautical data, interagency coordination, and public outreach. Ultimately, it ensures that necessary regulatory updates are implemented to enhance safety for pilots operating in low-altitude environments.

The Stop TNR Act of 2026 establishes a formal legal definition for "transnational repression" to better identify and prosecute foreign-backed efforts to harass, intimidate, or harm individuals within the United States. The bill mandates stricter sentencing enhancements for these offenses, centralizes federal oversight of related investigations, and requires regular reporting to Congress. Additionally, it directs the government to develop strategies to counter AI-enabled repression and reviews existing tools to ensure a robust defense against foreign interference.

The SBA IT Modernization Reporting Act mandates that the Small Business Administration implement specific recommendations from the GAO to address critical risks in its IT systems. The legislation requires the SBA to develop and submit a comprehensive plan for managing IT project risks, costs, and schedules to relevant congressional committees. This act ensures greater oversight and accountability in the agency's technology modernization efforts.

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 Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to help offset the costs of transporting and processing materials removed during wildfire risk-reduction projects on National Forest System lands. By providing financial support for logistics, equipment, and workforce development, the program aims to incentivize the removal of hazardous fuels to better protect communities from wildfire threats.

The Preserving Patient Access Act protects consumers by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to notify enrollees when their providers leave a network and by restricting mid-year prescription drug coverage cuts. Additionally, the bill mandates that individual market health plans offer special enrollment periods to patients affected by these mid-year network or formulary changes. These measures ensure patients maintain consistent access to their preferred doctors and necessary medications throughout the plan year.

This resolution condemns the People's Republic of China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law for institutionalizing forced assimilation and cultural erasure against ethnic and religious minorities like Tibetans and Uyghurs. It highlights the law's extraterritorial reach, which threatens the rights and safety of people, including U.S. citizens, who challenge Beijing's narrative. The Senate calls on China to repeal the law and urges the Administration to work with allies to monitor its impacts and consider targeted sanctions.

The AI Labeling Act of 2026 mandates that providers of generative AI systems and major online platforms clearly label AI-generated digital content with both human-readable and machine-readable disclosures. The bill establishes strict prohibitions against tampering with these labels or creating tools designed to circumvent them, with enforcement overseen by the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General. Additionally, it creates a specialized working group to develop technical standards for content provenance and transparency to help consumers distinguish between AI-generated and authentic media.

The Securing Partner Supply Chains Act establishes a State Department initiative to help partner countries develop and strengthen their own foreign investment screening mechanisms. By providing technical assistance and sharing expertise, the program aims to mitigate national security risks related to critical infrastructure, sensitive technology, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish grant programs for researching and developing next-generation firefighter turnout gear that is free of harmful PFAS chemicals. These grants will support the creation of safer protective clothing and the development of training programs for first responders on its proper use and decontamination. The ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness and injury among firefighters by advancing safer alternatives.