Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes and modernizes the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program through 2031 with increased annual funding. It shifts the program's focus toward integrating advanced technologies, such as machine learning and integrated modeling, for more accurate snowpack and water supply predictions. The legislation also refines reporting requirements to detail the application and outcomes of these new measurement technologies across various river basins.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on installing a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam. The system aims to improve hydropower generation by managing cold water releases and preventing the spread of invasive species. If feasible and agreed upon by power contractors, the Secretary may proceed with construction.

This act reauthorizes and extends the competitive grant program for large-scale water recycling and reuse projects. It increases the program's authorization period from five years to ten years.

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 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.

This resolution officially recognizes National Public Works Week to honor the essential contributions of public works professionals. It highlights their vital role in maintaining the infrastructure—like roads, water, and waste management—that protects public health and supports community life. The resolution also encourages greater public awareness of the importance of these services.

The South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026 establishes U.S. policy to support freedom of navigation and a rules-based resolution of maritime disputes in the region, countering unilateral actions that undermine stability. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to develop and submit a comprehensive diplomatic engagement strategy within 180 days. This strategy must detail plans for coordinating with allies and key littoral states to advance U.S. interests, bolster regional security, and manage potential crises.

The Dietary Supplements Access Act aims to allow individuals to use tax-advantaged health accounts, such as HSAs and FSAs, to pay for certain dietary supplements. This provision establishes an annual cap of $500 for these expenses, while explicitly excluding energy drinks, soft drinks, and sodas. The changes are set to take effect for expenses incurred or paid after December 31, 2026.

The Strategy for Crisis Management Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Defense to develop a comprehensive crisis management strategy for the South China Sea. This strategy must include detailed crisis playbooks for likely flashpoints, outlining sequenced response options and interagency coordination plans. The goal is to deter Chinese provocation, ensure safety, protect U.S. interests, and manage potential escalation while maintaining strategic stability.

The Pacific POWER Act aims to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security by promoting geothermal energy development with key allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill directs the State Department to establish an International Geothermal Program to foster collaboration, share expertise, and create financial tools for geothermal exploration and deployment. This initiative seeks to reduce partners' energy dependence on adversaries while creating new markets for U.S. energy technology and services.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating May 2026 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It recognizes the contributions of motorcyclists and highlights the importance of road safety for all users. The bill encourages increased awareness of motorcycles on the road and promotes rider education and safety practices.

The CLOSE THE GAP Act aims to significantly streamline and expedite the process for approving and modifying communications facilities on federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service. It mandates new regulations for standardized application processing, establishes rigorous data tracking for transparency, and provides exemptions from certain environmental reviews for upgrades and projects on previously analyzed sites. Furthermore, the bill integrates communications projects into the FAST Act's expedited permitting process and requires the creation of online portals for application submission.

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 act, the Protecting America's Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act of 2026, amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to explicitly include risks from extreme temperatures in the infrastructure resilience program for midsize and large drinking water systems. It expands eligibility and project requirements to address these new temperature-related threats. Furthermore, the bill extends the program's funding authorization through fiscal year 2032.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific individuals wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with President Xi Jinping. The resolution condemns these politically motivated detentions and calls for immediate humanitarian access and release for those named. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedoms globally.

The Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 establishes a new, rigorous vetting process for entities seeking federal high-cost universal service funding to build rural broadband networks. This legislation directs the FCC to ensure applicants possess the necessary technical, financial, and operational capabilities through detailed proposal evaluations. The Act also sets minimum penalties for applicants who default on their commitments before receiving authorization.

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.

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 bill reauthorizes and strengthens existing law to accelerate access to ALS therapies by extending program deadlines to 2031. It improves grant renewal processes by requiring review of clinical trial enrollment data and clarifies the definition of a Phase 3 trial. Furthermore, the legislation mandates an updated FDA action plan for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases, alongside a required GAO report assessing progress.