Legislative Activity

The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act expands the Section 45X advanced manufacturing production tax credit to include additional critical minerals and allow ore extraction costs to qualify for tax incentives. The bill also repeals the credit reduction for metallurgical coal to further support domestic production. These updates aim to strengthen the supply chain for essential minerals and industrial materials.

The **Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026** updates and streamlines federal housing programs for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. The bill simplifies environmental review processes, expands eligibility for homeownership and student housing assistance, and increases the maximum leasehold interest on trust lands to 99 years. Additionally, it establishes new grant programs to address homelessness among veterans and tribal populations while strengthening tribal self-determination in housing administration and procurement.

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.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Act of 2026 establishes a U.S. Department of Agriculture program dedicated to developing and implementing nonlethal strategies to mitigate conflicts between wildlife, humans, and livestock. By providing research, training, and financial assistance to landowners and agricultural producers, the bill aims to protect livestock and infrastructure while promoting effective, humane coexistence.

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 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 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI). It honors the organization’s century of leadership in establishing technical and safety standards that ensure the reliability and interoperability of firearms and ammunition. Furthermore, it recognizes SAAMI’s ongoing commitment to public safety, scientific rigor, and responsible industry practices.

This resolution honors the vital contributions of small firearm manufacturers to the U.S. economy, domestic innovation, and the preservation of recreational shooting traditions. It recognizes these businesses as essential drivers of job creation and community engagement. Additionally, the resolution officially designates August 2026 as "National Shooting Sports Month."

The Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to establish clear, biological definitions for the terms "sex," "female," and "male." These definitions are intended to provide legal clarity for educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance. The act takes effect immediately upon being signed into law.

The SMART Savings Act of 2026 streamlines retirement account regulations by narrowing the definition of "plans" subject to prohibited transaction rules and removing specific restrictive categories. It also clarifies self-dealing rules for IRAs while introducing a "relationship benefits" exception, allowing account holders to receive certain perks based on account value or service fees without jeopardizing their IRA status.

This bill mandates that the United States Postal Service continue selling the Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp for an additional six years. Proceeds from these sales will be transferred to the National Institutes of Health to support ongoing medical research into Alzheimer’s disease.

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 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.

The Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act of 2026 streamlines geothermal energy development by eliminating federal drilling permit requirements for projects on non-federal surface land where the U.S. holds less than 50% of the subsurface mineral interest. Under this legislation, operators may proceed with state-approved projects without undergoing federal environmental reviews, provided they continue to meet existing royalty obligations. These exemptions do not apply to Indian lands or resources held in trust for Indian Tribes.

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 **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.

The **American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026** aims to accelerate energy and infrastructure development by streamlining federal permitting processes. The bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for natural gas pipeline reviews, sets strict timelines for interagency coordination, and limits the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA. Additionally, it reforms water quality certification requirements and restricts judicial review to prevent project delays, fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for energy and mining projects.

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.