Legislative Activity

This resolution designates July 30, 2026, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor the historical importance of whistleblowers in protecting the public interest. It reaffirms the federal government's commitment to encouraging the reporting of waste, fraud, and abuse while recognizing the vital contributions whistleblowers make to government accountability.

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 Broadband MAP Act of 2026 directs the FCC to initiate a formal review of its current broadband mapping and data challenge processes. This legislation ensures that mapping updates are evaluated for fairness, accuracy, and their impact on future broadband funding and service provider operations.

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.

Lulu's Law mandates that the FCC classify shark attacks as an event eligible for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This ensures that alerts regarding shark attacks can be broadcast to the public via emergency messaging systems.

This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision, celebrating the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and the return of abortion regulation to elected representatives. It affirms the right to life for the unborn and commits to supporting families and expectant mothers. The resolution also recognizes the role of pregnancy centers and advocates for laws protecting unborn life.

The Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the crew of the historic Artemis II mission for their groundbreaking contributions to human space exploration. The bill authorizes the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the four crew members in recognition of their achievements in deep-space travel. Additionally, it provides for the production and sale of bronze duplicates to commemorate this milestone mission.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

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.

The PAID OFF Act of 2025 restricts foreign agents representing entities from specific adversarial nations—including China, Russia, and Iran—from utilizing certain registration exemptions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The bill also establishes a formal congressional process for the Secretary of State to update the list of "countries of concern" and includes a five-year sunset provision for these new requirements.

The Tribal Conservation Priorities Inclusion Act amends existing USDA conservation programs to explicitly include Indian tribes and tribal lands when identifying priority resource concerns. This legislation ensures tribal governments are consulted and their lands are recognized within key conservation initiatives like EQIP and CSP. The Act strengthens tribal involvement in federal conservation planning and resource management.

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 Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to strengthen agriculture and natural resources programs at community colleges. These competitive grants will help institutions expand workforce training, education, and research, prioritizing coordination with local industry for experiential learning. The Act also authorizes funding to designate regional or national Centers of Agriculture Advancement.

This bill, the FENCE Act, amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to allow farmers to use modern or emerging fencing technologies when repairing or replacing fences under the emergency conservation program. This update is permitted as long as the inclusion of new technology does not increase the overall cost of the repair or replacement.

This bill amends federal law to extend existing prohibitions on noncompliant motor vehicles to also cover noncompliant motor vehicle equipment. This ensures that equipment not meeting safety standards is subject to the same restrictions on manufacturing, selling, and importing. The legislation also allows for the introduction of certain noncompliant equipment in interstate commerce specifically for testing purposes.

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.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 establishes automatic, 14-day continuing appropriations to prevent federal operations from halting when regular funding lapses. This mechanism funds programs at the previous rate until Congress enacts a full budget or continuing resolution. The bill also imposes strict limitations on official travel and congressional business during these funding gaps. Finally, it classifies the costs of this Act as discretionary spending subject to existing budget enforcement rules.