Legislative Activity

This resolution designates August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week." It recognizes the vital role these markets play in supporting local economies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving community access to fresh, healthy food.

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 Endless Mountains National Heritage Area Act designates Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties in Pennsylvania as a National Heritage Area. Managed by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc., this initiative aims to preserve the region's unique cultural and historical landscape. The act mandates the development of a comprehensive management plan and provides federal financial assistance for a period of 15 years.

The CFTC Whistleblower Protection and Program Improvement Act of 2026 strengthens the agency’s whistleblower program by increasing the Customer Protection Fund cap and expanding the scope of eligible whistleblower awards. The bill enhances anti-retaliation protections for employees, mandates whistleblower rights training for registered entities, and establishes strict deadlines for the timely processing of award claims. These measures aim to provide more robust support for individuals who report misconduct in the commodities and futures markets.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act strengthens the U.S. food system by dedicating at least $75 million annually to the development of publicly bred plant varieties and animal breeds. The bill establishes a dedicated coordinator within the USDA to oversee research, prioritizes the creation of regionally adapted and climate-resilient crops and livestock, and mandates the implementation of national strategic plans for germplasm conservation. By supporting public breeding programs, this legislation aims to enhance agricultural diversity, nutritional outcomes, and long-term food security.

The **Patients Deserve Price Tags Act** aims to increase healthcare affordability by mandating comprehensive price transparency across hospitals, laboratories, imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The bill requires these providers and health insurance plans to publicly disclose negotiated rates, cash prices, and standard charges in standardized, machine-readable formats. Additionally, it empowers patients with real-time cost-estimation tools and requires providers to issue detailed, itemized bills before initiating any collection actions.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act proposes ending federal cannabis prohibition by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and transferring regulatory oversight to health and revenue agencies. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for taxation, product safety, and restorative justice, including the expungement of past federal cannabis convictions and increased investment in communities impacted by the War on Drugs. Additionally, it provides states with the authority to manage their own cannabis policies while creating new federal standards for research, workplace safety, and banking access.

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 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 Agricultural Worker Justice Act of 2026 aims to improve labor standards and corporate accountability within the food supply chain by tying USDA contracts to fair wages and strict labor law compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates comprehensive safety reforms for the meatpacking industry, including stricter line-speed regulations, enhanced whistleblower protections, and expanded OSHA oversight. Together, these measures seek to ensure safer working conditions, higher pay, and greater transparency for both food workers and the American public.

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 Milk From Family Dairies Act of 2026 establishes a national Dairy Market Stabilization Program to manage milk production through supply limits, floor prices, and fees for overproduction. The bill aims to support small-scale producers by implementing stricter dairy import controls, monitoring market consolidation, and funding regional infrastructure and training initiatives. These measures are designed to align domestic supply with demand while strengthening the economic viability of independent dairy farms.

This resolution officially recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month to celebrate the history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality of the LGBTQ community. It acknowledges the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ individuals both domestically and globally. The resolution supports equal rights and treatment for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, encouraging education and celebration of the community's resilience.

The Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act strengthens protections for workers by mandating transparent pay disclosures, ensuring timely final paychecks, and increasing penalties for wage violations. The bill extends the statute of limitations for filing claims, bans forced arbitration, and establishes a grant program to support community-based efforts in preventing wage theft. These measures aim to hold employers accountable and provide workers with more robust legal tools to recover unpaid wages.

The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act establishes a competitive grant program to assist states and Indian tribes in developing or improving their own firearms dealer licensing systems. To qualify for funding, jurisdictions must implement rigorous licensing requirements, including mandatory dealer inspections and clear enforcement protocols for violations. The Act also mandates annual reporting to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the effectiveness of these licensing programs.

The Small Farm Conservation Act establishes a dedicated Small Farm EQIP subprogram to provide enhanced financial and technical conservation assistance to small-scale agricultural producers. This subprogram mandates minimum payments, offers increased incentives for soil health management on smaller farms, and reserves significant funding for tailored support. It aims to streamline the application process and ensure equitable access for historically underserved groups, including beginning and limited-resource farmers.

The CHILE Act of 2026 establishes a permanent federal framework to provide direct financial assistance to specialty crop producers following adverse events. This framework requires the Secretary of Agriculture to calculate payments based on pre-disaster sales and the determined loss factor, taking into account the unique costs of specialty crops. The bill also sets specific payment caps, with exceptions for high-income farming operations, and appropriates \$5 billion for fiscal year 2027 to fund this assistance.