Legislative Activity

The No Oil Profits for Enemies Act of 2026 (NOPE Act) significantly expands Congressional oversight of sanctions against the Russian Federation, particularly concerning energy-related actions. It mandates a review period for sanctions on Russian oil and gas that only ends once Russia ends its war in Ukraine and commits to reparations. The bill allows for temporary exceptions to this review for urgent safety or environmental needs related to energy transport.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive bill aimed at reducing government waste, preventing fraud, and increasing financial transparency across federal programs. It targets improper payments in areas like child care and Medicare, permanently bars pandemic relief fraudsters from future SBA aid, and cancels unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the deficit. Additionally, the Act strengthens oversight of welfare programs, enhances fraud enforcement timelines, and expands whistleblower protections for federal contractors.

The CHILD Act of 2025 expands background check requirements under the National Child Protection Act of 1993. This legislation broadens the definition of a "covered individual" to include contractors, license/certification applicants, and individuals associated with organizations contracted by qualified entities. The goal is to enhance child protection by increasing the scope of required background screenings.

This bill proposes a three-year extension of the surveillance authority granted under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). It amends the current expiration date to April 20, 2029.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several individuals, including Pastor Jin Mingri and Jimmy Lai, who are wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China. It calls for immediate and unconditional release of all those detained for peacefully exercising their rights. Furthermore, the resolution directs the President to raise these humanitarian concerns during future engagements with President Xi Jinping.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 strengthens the ability of claimants to recover art looted by the Nazis by ensuring cases are decided on their legal merits rather than procedural technicalities. The bill prevents courts from dismissing claims based on the passage of time or other non-merits defenses and clarifies that these actions may proceed regardless of the victim's nationality. These updates aim to remove legal barriers and ensure that justice for victims of Nazi persecution is not frustrated by procedural delays.

The Child Predators Accountability Act strengthens federal laws against the sexual exploitation of minors by closing critical legal loopholes. It expands the definition of prohibited conduct to include the intentional depiction of minors in sexually explicit material, regardless of whether the child physically participated in the act. This legislation ensures that those who coerce or exploit children through digital depictions are held fully accountable under federal law.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of a new National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation ensures the monument’s site selection complies with specific federal location requirements while remaining subject to the broader planning and construction standards of the Commemorative Works Act.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The Livestock Consolidation Research Act of 2026 mandates that the Economic Research Service publish regular reports analyzing industry consolidation across the beef, dairy, pork, and poultry sectors. These reports will evaluate how changes in the size and location of farms and processing facilities impact producers, market accessibility, and consumers. By utilizing comprehensive agricultural data, this legislation aims to provide greater transparency into the financial and structural trends shaping the modern livestock industry.

Tyler’s Law directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the current practices, costs, and benefits of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments. Following this study, the Secretary will issue formal guidance to help hospitals improve their testing protocols for patients experiencing overdoses. This legislation aims to enhance clinical responses to the fentanyl crisis and improve patient health outcomes.

This resolution establishes the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play" to promote community engagement and social connection. By encouraging people to step away from electronics, the initiative highlights the vital role that play serves in supporting mental, physical, and social well-being.

The Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026 mandates that fertilizer manufacturers and wholesalers report weekly price and quantity data to the USDA to increase market transparency. The bill also establishes a retail price survey program and creates a public dashboard to provide farmers and the industry with accessible, aggregated market information. These measures aim to improve price discovery while protecting confidential business data.

This resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to honor the vital contributions of women across the agricultural industry. It celebrates the essential roles women play as producers, educators, and leaders, while encouraging the nation to support and empower the next generation of female agricultural professionals.

The "Stop Insider Trading Act" prohibits Members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing individual stocks and requires advanced public notice for any sale of existing holdings. The bill establishes strict financial penalties for violations, which must be paid personally by the Member of Congress. These measures aim to increase transparency and prevent conflicts of interest by restricting personal investment activities among federal lawmakers.

The Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2026 reaffirms the United States' commitment to the security and strategic partnership of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The bill mandates a comprehensive report from the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to analyze emerging regional threats and provide recommendations for strengthening deterrence, cybersecurity, and democratic resilience in the Baltic region.

The State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to define and regulate state-based education loan programs. It ensures that students are fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and the associated benefits before opting for state-sponsored private loans. The bill also mandates that these state programs offer interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as federal alternatives.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act significantly updates existing law to expand online privacy protections for individuals aged 13 to 16. It broadens the definition of personal information collected online and imposes stricter requirements on operators regarding notice, verifiable consent, and data use for advertising. The bill also mandates studies on application oversight and the privacy risks associated with teens using financial technology products.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.