Legislative Activity

The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 increases the debt eligibility limits for small businesses filing under subchapter V of Chapter 11 to $7.5 million and for individuals filing under Chapter 13 to $2.75 million. These adjustments aim to provide more businesses and individuals with access to streamlined bankruptcy reorganization processes. The new limits take effect for all bankruptcy cases filed on or after the date the Act is signed into law.

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 2026 as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month" to highlight the critical role trademarks play in protecting consumer safety and the economy. It emphasizes the growing dangers posed by counterfeit goods—ranging from unsafe electronics to illicit pharmaceuticals—and underscores the need for robust public education to combat these threats. The bill affirms a national commitment to supporting federal, state, and private sector efforts to reduce the demand for and supply of illegal counterfeit products.

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.

This resolution designates June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" and the month of June 2026 as "Elder Abuse Awareness Month." It highlights the urgent need to address the widespread abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older Americans. Furthermore, the resolution encourages public and professional action to identify, report, and prevent the mistreatment of older adults.

The Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act aims to significantly improve housing access and stability for current and former foster youth. It requires collaboration between child welfare and housing agencies and authorizes states to use funds for crucial housing supportive services like financial literacy and security deposit assistance. Furthermore, the bill mandates joint federal guidance to align housing programs and requires a report to Congress on outcomes for these youth.

The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 grants federal appellate and district court judges the discretion to permit public photographing, recording, and broadcasting of court proceedings. This authority is subject to due process considerations and includes mandatory protections for vulnerable witnesses, such as the right to remain unrecognizable. The Act also prohibits all media coverage of jurors and the jury selection process.

The Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025 mandates that state child welfare agencies develop comprehensive "family partnership plans" focused on identifying, recruiting, and supporting foster and adoptive families. These plans must utilize data to improve placement stability, increase kinship care, and better match families with children's needs, especially for teens and sibling groups. Furthermore, the bill enhances federal reporting by requiring detailed, state-by-state data on foster family capacity and recruitment challenges to be submitted to Congress annually.

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act increases the penalty for providing a phone or voice communication device to a federal inmate from one year to two years in prison. The bill also mandates that the Director of the Bureau of Prisons review and update policies related to prohibited objects within federal prisons. This legislation aims to enhance security by specifically targeting the supply of contraband communication devices.

The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 addresses the high rates of PTSD and acute stress disorder among public safety officers and telecommunicators. This bill directs the Attorney General to study and report on options for providing state-of-the-art, confidential mental health treatment and preventative care to these essential personnel. The resulting report will outline proposed programs, necessary legislative language, and funding estimates for implementation across all levels of government.

The American Innovation and Choice Online Act aims to curb anticompetitive practices by large "systemically important platforms." It prohibits these dominant online platforms from unfairly favoring their own products, misusing business user data, and imposing discriminatory terms that harm competition. The bill grants enforcement authority to the FTC and DOJ, establishes significant civil penalties for violations, and mandates expedited court proceedings for related antitrust lawsuits.

This bill, the "Intelligence Community Inspector General Parity Act of 2026," grants the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community (IC IG) full law enforcement authority. This authority mirrors that held by other federal Inspectors General, enabling IC IG investigators to carry firearms, make arrests, and execute warrants. The purpose is to ensure parity in the investigative powers of the IC IG.

The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act aims to strengthen protections and increase fairness for individuals reporting tax fraud. It grants the Tax Court the authority to conduct a fresh, independent review of denied whistleblower awards and mandates that awards are protected from federal budget sequestration cuts. Furthermore, the bill enhances whistleblower privacy by allowing anonymity in Tax Court proceedings and requires the IRS to pay interest on awards delayed beyond a specified timeframe.

This bill reauthorizes and extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program through fiscal year 2030. The program allows eligible small, rural hospitals to receive Medicare payments based on reasonable costs for inpatient services to promote financial stability. It maintains participation limits and requires a report evaluating the program's impact on rural access to care and costs.

The Informed Foster Youth Act of 2026 strengthens requirements for children in foster care by mandating comprehensive case plans that integrate transition services and provide crucial records. This legislation ensures youth aged 14 and older receive a written list of their rights, annual credit reports, and essential identity documents upon discharge. The bill focuses on expanding personalized transition planning to better prepare older youth for independence in areas like housing, health insurance, and employment.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

This resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of foster youth and expresses gratitude for foster parents, social workers, and advocates. Ultimately, the measure encourages Congress to implement policies that improve outcomes for children in foster care, from prevention to successful transition to adulthood.

This resolution supports the goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2026 by emphasizing the urgent need to raise public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. It highlights the devastating impact these fake medications have on families and young people across the nation. The resolution specifically designates April 29, 2026, as the official awareness day.

This resolution designates April 2026 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to recognize the widespread impact of sexual violence across the United States. It highlights the need to support survivors, prevent future assaults, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. The Senate supports efforts to educate the public, improve treatment for victims, and commend the professionals and organizations dedicated to this cause.

The TEACH Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and modifies the TEACH Grant Program, which provides financial aid to students who commit to teaching in high-need fields at low-income schools. The bill sets new grant amounts, revises academic eligibility standards, and strengthens counseling requirements for recipients. It also introduces penalties for institutions whose former grant recipients frequently fail to complete their required teaching service, leading to loan conversion.