Legislative Activity

This Senate resolution expresses the sense that access to mifepristone should be based on over 25 years of proven safety and effectiveness supported by peer-reviewed science. It calls for equitable and transparent laws and policies governing access to this time-sensitive medication abortion care. The resolution affirms the FDA's authority to regulate the drug based on the best available evidence, free from political interference.

The Scientific Integrity Act aims to safeguard the role of science in federal policymaking by requiring agencies that fund or conduct research to adopt and enforce strict scientific integrity policies. These policies must prohibit political interference, data suppression, and retaliation against scientists. The legislation establishes Scientific Integrity Officers within agencies and mandates regular training and public reporting on policy implementation to ensure public trust in government science.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes free breakfast and lunch for all students in participating schools, eliminating income-based eligibility and school meal debt. It also updates federal funding metrics by replacing free/reduced lunch data with new measures of economically disadvantaged students across various education and nutrition programs. This comprehensive bill aims to ensure universal access to nutrition while streamlining administrative requirements related to poverty tracking.

The Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act amends federal law to allow medical device manufacturers to provide required labeling entirely through electronic means, provided they ensure user access and offer paper copies upon request. This legislation aims to modernize labeling requirements while maintaining safety and effectiveness standards. The Secretary of Health and Human Services retains authority to add requirements or grant exceptions to these electronic labeling conditions. Furthermore, the bill mandates the FDA to seek public feedback on optimizing electronic labeling for professional-use medical devices.

The ALERT Act of 2026 establishes a five-year program to enhance the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) with real-time infectious disease surveillance in nursing homes nationwide. This initiative aims to rapidly detect and notify authorities about emerging public health threats within these facilities. The bill also directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to support the adoption of this advanced surveillance technology.

The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act aims to significantly improve health outcomes for mid-life women by boosting federal research, public awareness, and professional training related to menopause. The bill establishes new programs for research funding, public education campaigns, and specialized training for healthcare providers. It also supports the creation of Centers of Excellence to advance evidence-based care and address disparities in treatment access.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It aims to honor the lives of missing and murdered American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls and demonstrate solidarity with their families. The bill also calls for a new Department of Justice study to update statistics on this ongoing crisis.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, recognizing his significant contributions as a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow over his passing and offers condolences to his family. The resolution directs that this tribute be communicated to the House and his family, and the Senate will adjourn in his memory.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital roles and significant contributions of teachers across the United States in shaping the nation's civic, cultural, and economic future. It specifically designates the week of May 4–8, 2026, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. The bill encourages widespread public recognition and respect for educators and the teaching profession.

The Public Lands Integrity Act amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to classify any provision resulting in the sale, disposal, or transfer of federal lands as "extraneous" under the Byrd Rule. This change aims to prevent such land transactions from being included in budget reconciliation processes.

This resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6th to May 12th. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses across patient care, public health, and research. The bill encourages the nation to observe this week with appropriate recognition for the importance of nurses in everyday lives.

This Act establishes the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Program to combat the growing threat of diseases spreading between animals and humans. The bill creates six dedicated Wildlife Health Coordinator positions to improve communication and coordination among federal, state, and tribal agencies regarding wildlife health and zoonotic disease surveillance. These coordinators will facilitate information sharing, build capacity, and help access resources for prevention and response efforts.

The Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act of 2026 aims to bolster urban and controlled-environment agriculture by expanding the USDA's Office of Urban Agriculture. This legislation establishes a new competitive grant program to support producers and prioritizes improving local food access in underserved areas. It also mandates dedicated funding and expands research opportunities for innovative farming technologies.

The Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 establishes a formal process for Congress to override a Presidential denial of a Governor's request for a major disaster declaration. If the President refuses a declaration, they must provide a written explanation to Congressional leadership within 24 hours. Congressional leaders can then introduce a joint resolution, subject to fast-track procedures in both chambers, to compel the President to issue the declaration.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 significantly strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by establishing rigorous new standards for dog dealers. This bill mandates substantial improvements to housing, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care for dogs. Furthermore, it introduces strict regulations on breeding practices, including health screening and limits on female dog litters, while ensuring humane retirement for breeding dogs.

This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act to prohibit U.S. foreign assistance funds from supporting programs that violate human rights or undermine public health, including those involving coercive family planning. It specifically nullifies three recent Department of State rules related to foreign assistance. The Secretary of State is required to issue compliance guidance and report annually to Congress on any violations.

This resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress. It recognizes the deep, historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. across security, innovation, and shared democratic values. The bill reaffirms the enduring friendship and encourages deeper cooperation on strategic global issues.

The Energy Security Pacts Act establishes a framework for the State Department to create multiyear agreements, or "Energy Security Pacts," with partner countries. These pacts aim to enhance U.S. and partner energy security by diversifying critical mineral and energy supply chains. The Act creates a new Office of Energy Security Pacts and an interagency Council to oversee the negotiation, implementation, and coordination of these international partnerships.

The Western Tribal Water Act of 2026 addresses critical water infrastructure needs for Tribes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. This legislation expands the existing Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program to include ten new eligible projects in the basin. It also authorizes $60 million in funding for the program for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to improve tribal water supplies.