Legislative Activity

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson, Arizona, shooting. It honors the six individuals who lost their lives and recognizes the survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution reaffirms the importance of civility in democracy and Congress's dedication to preventing gun violence.

The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 mandates the Department of Transportation to establish new federal safety standards requiring all new commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with comprehensive front, rear, and side underride protection systems. This legislation aims to drastically reduce preventable deaths and injuries from underride crashes involving passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users. The bill also reconvenes the Advisory Committee on Underride Protection and requires new studies and public reporting on crash data and prevention effectiveness.

The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026 establishes major federal funding streams, primarily through grants and tax-credit bonds, to modernize and repair public school facilities nationwide. This legislation prioritizes improvements focused on health, safety, and energy efficiency, directing significant resources toward districts serving low-income students. The Act also mandates transparency through public reporting and requires local districts to develop long-term facility master plans.

The Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2026 establishes a U.S. policy to combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing through international collaboration and technology deployment. It authorizes the President to impose strict sanctions, including asset blocking and visa denials, on foreign persons and entities involved in IUU fishing or the trade of endangered species. Furthermore, the Act mandates regular briefings and detailed annual reports to Congress regarding global efforts and China's role in these illicit activities.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized such military action. It asserts that no such authorization currently exists. The bill permits continued activities like intelligence sharing and assisting allies with necessary defensive measures against Iranian threats.

The Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026 establishes new committees within the Financial Stability Oversight Council to coordinate and assess climate-related financial risks to the U.S. financial system. It mandates federal banking agencies to update supervisory guidance to address these risks for large institutions. Furthermore, the bill requires the Federal Insurance Office to report on climate risk in the insurance sector and collect detailed, zip-code level data on homeowners insurance underwriting.

The Opportunities in Organic Act renames and significantly expands the existing national organic certification cost-share program. It establishes new grant funding for nonprofits to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and direct support for farmers transitioning to or maintaining organic certification. The bill also increases resources for technical assistance and mandates comprehensive reporting on the program's impact and participant demographics.

This resolution celebrates the 40th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup in September 2025, recognizing its massive global impact since 1986. It highlights the millions of pounds of trash volunteers have removed and the resulting scientific data on ocean pollution. The resolution encourages public participation and emphasizes the critical need to reduce plastic pollution at its source.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a recent rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the VA's September 9, 2024, regulation, rendering it without legal effect.

The Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026 aims to improve access to care for new and expecting mothers. This bill prohibits most health plans from charging out-of-pocket costs for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also extends continuity of care protections for these essential services following childbirth.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.

The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act establishes a grant program to help rural hospitals improve their cybersecurity defenses through technology upgrades, training, and professional services. The bill also mandates the creation of a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce development strategy tailored for rural healthcare settings. Furthermore, it requires the development and distribution of free instructional materials to train hospital staff on fundamental cybersecurity practices. Implementation of this Act must utilize existing appropriated funds.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 updates school nutrition standards to allow schools to offer organic or non-organic whole milk as a beverage option. This legislation also revises the criteria for milk substitutions based on medical or dietary needs and excludes milk fat from saturated fat calculations for meal compliance. Furthermore, the bill mandates that training for school food service personnel must now include comprehensive information on food allergies.

This bill, the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, redirects federal enforcement appropriations to significantly boost funding for local law enforcement through the COPS Hiring Program and the Byrne JAG Program. It provides substantial new resources to help local governments hire more police officers and support justice initiatives. Furthermore, it waives matching fund requirements for smaller jurisdictions seeking COPS grants.

The DEFIANCE Act of 2025 addresses the severe harm caused by non-consensual, sexually intimate digital forgeries (deepfakes). This bill establishes a federal civil cause of action allowing victims to sue those who knowingly create, possess with intent to disclose, or disclose these intimate digital forgeries. Successful plaintiffs can recover significant statutory damages, actual damages, and injunctive relief.

The COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude specific supplementary payments made under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act from being counted as income for SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations. This change aims to ensure these payments do not negatively impact a household's federal nutrition assistance. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2027.

The School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 establishes grant programs to combat opioid overdose deaths by funding the purchase and administration of overdose reversal drugs in schools and for first responders. This bill specifically authorizes funding to help elementary and secondary schools maintain a supply of these drugs and ensure trained personnel are available during operating hours. It also requires state certification of civil liability protections for those administering emergency aid.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

This bill amends the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act to allow for an extension of key dates related to the completion of the Regional Water System. Such an extension requires the agreement of all involved parties: the Pueblos, the United States, the State, the City, and the County.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.