Legislative Activity

The College Transparency Act establishes a secure, new Postsecondary Student Data System to track student enrollment, completion, and post-college outcomes across higher education institutions. This system aims to increase transparency for students and families by providing clear data on costs and success rates, while minimizing duplicate reporting burdens for schools. The collected data will be used for secure research and public reporting of aggregate statistics, strictly prohibiting the sale of data or its use for federal college rankings.

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.

The Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act aims to strengthen rural healthcare by expanding eligibility for rural emergency hospital (REH) status and enhancing financial support for these facilities. The bill introduces new payment incentives, allows for expanded service offerings like swing beds and specialized units, and ensures REHs are eligible for critical grant programs and Medicaid coverage. These measures are designed to increase the sustainability of rural hospitals and improve access to essential care in underserved communities.

This resolution designates July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy" to honor the historical and cultural significance of cowboys and cowgirls. It recognizes their vital role in shaping the American West and celebrates the enduring values, economic contributions, and community spirit they continue to embody today.

This bill mandates that the United States Postal Service continue selling the Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp for an additional six years. Proceeds from these sales will be transferred to the National Institutes of Health to support ongoing medical research into Alzheimer’s disease.

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 Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of "renewable biomass" eligible for federal renewable fuel programs. By including a wider range of forest residuals and vegetation sourced from wildfire risk reduction and restoration activities, the bill incentivizes the removal of hazardous fuels from both public and private lands. This legislation streamlines the certification process to encourage the use of forest materials in renewable energy production.

The Restoring Affordability in Automobile Manufacturing (RAAM) Act repeals federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles beginning with the 2029 model year. Additionally, the bill establishes federal authority over fuel economy regulation, preempting state and local governments from enforcing their own conflicting fuel economy standards.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2026 strengthens the nursing profession by expanding grant eligibility for advanced education and modernizing training resources, including simulation and telehealth technologies. The bill addresses critical workforce shortages by increasing funding for nursing faculty and student programs while broadening support for specialized care, such as services for sexual assault survivors. These updates ensure that nursing education remains robust and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare system through 2030.

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.

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.

This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision, celebrating the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and the return of abortion regulation to elected representatives. It affirms the right to life for the unborn and commits to supporting families and expectant mothers. The resolution also recognizes the role of pregnancy centers and advocates for laws protecting unborn life.

The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026 prohibits physicians from performing dismemberment abortions, except when necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violators and provides civil remedies for patients or their parents to sue for damages. It explicitly excludes the woman undergoing the procedure from criminal prosecution or monetary liability.

The Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to help offset the costs of transporting and processing materials removed during wildfire risk-reduction projects on National Forest System lands. By providing financial support for logistics, equipment, and workforce development, the program aims to incentivize the removal of hazardous fuels to better protect communities from wildfire threats.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

The Space Ready 2.0 Act establishes a pilot program authorizing NASA to accept voluntary contributions from private and public partners to fund infrastructure improvements at NASA Centers. This initiative aims to streamline the maintenance and development of shared-use facilities through transparent cost-sharing agreements and rigorous oversight. The program is designed to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring that private contributions are managed responsibly through 2031.

The American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act aims to strengthen the domestic food supply chain by investing in local and regional infrastructure. It establishes a USDA program to fund middle-of-the-supply-chain activities like processing and storage, prioritizing underserved producers. Additionally, the Act creates a national network of regional food systems hubs to provide technical and financial assistance to farms and food businesses. These measures are intended to enhance food security, create new market opportunities, and improve producer revenue.

The Fresh Produce for Families Act of 2026 allows states to use a portion of their existing federal commodity funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables through the Department of Defense Fresh Program for distribution via The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This provides states with an optional new pathway to increase access to fresh produce for families in need.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.