Legislative Activity

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 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.

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 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 Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits licensed healthcare providers and transplant hospitals from denying organ transplants or related services to qualified individuals solely because of a disability. This legislation mandates reasonable modifications, auxiliary aids, and consideration of a patient's support network to ensure equal access throughout the entire transplant process. Exceptions only apply if a physician determines the disability is medically significant to the transplant, or if accommodations fundamentally alter the service.

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.

The Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2026 aims to boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and job preservation by updating foreign-trade zone operations. This legislation specifically allows certain goods manufactured or processed within these zones to enter the U.S. duty-free. It directs Customs and Border Protection to implement these new tariff rules promptly.

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly amends existing law to provide broad immunity to the firearms industry from civil lawsuits related to the criminal or unlawful use of their products. This legislation mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against the industry and establishes strict definitions and procedural hurdles for any claims attempting to use statutory exceptions. Furthermore, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on manufacturers or sellers for harms resulting from criminal misuse of firearms.

The **Take Care of America’s Veterans Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to significantly expand compensation, benefits, and healthcare access for veterans and their survivors. It overhauls VA claims processing to be faster and fairer, modernizes education and transition support, and strengthens caregiver resources. Ultimately, the legislation aims to deliver more timely, high-quality, and veteran-centered services across the board.

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 Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to strengthen agriculture and natural resources programs at community colleges. These competitive grants will help institutions expand workforce training, education, and research, prioritizing coordination with local industry for experiential learning. The Act also authorizes funding to designate regional or national Centers of Agriculture Advancement.

The Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026 strengthens measures against illegal fishing by expanding criteria for identifying nations that fail to regulate foreign vessels operating under their flag. This bill mandates updating the regulatory definition of "illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing" to align with existing federal law. Ultimately, it aims to ensure better accountability for flag states regarding illegal fishing activities.

This resolution recognizes the strategic importance of the Arctic region to U.S. national security and economic interests. It supports continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Senate specifically backs efforts to strengthen Arctic security, infrastructure, and scientific research while upholding a rules-based international order. The resolution also affirms the vital role of Indigenous peoples in Arctic governance.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and communities that supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The Canteen was a massive, entirely volunteer-run operation that fed approximately six million service members traveling across the country. The original gold medal will be permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. The bill also allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

This bill, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026, significantly increases the penalties for stealing firearms from federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers. It establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for theft committed during a burglary or robbery of these businesses. Furthermore, the act clarifies that attempts to steal firearms from licensed collectors face the same enhanced penalties as successful theft.

This resolution supports designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the critical mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high suicide rates. This day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness within the agricultural industry.

This resolution honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable Donald W. Riegle, Jr., former Senator for Michigan. It recognizes his decades in Congress, highlighting key legislative achievements such as co-sponsoring the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and leading significant banking reforms. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow and adjourns in his memory.