Legislative Activity

The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, mandatory electronic employment verification system for all U.S. employers, building upon the existing E-Verify program. This legislation phases in requirements for all businesses to use the system to confirm employee work authorization, imposing significantly enhanced civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or hiring unauthorized workers. The Act also establishes an individual self-check tool and mandates federal agencies to share necessary records to ensure system accuracy and security.

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.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late former United States Senator John Seymour of California. It recognizes his extensive public service, highlighting his career in business, local government, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow and directs that official copies of this resolution be delivered to his family.

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 officially designates May 16, 2026, as "Kids to Parks Day." The day aims to promote healthy outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and encourage families to visit local, state, and national parks. It recognizes the importance of outdoor access for youth health, education, and community strengthening.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as "National Beef Month." It recognizes the significant economic contributions and nutritional value of the United States cattle and beef industry. The designation aims to honor the industry's role in the nation's agriculture and food supply.

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 designates the first Wednesday of May as Maternal Mental Health Day to raise critical awareness about maternal mental health conditions, which affect a significant number of new mothers. It recognizes these disorders as common but often untreated complications of pregnancy and childbirth that impact family well-being. The day aims to highlight the importance of support, research, and treatment for mothers across the country.

The FAIR Labels Act of 2026 establishes clear labeling requirements and regulatory oversight for both cell-cultivated protein products and plant-based alternative protein products. It mandates that cell-cultivated products must prominently feature the term "cell-cultivated" on their labels, while plant-based alternatives must be clearly identified as "plant-based alternative protein product." Furthermore, the bill updates the agreement between the USDA and HHS to clarify their respective roles in regulating the safety and production of cell-cultivated protein.

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.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month." The designation aims to raise public awareness about the critical importance of personal financial education. It calls upon various sectors of society to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities promoting financial well-being.

This act aims to immediately lower costs for American farmers by eliminating trade duties and revoking countervailing duty orders on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco. The legislation ensures these essential agricultural inputs can be imported without added tariffs, effective shortly after enactment.

The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to officially include hot rotisserie chicken as an eligible food item for purchase using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This bill expands the range of food options available to SNAP recipients.

This bill reauthorizes the popular Breast Cancer Research Stamp program, extending the authority for the U.S. Postal Service to sell the special stamp until 2037. The stamp continues to raise crucial funds, with the additional purchase amount going directly to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD) for breast cancer research.

This bill prohibits federal family planning funds under Title X from being provided to any entity that performs, promotes, or refers for abortion. Entities receiving funds must certify they will not perform abortions or give funds to organizations that do, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing grant recipients and any abortions performed under the exceptions.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to establish a committee to review and recommend updates to policies regarding the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions. The bill mandates regulatory updates to encourage aviation personnel to seek mental health care without fear of penalty. Furthermore, it allocates funding to enhance the FAA's capacity to process reviews and launches a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma within the industry.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates funding for existing regional ocean partnerships through fiscal year 2031. This legislation amends previous law to ensure continued support for these vital ocean management initiatives. It also adjusts reporting requirements to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the partnerships.

The Save Struggling Hospitals Act permanently codifies a policy to increase Medicare payments for hospitals with low wage indices. By adjusting the area wage index for these facilities, the bill aims to provide financial support to struggling hospitals while maintaining budget neutrality. These adjustments include specific protections to ensure that other hospitals do not face significant payment reductions.

The FARM Stability Act introduces a two-tier wage system for H-2A agricultural workers based on skill level to better reflect experience and training. Additionally, the bill establishes a housing credit, allowing employers to offset a portion of required cash wages based on the fair market value of provided housing.