Legislative Activity

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

The "No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act" restricts executive bonuses at state-regulated electric utilities starting in 2027. Bonuses are permitted only if customer rate increases do not exceed the Consumer Price Index and are capped at 25 percent of the median non-executive employee salary. Utilities that violate these limits face civil penalties, with collected funds redistributed directly to customers as refunds.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 203 North Clay Street in Marshfield, Missouri, as the "Edwin P. Hubble Post Office." All future official documents, maps, and federal records will be required to use this new designation.

The Bus Operator Safety and Security Act mandates the installation of protective, full-enclosure barriers around the workstations of operators on new, federally funded fixed-route buses. These safety requirements apply to buses 30 feet or longer, ensuring protection from physical intrusion while maintaining the operator's visibility. Transit agencies may opt out of this requirement if they obtain a waiver from the labor organization representing their frontline workforce.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State-Administered Programs Act requires the Comptroller General to conduct periodic assessments of federal funds managed by state and local governments. This initiative aims to identify systemic vulnerabilities to waste, fraud, and abuse while providing Congress and federal agencies with evidence-based recommendations to improve program integrity.

The Gateway Partnership Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in designated Park buildings. These agreements establish strict rules regarding scheduling, liability insurance, and event compatibility to protect the Park's resources and public access. The Foundation must pay fees to cover all associated costs, including wear and tear and administrative expenses incurred by the National Park Service.

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 Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the entry of foreign nationals traveling to the United States primarily to secure U.S. citizenship for their children through birth. The bill authorizes immigration officials to deny admission or initiate deportation proceedings against individuals determined to be engaging in this practice.

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.

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 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.

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 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 Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act increases transparency in the pharmaceutical industry by requiring drug and biologic manufacturers to certify consistency between information submitted to the FDA and the USPTO. By mandating the disclosure of all patent-related data to both agencies, the bill aims to prevent the misuse of patent systems. Additionally, it establishes new enforcement mechanisms and creates a legal defense against patent infringement for companies that fail to meet these disclosure requirements.

The Lifeline for First Responders Act establishes a new grant program administered by NHTSA to support the mental health and wellness of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and first responders. This program provides funding for evidence-based stress reduction, suicide prevention, counseling, and family support services. The Act authorizes $7.5 million annually for this initiative from fiscal years 2028 through 2032.

The American Innovation and Choice Online Act aims to curb anticompetitive practices by large "systemically important platforms." It prohibits these dominant online platforms from unfairly favoring their own products, misusing business user data, and imposing discriminatory terms that harm competition. The bill grants enforcement authority to the FTC and DOJ, establishes significant civil penalties for violations, and mandates expedited court proceedings for related antitrust lawsuits.

The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 addresses the high rates of PTSD and acute stress disorder among public safety officers and telecommunicators. This bill directs the Attorney General to study and report on options for providing state-of-the-art, confidential mental health treatment and preventative care to these essential personnel. The resulting report will outline proposed programs, necessary legislative language, and funding estimates for implementation across all levels of government.

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 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.