Legislative Activity

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act amends federal law regarding the use of motor vehicles in certain crimes. This bill lowers the required mental state for conviction from proving "intent to cause death or serious bodily harm" to simply proving the act was done "knowingly." It also clarifies that enhanced penalties for death apply when the vehicle was taken with the intent to cause serious harm, and death subsequently occurs.

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.

The Railroad Retirement Fairness Act of 2026 aims to ensure railroad employees and their families receive equitable Social Security benefit protections. This bill prevents the reduction of Social Security benefits for railroad workers who also qualify for benefits through other employment by treating their railroad retirement annuity as a Social Security benefit for WEP and GPO calculations. Additionally, it eliminates a specific deduction from annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act.

This Act reforms Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings by imposing strict time limits and new "bad faith" standards for dismissal, particularly targeting abusive venue shopping and corporate maneuvering. It also limits a court's power to override specific statutory protections and expands the automatic stay to shield certain non-debtor entities involved in prior corporate restructurings from litigation. The goal is to enhance consumer protection and corporate accountability within the bankruptcy system.

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 10 Years of ICE Funding Act appropriates over $105 billion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support agency operations, facility construction, and equipment procurement. These funds are authorized for use through September 30, 2036, providing long-term financial stability for the agency's infrastructure and logistical needs.

The Stop Subsidizing Giant Mergers Act aims to discourage large-scale corporate consolidation by eliminating tax-free status for mergers and acquisitions involving companies with combined annual gross receipts exceeding $500 million. By requiring these large entities to pay taxes on such transactions, the bill seeks to curb the financial incentives that drive massive corporate mergers.

The Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting Act of 2026 mandates that large defense contractors prioritize long-term performance over short-term financial gains. The bill prohibits these contractors from using short-term financial metrics to determine employee compensation, bans stock buy-backs and dividend distributions, and caps executive compensation. Additionally, it establishes strict compliance reporting and enforcement mechanisms, while allowing for performance-based waivers for contractors that consistently meet delivery and technical requirements.

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 Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act mandates that executives and controlling stakeholders of large failed banks (with assets over $10 billion) return up to three years of compensation to the FDIC. This legislation ensures accountability by requiring recovered funds to be deposited into the Deposit Insurance Fund. Additionally, it clarifies the FDIC's authority to oversee the orderly liquidation of failed financial companies.

The Secure Tracks Act enhances railroad safety by mandating more frequent visual and automated track inspections across all rail classes. The bill empowers qualified inspectors to immediately remediate safety defects and prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from granting waivers that compromise these safety standards.

The EDA Short Form Application Act streamlines the grant process for small rural communities by requiring the Economic Development Administration to create a simplified application form. This legislation mandates stakeholder input to reduce administrative burdens and increases transparency by providing public access to guidance, evaluation criteria, and sample applications.

The HOPE for Homeownership Act aims to increase housing affordability by discouraging hedge funds from purchasing single-family homes. The bill imposes a 15% excise tax on such acquisitions and establishes additional corporate surtaxes and tax deduction limitations for hedge fund taxpayers. These measures are designed to curb institutional investment in residential properties and prioritize individual homeownership.

The Break Up Big Medicine Act aims to restore competition and eliminate conflicts of interest in the healthcare system by structurally separating large, vertically integrated conglomerates. This legislation prohibits entities from simultaneously owning providers alongside insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, or drug/device wholesalers. It mandates divestiture within one year for existing violations and grants federal agencies and private citizens new authority to enforce these structural separations.

This bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act), mandates that individuals must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It also establishes a federal requirement for voters to present a photo ID containing a citizenship indicator when casting a ballot in federal elections. Furthermore, the legislation requires states to implement ongoing programs to verify and remove non-citizens from voter rolls.

The No Climate Treaties Act of 2026 mandates that any international climate agreement involving legally binding U.S. emissions reductions must be submitted to the Senate for treaty ratification. This ensures that such agreements, including the Paris Agreement, require the Senate's advice and consent to take effect. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement any unratified agreement that mandates domestic emissions cuts.

The SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2026 aims to prohibit the FDA from approving any new abortion drugs and severely restrict the use of previously approved ones. This legislation mandates strict in-person administration, rigorous safety protocols, and enhanced reporting requirements for existing abortion-inducing medications. The bill seeks to ensure comprehensive medical oversight and patient safety measures surrounding the use of these drugs.

This bill establishes federal crimes for knowingly transporting a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion to circumvent the parental involvement laws of the minor's home state. It also makes it a federal crime for a physician to perform an abortion on an out-of-state minor without first providing specific parental notification. The legislation includes exceptions for medical emergencies and cases where parental consent has been waived by a court.

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 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.