Legislative Activity

The Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act of 2026 incentivizes domestic production by increasing the percentage depletion rate for rare earth elements and scandium to 22 percent. This tax adjustment aims to strengthen the supply chain for essential minerals critical to modern technology and national security.

This bill promotes the domestic recycling of spent petroleum catalysts to recover critical minerals like vanadium, reducing reliance on foreign sources. It directs the EPA to issue an immediate rule exempting facilities that recover these valuable metals from certain hazardous waste regulations under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. The goal is to encourage safe, domestic materials recovery without imposing duplicative regulatory burdens.

The Clawing back Lapsed Obligations from State Emergency programs (CLOSE) Act terminates three major pandemic unemployment assistance programs established under the CARES Act. This legislation rescinds all remaining unspent federal funds designated for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). The bill effectively ends federal payments for these emergency unemployment benefits 30 days after enactment.

This act extends and refines the temporary authority allowing contract health care professionals to perform medical disability examinations for the VA, ensuring rural veterans continue to receive timely access to benefits. It expands the pool of eligible professionals and extends the program's sunset date to September 30, 2031. The VA is also required to report on the usage, quality, and cost of these contract exams.

The No Fentanyl on Social Media Act requires the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and report on how minors access and purchase fentanyl through social media platforms. This report, developed with key agencies, will detail the risks, marketing tactics used by sellers, and platform design impacts. Ultimately, the legislation seeks recommendations for Congress on how to prevent minors from obtaining dangerous drugs online.

The Upward Mobility Act of 2026 authorizes a five-year pilot program allowing up to five states to consolidate funding from major federal antipoverty programs into a single "Upward Mobility Grant." This allows states to streamline benefits, reduce work disincentives ("benefit cliffs"), and test innovative approaches to increase employment and earnings for low-income residents. Approved states must adhere to strict evaluation requirements focused on improving participant outcomes and reducing dependence on assistance.

The Accountability for Better Care Act of 2025 extends and modifies the premium tax credit for Marketplace health insurance through 2027, adjusting income limits and calculation percentages. It also establishes permanent funding for cost-sharing reductions under the ACA, effective in 2027. Furthermore, the bill restricts eligibility for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to U.S. citizens, replacing previous lawful presence requirements. Finally, it prohibits premium tax credits for plans that cover elective abortions.

The WATER Act of 2025 establishes a program allowing states to voluntarily assume federal permitting responsibilities for certain transportation projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This assignment requires a written agreement with the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, mandating that states adhere to existing federal environmental review standards. The law outlines application, oversight, and termination procedures for state participation in this permitting process.

The Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act of 2025 mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) clean water technical assistance programs. This review will detail the scope, effectiveness, and coordination of current assistance efforts, especially for economically distressed communities. Following the GAO report, the EPA Administrator must submit annual plans to Congress outlining actions taken to address the GAO's findings and recommendations.

This resolution calls for a child-centered and compassionate overhaul of the U.S. adoption and foster care system. It emphasizes the need for stability, proper support for caregivers, and ethical oversight across all levels of child welfare. Crucially, the bill mandates sustained resources and support for young people aging out of foster care to ensure their successful transition to independent adulthood.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget, excluding debt payments, within ten years of ratification. Congress can authorize temporary emergency spending above this limit with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. The amendment becomes valid upon ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years.

The Hospital Adoption Education Act of 2025 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and distribute nationwide educational resources to improve understanding of adoption sensitivities among healthcare providers. This bill establishes programs to educate hospital and birthing center staff on best practices for interacting with prospective birth mothers and adoptive families. The Secretary must consult with an expert committee and provide grants for non-directive adoption education to improve care for families pursuing adoption.

This resolution officially establishes November 12, 2025, as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Awareness Day to raise public understanding of this rare and fatal prion disease. It emphasizes the critical need for continued surveillance of prion diseases to monitor potential transmission, including from sources like Chronic Wasting Disease. The resolution also highlights how studying CJD can benefit research into Alzheimer's and related dementias.

The Nuclear REFUEL Act of 2025 streamlines the licensing process for certain nuclear fuel activities by amending the definition of a "production facility" under the Atomic Energy Act. Specifically, it excludes operations involving certain uranium processing or spent fuel reprocessing that does not separate plutonium from other transuranic elements. This aims to expedite the development and use of advanced nuclear fuels.

This bill directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection to correct past import duties on specific entries of K389 Hole-N-One golf cart tires. It mandates the reliquidation of these entries to apply the correct, duty-free tariff rate previously established by CBP rulings. Consequently, the government must refund any excess duties collected on these specific tire imports, plus interest.

The Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act mandates that the Department of Education prominently display comprehensive information about Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs on its website. This legislation also requires the FAFSA application to include a clear notification and summary highlighting CTE pathways as an alternative to traditional four-year degrees. The Act ensures students are aware of vocational training options without authorizing any new federal funding.

The Resilient Tire Supply and Jobs Act establishes a temporary tax credit for businesses purchasing eligible tires retreaded within the United States. It also mandates that federal agencies prioritize purchasing retreaded tires when available through the GSA schedule for their vehicle fleets. This legislation aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and promote the use of retreaded tires.

The RAISE Act of 2025 mandates that states incorporate specific academic standards for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies when developing or revising their K-12 curriculum guidelines. This ensures that AI literacy becomes a required component of state academic standards under federal education law.

This resolution officially recognizes September 8 through 14, 2025, as "Interscholastic Athletic Administrators' Week." It honors the dedication of athletic administrators who guide millions of student-athletes in physical, academic, and emotional growth. The Senate commends their vital role in fostering leadership, teamwork, and positive development through school sports programs.

The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act mandates strict age verification and parental consent for minors accessing companion AI chatbots, which are defined as AI designed for emotional support. Covered entities must monitor these chats for suicidal ideation and sexually explicit content, immediately notifying parents and providing crisis resources when necessary. Furthermore, companies must clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with an AI, not a human, at the start of and periodically during every chat session.