Legislative Activity

This bill, the SUSTAIN Act, prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing, retiring, or modifying existing MQ-9 aircraft units through September 30, 2032, with limited exceptions for unsafe aircraft or approved mission conversions. It also requires the Air Force to submit a comprehensive report detailing the recapitalization and modernization plan for the MQ-9 fleet through fiscal year 2035. The legislation aims to protect the current inventory and operational status of these critical unmanned systems.

The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 aims to protect veterans from fraudulent and unauthorized fee charging by reinstating strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for those who illegally assist with VA benefit claims. The bill mandates the VA to improve transparency by creating an online tool listing accredited representatives and enhancing public warnings about predatory practices on all claim-filing websites. Furthermore, it requires new data collection on paid assistance providers and establishes a robust, accessible accreditation system for legitimate agents and attorneys.

The "No Payouts for Political Insiders Act" restricts who can receive payments from the Anti-Weaponization Fund, specifically prohibiting payments related to the *Trump v. Internal Revenue Service* settlement to high-level political officials and their associates. The bill also mandates public disclosure of payment details, including the recipient and amount, at least 180 days before any such payment is made. These restrictions apply to pending cases and future causes of action arising after January 20, 2025.

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.

The Drain the Slush Fund Act prohibits the federal government from using the Judgment Fund to pay any monetary award or settlement resulting from a lawsuit filed by the President or Vice President against the United States. This change ensures that the President or Vice President cannot benefit from this permanent fund if they sue the government. The restriction applies to current and future claims arising after January 20, 2025.

This resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Older Americans Month." It recognizes the significant growth, contributions, and ongoing value of older Americans to the nation. The designation encourages public recognition of their achievements and opportunities for them to share their wisdom with younger generations.

This bill mandates that the Navy and Maritime Administrator prioritize finalizing the design requirements for new Ready Reserve Force vessels. It also requires a congressional briefing within 180 days detailing the modernization plan, construction management strategy, and funding for the new 10-ship construction program. The legislation ensures a clear path forward for acquiring essential sealift capability while maintaining current readiness.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 establishes automatic, 14-day continuing appropriations to prevent federal operations from halting when regular funding lapses. This mechanism funds programs at the previous rate until Congress enacts a full budget or continuing resolution. The bill also imposes strict limitations on official travel and congressional business during these funding gaps. Finally, it classifies the costs of this Act as discretionary spending subject to existing budget enforcement rules.

This resolution officially recognizes National Public Works Week to honor the essential contributions of public works professionals. It highlights their vital role in maintaining the infrastructure—like roads, water, and waste management—that protects public health and supports community life. The resolution also encourages greater public awareness of the importance of these services.

This joint resolution expresses Congressional disapproval of a new rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would have required prior authorization for specific services under the WISeR Model. By disapproving the rule, Congress ensures that this CMS requirement will not take effect.

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.

The Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2026 overhauls federal student loan programs to eliminate debt for educators serving in high-need schools and early childhood education settings. After five years of qualifying service, educators can receive 100% forgiveness on remaining federal student loans. The bill also provides monthly loan assistance while educators are actively serving, treating these payments as qualifying service toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This legislation aims to stabilize the educator workforce by significantly reducing the financial burden of student debt.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize the significant, 350-year history and contributions of Jewish Americans across all sectors of society. It also strongly calls upon leaders to actively counter the recent rise in antisemitism through education and awareness. The resolution commits to ensuring the safety, security, and dignity of American Jews while honoring their service to the nation.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense that access to mifepristone should be based on over 25 years of proven safety and effectiveness supported by peer-reviewed science. It calls for equitable and transparent laws and policies governing access to this time-sensitive medication abortion care. The resolution affirms the FDA's authority to regulate the drug based on the best available evidence, free from political interference.

This act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to update regulations to allow the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants. The NRC can only deny this authorization if specific, demonstrable safety risks related to national defense or public health require stricter standards. This aims to streamline construction by reducing material requirements for non-critical components.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

The Advancing Water Reuse Act establishes a new 30% investment tax credit for taxpayers who invest in qualifying water reuse projects. This credit incentivizes the installation or expansion of systems that recycle water for industrial, manufacturing, data center, food processing, or municipal use. The provision applies to projects placed in service within 10 years of enactment, provided construction begins after that date.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It aims to honor the lives of missing and murdered American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls and demonstrate solidarity with their families. The bill also calls for a new Department of Justice study to update statistics on this ongoing crisis.

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 bill strengthens oversight of nurse aide training programs in nursing facilities by removing outdated exceptions and allowing the government to temporarily disapprove programs at facilities with serious quality-of-care violations. It also expands access to the National Practitioner Data Bank, enabling more Medicare and Medicaid providers to conduct essential employee background checks. The goal is to ensure higher standards of care and safety for seniors in long-term care settings.