Legislative Activity

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 strengthens the domestic seafood industry by expanding eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan and grant programs to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses. Additionally, the bill improves industry access to capital by allowing Farm Credit System institutions to provide financial services to businesses that support aquatic producers and harvesters.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act mandates that manufacturers and retailers place clear "Do Not Flush" labels and standardized symbols on non-flushable disposable wipes. The bill prohibits companies from marketing these products as flushable to help protect wastewater infrastructure. Enforcement of these labeling standards will be overseen by the Federal Trade Commission.

This resolution expresses the Senate's commitment to stabilizing the national debt by reducing the federal budget deficit to 3 percent or less of the gross domestic product (GDP) by fiscal year 2030. It calls for Congress and the President to implement fiscal policies and enforcement mechanisms that prioritize long-term deficit reduction and move toward a balanced budget.

This resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to honor the vital contributions of women across the agricultural industry. It celebrates the essential roles women play as producers, educators, and leaders, while encouraging the nation to support and empower the next generation of female agricultural professionals.

The Carlton H. Ingram Veterans’ Benefits Protection Act ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs disregards the beneficial effects of medication or treatment when determining a veteran’s disability rating. By establishing a baseline based on the veteran's condition without such interventions, the bill aims to provide a more accurate assessment of service-connected disabilities. Additionally, it protects a veteran's right to seek compensation for new or aggravated conditions resulting from medical treatment.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans, such as ramps and specialized seating, must be included in the Department of Veterans Affairs' definition of medical services. This ensures veterans receive necessary support for safe transportation related to service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veteran pension payments from late 2031 to September 30, 2032.

The Review Every Veteran’s Claim Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran's claim for benefits solely because the veteran failed to appear for a scheduled medical examination. This legislation ensures that missed appointments do not automatically result in claim rejection, requiring the VA to consider all other evidence submitted. The bill broadens existing protections to cover all claims for benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Veterans SPORT Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must now provide eligible veterans with coverage for adaptive prostheses and terminal devices specifically designed for sports and other recreational activities. This amendment expands the medical services the VA furnishes, ensuring veterans have access to necessary equipment for physical recreation.

The Veterans Scam And Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, or VSAFE Act, establishes a new Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This Officer will lead efforts to prevent, respond to, and track fraud targeting veterans while coordinating with other federal agencies. Additionally, the bill makes a minor technical adjustment by extending the expiration date of certain existing limits on veterans' pension payments by two months.

The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 allows veterans who received a Purple Heart after discharge to transfer up to 36 months of their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to eligible family members. This legislation provides veterans with greater flexibility in supporting their dependents' education while ensuring that these benefits remain protected as non-marital assets.

The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) establish clear guidance and measurable goals for community care providers regarding timely and accurate submission of veteran medical records. This legislation requires the VA to set performance targets for medical centers to ensure proper follow-up on paperwork after veterans receive care outside the VA system. The VA must regularly report its progress on implementing these new coordination and training requirements to Congress.

The Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act increases the maximum burial and funeral expense payment for veterans who die from service-connected disabilities from $2,000 to $3,000. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual cost-of-living adjustment to ensure this benefit keeps pace with inflation.

The Rx ACCESS Act improves the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program by ensuring beneficiaries have permanent choice in how they receive maintenance medications. The bill establishes fair reimbursement standards for retail pharmacies, prohibits hidden fees, and mandates annual independent audits to ensure network adequacy and transparency.

The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act aims to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income individuals by establishing an alternative maximum tax rate based on cost-of-living exemptions. To offset these reductions, the bill introduces a progressive tax surcharge on high-income earners. These changes are slated to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Agricultural Management Assistance Act of 2026 expands federal support for agricultural risk management by increasing annual funding and broadening the scope of eligible technical and financial assistance. The bill enhances resources for producers and insurance providers, focusing on sustainable practices such as soil health, water conservation, and climate-resilient farming. Additionally, it updates payment structures to provide greater flexibility for farmers investing in long-term operational stability.

This resolution commemorates the 114th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, honoring its enduring legacy of fostering leadership, confidence, and character in girls. It celebrates the organization's commitment to community service, STEM education, and civic engagement while recognizing the achievements of Gold Award recipients. The bill further encourages the continued support of future women leaders as the organization prepares for its upcoming national events.

The PREDICT Act establishes a national wastewater surveillance program to improve the early detection and monitoring of infectious diseases. By providing grants and technical support to state, Tribal, and local health departments, the bill creates a standardized framework for analyzing community wastewater data. This initiative aims to enhance public health responses through better data transparency, rigorous testing standards, and ongoing research into emerging health threats.