Legislative Activity

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act of 2025 makes key changes to retirement plan rules under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. This bill increases the automatic cash-out limit for small retirement balances from $2,500 to $5,000. It also raises the annual contribution limit for Roth contributions in employer plans from $2,500 to $5,000. These changes aim to enhance emergency savings options within retirement accounts, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The College Transparency Act establishes a secure, new Postsecondary Student Data System to track student enrollment, completion, and post-college outcomes across higher education institutions. This system aims to increase transparency for students and families by providing clear data on costs and success rates, while minimizing duplicate reporting burdens for schools. The collected data will be used for secure research and public reporting of aggregate statistics, strictly prohibiting the sale of data or its use for federal college rankings.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve support for postsecondary students with disabilities. It standardizes the types of documentation colleges must accept to verify a student's disability status and requires institutions to increase transparency regarding accommodations. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for a national technical support center and mandates that colleges report key data on enrolled and graduating students with disabilities.

The Railroad Retirement Board Stability Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated administrative account to streamline funding for the Railroad Retirement Board’s operations and benefit processing. The bill mandates a multi-year investment in technology modernization to replace legacy systems and requires the Government Accountability Office to provide oversight through comprehensive progress reports.

This resolution designates August 1, 2026, as "Gold Star Children’s Day" to honor the sacrifices and unique hardships faced by children who have lost a parent in military service. It serves as a formal expression of national gratitude, encouraging Americans to recognize and support these children.

This act authorizes a feasibility study for designating the route of George Washington's 1753 diplomatic mission as a National Historic Trail. The proposed trail spans approximately 500 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf, Pennsylvania. This study will assess the historical significance and potential for national recognition of this critical pre-Revolutionary War journey.

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026 expands the existing historic district to include four additional counties across Virginia and West Virginia. This legislation updates the district's management framework, authorizes dedicated annual funding for operations and land preservation, and requires a report on replicating this successful partnership model elsewhere in the National Park System.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The MERIT Act aims to increase equity in higher education by prohibiting colleges and universities from granting preferential admissions treatment based on an applicant's family or financial ties to alumni and donors. The bill establishes new accreditation standards to ensure fair admissions practices while mandating transparency and reporting on institutional compliance. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a feasibility study on improving data collection regarding legacy and donor-based admissions.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The **Making America's Food Safer Act** strengthens national food safety by expanding the FDA’s third-party certification program and streamlining the destruction of high-risk, refused food imports. Additionally, the bill enhances public health coordination by authorizing the FDA to share critical, non-public food safety data with state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities. These measures collectively improve oversight and response capabilities across the food supply chain.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 strengthens the national aging network by expanding access to mental health, nutrition, and caregiver support services while increasing transparency and accountability. The bill promotes independence for older adults through enhanced preventive health programs, improved housing accessibility, and modernized employment training. Additionally, it bolsters protections against elder abuse and ensures more culturally responsive care for Native American elders through 2030.

The PROMISE Act of 2026 establishes a formal, expedited legislative process designed to ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security. The bill mandates that the Social Security Advisory Board develop recommendations to guarantee 100 percent of scheduled benefits for the next 50 years. It further creates a "fast-track" framework for Congress to introduce, debate, and vote on these solvency measures within a strict 2026 timeline and provides a mechanism for decennial reviews to maintain future financial stability.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It asserts that because Congress has not declared war or provided specific authorization for these military actions, the President is legally required to terminate the use of force. The bill includes provisions to ensure the continued defense of U.S. personnel, intelligence operations, and support for partner nations during the withdrawal process.

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.

Lulu's Law mandates that the FCC classify shark attacks as an event eligible for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This ensures that alerts regarding shark attacks can be broadcast to the public via emergency messaging systems.