Legislative Activity

The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to simplify and expand access to emergency savings accounts within retirement plans. The bill increases the automatic rollover notice threshold and contribution limits from $2,500 to $5,000, while streamlining eligibility definitions for participants. These updates are set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The College Transparency Act establishes a secure, privacy-protected federal data system to track postsecondary student outcomes, including enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings. By repealing the existing ban on a national student-level database, the bill aims to provide students and families with transparent, customizable information to help them make informed educational decisions. The system is designed to streamline institutional reporting requirements while strictly prohibiting the use of personal data for law enforcement, immigration, or federal ranking purposes.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve college accessibility for students with disabilities by streamlining the documentation process for accommodations. The bill also mandates that colleges report data on students with disabilities and authorizes $10 million in funding for a national technical support center. These measures ensure greater transparency and support for students navigating the transition to postsecondary education.

The Railroad Retirement Board Stability Act of 2026 streamlines the agency's funding by consolidating administrative accounts to ensure consistent, reliable operations. The bill also mandates dedicated funding and oversight for the modernization of the Board’s outdated benefit processing systems. Additionally, it requires the GAO to provide reports on these modernization efforts to ensure accountability and progress.

The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act strengthens federal law by closing loopholes that allow abusive dating partners and individuals subject to emergency protective orders to possess firearms. The bill expands the definition of prohibited domestic abusers and establishes a federal grant program to assist state, tribal, and local governments in the safe removal and storage of firearms from those under domestic violence restraining orders. By setting a national standard, this legislation aims to reduce intimate partner homicides and enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence.

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.

The ASSET Act aims to improve financial security for low-income families by eliminating restrictive asset limits in key public assistance programs, including TANF, SNAP, and LIHEAP. By removing these barriers, the bill allows families to build savings without risking their eligibility for essential support. Additionally, the Act significantly raises and indexes resource limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to keep pace with inflation.

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 **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.

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 increasing transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. The bill also fosters competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs and establishes new support programs to provide affordable insulin access for uninsured individuals.

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.