Legislative Activity

This bill, TREY's Law, declares that nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements are void and unenforceable if they prevent the disclosure of sexual abuse against a minor. The legislation aims to protect survivors' rights to report crimes and cooperate with authorities by overriding any state or private contract that suppresses information about child sexual abuse. This law applies retroactively to all existing and future agreements.

The Discount Window Preparedness Act mandates that all federally insured depository institutions regularly test and prove their operational ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve's discount window. This legislation requires specific testing frequencies based on asset size and directs regulators to issue joint rules incorporating readiness assessments into regular examinations. Furthermore, the bill mandates significant operational improvements at the Federal Reserve to ensure rapid and efficient access to advances, alongside a study to reduce borrowing stigma.

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.

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.

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 allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant licensees of certain hydropower projects, licensed before March 13, 2020, an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction. This extension is available upon request and demonstration of good cause. The legislation also addresses projects whose original deadlines expired recently, allowing for reinstatement of the license before the extension period begins.

The PRESS Act aims to curb illegal synthetic drug production by regulating specialized manufacturing equipment like pill presses. It requires owners of this equipment to register with the DEA, with exemptions for licensed entities. The bill also establishes new federal penalties for manufacturing or selling drug-making equipment intended for illegal import into the U.S.

The Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prohibits the Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing OSHA's proposed 2024 heat safety standard. Congress finds the proposed rule too rigid, burdensome, and confusing for both businesses and workers across diverse industries. This legislation prevents the adoption of that specific, prescriptive standard or any substantially similar regulation.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

This bill officially reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for an additional seven years, extending its operation until 2034. It also updates the mandatory recoupment timelines for when the government recovers insurance payments following a covered terrorist act.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive bill aimed at reducing government waste, preventing fraud, and increasing financial transparency across federal programs. It targets improper payments in areas like child care and Medicare, permanently bars pandemic relief fraudsters from future SBA aid, and cancels unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the deficit. Additionally, the Act strengthens oversight of welfare programs, enhances fraud enforcement timelines, and expands whistleblower protections for federal contractors.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to establish a committee to review and recommend updates to policies regarding the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions. The bill mandates regulatory updates to encourage aviation personnel to seek mental health care without fear of penalty. Furthermore, it allocates funding to enhance the FAA's capacity to process reviews and launches a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma within the industry.

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates funding for existing regional ocean partnerships through fiscal year 2031. This legislation amends previous law to ensure continued support for these vital ocean management initiatives. It also adjusts reporting requirements to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the partnerships.

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 strengthens U.S. efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and associated human rights abuses. The bill mandates the creation of a public list of vessels and owners engaged in illicit fishing, imposes visa sanctions on identified offenders, and enhances international enforcement and data-sharing capabilities. Additionally, it authorizes funding for fisheries management and research to ensure the sustainability of global fish stocks.

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 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and issue commemorative coins in 2029 to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen firefighters. Proceeds from the sale of these coins, including surcharges, will be distributed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support its mission and programs. The program is designed to ensure no net cost to the federal government.

The Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies with Taiwan Act of 2026 establishes a framework for immediate, severe economic sanctions against China should it engage in hostile actions against Taiwan. The legislation mandates broad financial restrictions, investment bans, and significant tariffs on Chinese entities and their supporters to deter military or cyber aggression. It also provides the U.S. government with tools to penalize foreign actors while maintaining limited flexibility for national security interests.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

The Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026 terminates the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing tax effective January 1, 2026. This bill also accelerates the repayment schedule for prior advances made from the Superfund to the General Fund. The overall goal is to remove this specific tax burden.

The Litigation Funding Transparency Act of 2026 mandates new disclosure requirements for third-party litigation funders in large federal class and mass actions. This law requires parties to reveal the identity of funders, including any foreign state or sovereign wealth fund involvement, and produce funding agreements for court inspection. The legislation also prohibits funders from influencing litigation strategy and restricts their access to certain discovery materials.