Legislative Activity

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 16 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Drive in Willingboro, New Jersey, as the "James A. Cotten Post Office." All official documents and references to this location will be updated to reflect this new name.

The Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement (SAFE) Act aims to improve road safety by identifying and stopping "chameleon carriers"—companies that rebrand to evade safety regulations or enforcement actions. The bill mandates a comprehensive study on the impact of these carriers and requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to implement an advanced automation tool to detect and prevent them from obtaining USDOT numbers. This legislation ensures greater oversight of freight operations while maintaining a formal appeals process and human-led decision-making for all registration denials.

The CHAT Act 2.0 establishes comprehensive safety and privacy standards for "companion AI" chatbots used by minors. The bill mandates age verification, parental controls, and strict operational safeguards—such as crisis detection and identity disclosures—to protect children from emotional dependency, exploitation, and harmful content. It also grants the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general authority to enforce these protections and hold companies accountable for non-compliance.

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.

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.

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, to the "Anthony 'Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic." This designation ensures that all official records and references reflect the new name in honor of Anthony J. Gallopo.

The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 establishes an independent United States Immigration Court system under Article I of the Constitution, effectively separating immigration adjudication from the executive branch. This new judicial body will consist of appellate and trial divisions, with judges appointed to 15-year terms to ensure impartiality and judicial independence. The Act provides for a structured transition of existing cases and personnel, while granting the courts authority over their own budget, staffing, and procedural rules.

The "Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act" strengthens existing bans on foreign influence by prohibiting domestic business entities with significant foreign ownership or control from contributing to federal elections. The bill also mandates strict certification requirements for corporations and PACs to ensure that decision-making processes remain free from foreign interference. Additionally, it expands these protections to cover state and local ballot initiatives and Super PACs.

The **Patients Deserve Price Tags Act** aims to increase healthcare affordability by mandating comprehensive price transparency across hospitals, laboratories, imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The bill requires these providers and health insurance plans to publicly disclose negotiated rates, cash prices, and standard charges in standardized, machine-readable formats. Additionally, it empowers patients with real-time cost-estimation tools and requires providers to issue detailed, itemized bills before initiating any collection actions.

The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act of 2026 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national information system and public web hub dedicated to chronic pain research. This initiative aims to standardize data collection, identify research gaps, and provide clinicians and the public with evidence-based resources for pain management. By aggregating federal data and fostering collaboration, the bill seeks to improve the understanding, treatment, and outcomes of chronic pain conditions nationwide.

This resolution directs the Senate Legal Counsel to initiate a civil lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The action seeks to prohibit the President from accepting unauthorized presents, titles, or financial emoluments from foreign states. The measure cites numerous alleged instances of corruption and conflicts of interest involving the President, his family, and foreign entities that undermine the integrity of his office.

The Artificial Intelligence Physical Systems Coordination Act of 2026 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a multi-stakeholder working group focused on the safety and security risks of AI-integrated physical systems. This group will identify best practices and develop voluntary guidelines for the responsible advancement of AI, robotics, and sensor technologies. The initiative aims to foster innovation through a transparent, non-regulatory framework that provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry developers.

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 Judicial Integrity Act extends federal conflict-of-interest laws to include officers and employees of the judicial branch, prohibiting them from participating in matters where they or their immediate family hold a financial interest. The bill empowers the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a public, transparent process for granting limited exemptions for interests deemed too remote or inconsequential to impact judicial integrity.

The Judicial FOIA Expansion Act would extend the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act to the federal judiciary, requiring courts and related judicial entities to provide public access to administrative and operational records. The bill mandates that these disclosures be provided in machine-readable formats and establishes specific transparency requirements for judicial conduct, committee activities, and court administration.

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 Living Wage For All Act establishes a path to a $25 federal minimum wage, requiring large corporations to reach this benchmark within five years and providing a longer transition period for smaller employers. The bill also phases out subminimum wages for tipped workers, youth employees, and individuals with disabilities to ensure all workers earn a fair, living wage. Once the $25 target is met, the minimum wage will be indexed to national median wage growth to maintain its purchasing power over time.

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 bill strengthens the oversight and administration of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership by mandating stricter performance evaluations and financial monitoring. It establishes clear, non-discretionary procedures for placing underperforming centers on probation and requires the rapid selection of new operators if deficiencies are not corrected. These measures ensure greater accountability and fiscal responsibility across the program.

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.