Legislative Activity

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2026 strengthens the nursing profession by expanding grant eligibility for advanced education and modernizing training resources, including simulation and telehealth technologies. The bill addresses critical workforce shortages by increasing funding for nursing faculty and student programs while broadening support for specialized care, such as services for sexual assault survivors. These updates ensure that nursing education remains robust and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare system through 2030.

The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

The Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026 aims to speed up broadband deployment by increasing transparency and efficiency in the permitting process. It mandates new public dashboards to track BEAD program progress and establishes tools to help states monitor federal permit acquisition for subgrantees. Furthermore, the bill requires federal agencies to better track, analyze, and report on delays in processing communications use applications. Finally, it expands eligibility for streamlined environmental review for large broadband infrastructure projects.

The Small Tax Case Threshold Modernization Act increases the dollar limit for small tax dispute procedures from $50,000 to $100,000. Additionally, the bill introduces annual inflation adjustments to this threshold to ensure the limit remains current over time.

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 MediKids Act establishes a nationwide Medicaid eligibility category for all individuals under age 26, ensuring comprehensive health coverage regardless of immigration status. The bill mandates automatic enrollment at birth, provides continuous eligibility, and guarantees full federal funding for states. Additionally, it expands access to essential pediatric services and exempts all young adults from work or community engagement requirements.

The Social Security 2100 Act provides a temporary boost to benefits for retirees, disabled workers, and survivors from 2027 through 2036 while expanding eligibility for caregivers and students. To fund these enhancements, the bill eliminates the cap on wages subject to payroll taxes and introduces a new tax on investment income for high earners. Additionally, the legislation strengthens Social Security Administration operations by protecting staffing levels, preventing field office closures, and enhancing privacy protections for beneficiary data.

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act proposes ending federal cannabis prohibition by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and transferring regulatory oversight to health and revenue agencies. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for taxation, product safety, and restorative justice, including the expungement of past federal cannabis convictions and increased investment in communities impacted by the War on Drugs. Additionally, it provides states with the authority to manage their own cannabis policies while creating new federal standards for research, workplace safety, and banking access.

The *Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act* establishes a comprehensive federal framework to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and safety of medical diagnoses. The bill creates research programs, patient-reporting infrastructure, and an interagency council to modernize diagnostic systems through data science, artificial intelligence, and patient-centered collaboration. By funding specialized training and standardizing health data, this legislation aims to reduce preventable patient harm and eliminate significant waste within the U.S. health care system.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act aims to close the opportunity gap by expanding access to rigorous academic programs for historically underrepresented students. The bill establishes a federal grant program to help schools implement universal screening and open enrollment policies, ensuring that all students ready for advanced coursework have the chance to succeed. By providing resources for teacher training, tutoring, and program expansion, the Act seeks to prepare more students for success in STEM fields and the global workforce.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II strengthens accountability by granting victims, state officials, and Members of Congress enhanced legal authority to access unredacted records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network. The bill establishes clear enforcement mechanisms, including the right to sue for the unlawful withholding of documents, and imposes criminal penalties for the concealment or falsification of records. By limiting the government's ability to invoke common-law privileges, the legislation aims to ensure greater transparency and expedite the release of investigative materials.

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.

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.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 updates critical disaster assistance programs for farmers and forest landowners. This legislation expands eligible conservation activities, clarifies wildfire damage coverage, and introduces advance payment options for producers undertaking emergency repairs. It also extends the timeline for producers to complete necessary restoration work following a disaster.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

The Medicare Cost Cap Act of 2026 establishes a new annual out-of-pocket spending limit for Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries, ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities are protected from catastrophic healthcare costs. Additionally, the bill expands access to low-income assistance programs by eliminating asset tests, raising income eligibility thresholds, and streamlining the enrollment process between Medicare and Medicaid.

The "Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act" establishes a national technical assistance center and a grant program to improve the recruitment, training, and retention of direct care professionals. By providing funding for education, career advancement, and supportive services, the bill aims to strengthen the workforce that supports older adults and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the legislation provides resources to assist both paid and unpaid family caregivers in their essential roles.

This bill, the Green Ribbon Act of 2026, strengthens and expands the Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program to encourage environmental goals in schools through recognition and state grants. It also establishes a similar award program at the Institute of Museum and Library Services for nonformal learning institutions. Furthermore, the Act creates a new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education to provide technical assistance and manage related programs.

This resolution officially recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month to celebrate the history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality of the LGBTQ community. It acknowledges the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ individuals both domestically and globally. The resolution supports equal rights and treatment for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, encouraging education and celebration of the community's resilience.

The Food Assurance and Security Act establishes a formal interagency program to improve the collection, analysis, and reporting of national food insecurity data. By mandating a standardized food security supplement within the Current Population Survey, the bill ensures consistent tracking of hunger across American households. The findings will be published in an annual public report to Congress to better inform policy and address food access challenges.