Track Ben's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This bill authorizes NASA's FY 2025 budget, directs the transition to commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, solidifies the Moon to Mars exploration strategy, and mandates advancements in aeronautics and science technology.
Ted Cruz
Senator
TX
Ted Cruz
Senator
TX
The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes the agency's funding for fiscal year 2025 and solidifies the strategic direction for human spaceflight, emphasizing the "Moon to Mars" program and the transition to commercial Low-Earth Orbit destinations. The bill directs significant investment into science missions, technology development, and aeronautics research, while also restructuring STEM education programs. Finally, it establishes new policy guidelines regarding commercial partnerships, cost oversight, and international collaboration.
The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 enhances election integrity by closing foreign funding loopholes, increasing transparency in political and judicial spending, and mandating clear disclosure requirements for political advertisements.
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.
This bill mandates the transition of Puerto Rico from its current block grant nutrition program to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure equitable food assistance.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator
NY
Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator
NY
The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act provides a framework for Puerto Rico to transition from its current block grant system to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This legislation ensures equitable access to nutrition assistance by adjusting food plan costs to reflect local economic conditions and establishing a structured, multi-year transition process.
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of March 2 through March 6, 2026, as National Social and Emotional Learning Week to recognize its importance for student success and well-being.
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of March 2 through March 6, 2026, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It recognizes the vital role social and emotional learning plays in boosting student academic achievement and overall well-being. The bill encourages expanding access to these crucial skills for all students and educators.
This resolution officially designates the week of February 23 through February 27, 2026, as National Public Schools Week.
Susan Collins
Senator
ME
Susan Collins
Senator
ME
This resolution officially designates the week of February 23 through February 27, 2026, as National Public Schools Week. The purpose is to recognize and celebrate the importance of public education in the United States during that specific timeframe.
This resolution supports the goals of Career and Technical Education Month by recognizing its vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for in-demand careers.
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
Timothy Kaine
Senator
VA
This resolution officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.
This resolution supports designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Week while recognizing the organization's role in leadership development and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Alaska State FFA Association.
Todd Young
Senator
IN
Todd Young
Senator
IN
This resolution expresses support for designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders. The resolution also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the Alaska State FFA Association.
The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance discrimination against living organ donors and guarantees job-protected leave for those undergoing donation surgery.
Tom Cotton
Senator
AR
Tom Cotton
Senator
AR
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 Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, government-operated online tax filing system while prohibiting agreements that restrict the IRS from providing direct tax preparation services.
Elizabeth Warren
Senator
MA
Elizabeth Warren
Senator
MA
The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.
This resolution celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the history, acknowledging the injustices, and commemorating the profound contributions of African Americans to the United States.
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
This resolution celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the profound history and enduring contributions of African Americans to the United States. It acknowledges past injustices while honoring the achievements across all fields that have shaped the nation. The resolution encourages continued reflection and unity as we move forward with liberty and justice for all.
The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court.
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were subsequently ruled unlawful. The bill prioritizes small businesses in the refund process and requires that larger entities pass these savings on to their customers. All refunds must be processed within 180 days of enactment, with regular progress reports provided to Congress.
This bill mandates updates to the FAA's type certification process to increase transparency, establish clear timelines, refine issue paper criteria, and provide updated guidance on delegation to support new technologies.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This bill aims to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aircraft type certification process to better support new technologies. It mandates increased transparency, establishes standard timelines for key certification steps, and updates criteria for technical issue papers. Furthermore, the legislation requires updated guidance on the FAA's delegation of certification authority to industry stakeholders.
The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively strengthens federal anti-discrimination laws, mandates new employer policies and training, phases out the tipped minimum wage, and establishes nationwide grant programs to support worker rights and legal assistance.
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
The **BE HEARD in the Workplace Act** comprehensively strengthens federal workplace protections by requiring new anti-discrimination policies, expanding legal rights for employees, and phasing out the tipped minimum wage. It aims to prevent harassment through mandated training, broadens protections to nearly all workers, and restricts employers' use of secrecy agreements. The Act also establishes grants to increase access to legal aid and worker advocacy nationwide.
This bill mandates increased transparency, efficiency, and clear timelines for the FAA's aircraft certification process while reinforcing U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
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.
This Act establishes an advisory committee to study and recommend solutions for improving the transmission of location information for calls made to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
John Barrasso
Senator
WY
John Barrasso
Senator
WY
This Act establishes an advisory committee to study and make recommendations on improving the transmission of location information for calls made to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The committee will examine policy, technical standards, and funding needs related to providing dispatchable location data for 988 calls. It must submit its findings and legislative recommendations to Congress and the FCC within one year of enactment.
This act establishes minimum nurse staffing requirements for nursing homes, ensures permanent funding for inspections, and dedicates civil money penalties to support the nursing home workforce.
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
The Nurses Belong in Nursing Homes Act establishes mandatory minimum nurse staffing levels for nursing homes, including 24-hour registered nurse coverage. It also permanently funds the inspection and certification program for healthcare facilities. Finally, the bill directs states to use a portion of collected civil money penalties to fund nursing home workforce recruitment, education, and retention programs.
This act imposes a 100% tax on certain civil lawsuit damages received by current or former high-ranking U.S. officials and their relatives when they sue the United States.
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
The Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act imposes a 100% tax on certain civil lawsuit damages received by current or former high-ranking U.S. officials, including the President, and their relatives. This tax specifically targets damages awarded to these individuals from lawsuits they filed against the United States during their tenure in office. The purpose is to prevent the misuse of public funds or legal actions for personal financial gain by covered officials.
This resolution designates the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week" to encourage support and celebration of these institutions.
Martin Heinrich
Senator
NM
Martin Heinrich
Senator
NM
This resolution officially designates the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It encourages the nation to observe this week with activities that celebrate and demonstrate support for the vital contributions of Tribal Colleges and Universities.
This Act extends the Military Lending Act's 36% interest rate cap and loan term restrictions to most consumer credit, excluding mortgages and certain auto loans.
John Reed
Senator
RI
John Reed
Senator
RI
The Predatory Lending Elimination Act amends federal law to apply the Military Lending Act's 36% interest rate cap (MAPR) to most consumer credit transactions. This new restriction generally excludes residential mortgages and specific auto loans, while preserving stronger state consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is tasked with issuing implementing rules within one year.
This resolution recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness, recruit mentors, and promote quality mentoring programs for youth across the United States.
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.