Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the lives and ultimate sacrifice of Emily Barker, Nicholas Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, Nathan Matthews, and Nicholas Dale, who died while serving as wildland firefighters during the 2026 season. It expresses the nation's deepest gratitude and sympathy to the families of the fallen and recognizes the courage of all emergency personnel who risk their lives to protect our communities and natural resources.

The Guidance Out Of Darkness (GOOD) Act increases government transparency by requiring federal agencies to publish all active guidance documents in a single, centralized, and publicly accessible online location. This legislation ensures that policies, memoranda, and other informal agency directives are easily searchable and clearly marked if rescinded. By streamlining access to these documents, the Act helps the public better understand the regulatory interpretations that affect them.

The Ballots by Election Day Act establishes a nationwide requirement that all absentee and mail-in ballots for federal elections must be received by election officials no later than the close of polls on Election Day. This mandate, which takes effect in 2027, prohibits the tabulation of late-arriving ballots while maintaining existing exceptions for military and overseas voters.

This joint resolution expresses congressional disapproval of an EPA rule that granted California the authority to enforce its own emission standards for small off-road engines, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers. By passing this resolution, Congress effectively blocks the rule from taking effect.

The Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026 narrows the federal definition of "navigable waters" to limit EPA and Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over isolated wetlands and intermittent water bodies. The bill strengthens state authority over water regulation, mandates landowner consent for federal property entry, and requires agencies to compensate property owners for regulatory actions that reduce land value. Additionally, it nullifies previous federal guidance and prohibits future expansions of jurisdictional authority without explicit Congressional approval.

The Cold War Military Force Repeal Act formally repeals the joint resolution previously enacted to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. This legislation serves to remove outdated authorization for military engagement in the region.

The Audit the Pentagon Act mandates financial accountability by imposing a 2 percent funding reduction on any Department of Defense component that fails to achieve a clean audit opinion. These withheld funds are then redirected to the U.S. Treasury to be used exclusively for deficit reduction.

The Federal Insurance Office Abolishment Act of 2026 seeks to eliminate the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) and its associated Director position within the Department of the Treasury. The bill removes the FIO’s oversight and consultative roles from various financial regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act, while ensuring that the Secretary of the Treasury retains existing authority over insurance-related matters.

This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the payment structure for bonus payments on certain coal leases issued under a deferred payment system. It mandates that the bonus payment be made in 10 equal annual installments, with the first installment due at the time of the lease bid.

The Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act amends federal law to restrict membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to adult human females. The bill establishes a biological definition of "female" to serve as the standard for eligibility, alongside the society's existing genealogical requirements.

This resolution commemorates the 179th anniversary of the arrival of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pioneers in the Great Salt Lake Valley. It honors their historic journey in pursuit of religious freedom and recognizes their foundational role in settling the American West. Furthermore, it celebrates the enduring pioneer spirit of resilience and industry that continues to shape the American story today.

The End H–1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. visa system, including a three-year suspension of new H-1B visas and the elimination of work authorizations for foreign students. The bill introduces strict reforms such as a $200,000 wage floor, a $100,000 labor import fee, and the removal of derivative visa status for family members. Additionally, it prohibits federal agencies from hiring nonimmigrant visa holders and significantly restricts the ability of temporary visa holders to change or adjust their immigration status while in the country.

The CLEAR LABELS Act enhances pharmaceutical transparency by requiring drug labels to clearly identify the original manufacturers of both active ingredients and finished products. It mandates that this supply chain information be accessible through digital tools like QR codes or barcodes, while ensuring paper copies remain available upon request. Additionally, the bill streamlines regulatory compliance by exempting these products from redundant customs country-of-origin marking requirements.

The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act directs the FAA to establish new rules within one year to allow civil supersonic flight over U.S. airspace. This authorization is strictly conditioned on the aircraft being operated in a manner that prevents any sonic boom from reaching the ground. The goal is to safely reintroduce faster-than-sound commercial travel domestically.

The Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act streamlines the approval process for biosimilar products by refining clinical study requirements. It grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to mandate specific assessments—such as immunogenicity or efficacy—only when accompanied by a formal written justification. These changes aim to balance rigorous safety standards with a more efficient pathway for bringing biosimilars to market.

The Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the entry of foreign nationals traveling to the United States primarily to secure U.S. citizenship for their children through birth. The bill authorizes immigration officials to deny admission or initiate deportation proceedings against individuals determined to be engaging in this practice.

The Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act of 2026 streamlines geothermal energy development by eliminating federal drilling permit requirements for projects on non-federal surface land where the U.S. holds less than 50% of the subsurface mineral interest. Under this legislation, operators may proceed with state-approved projects without undergoing federal environmental reviews, provided they continue to meet existing royalty obligations. These exemptions do not apply to Indian lands or resources held in trust for Indian Tribes.

The Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits federal officials from including third-party payments in government settlement agreements, unless those payments directly provide restitution for actual harm or compensate for services rendered. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the Congressional Budget Office and requires Inspector General audits to ensure agency compliance. These measures aim to increase transparency and prevent the redirection of settlement funds to non-governmental entities.

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 Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026 aims to reduce regulatory burdens by expanding permit exemptions for routine agricultural activities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The bill directs that these exemptions be interpreted broadly and removes restrictive provisions that previously required permits for certain farming and ranching operations.