Legislative Activity

This resolution officially designates July 15, 2026, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." It seeks to raise public awareness about glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadliest form of malignant brain tumor. The bill supports increased research efforts and better treatments to improve the outlook and quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease.

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal student aid by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award and shifting the program to mandatory funding. This bill also expands eligibility to include Dreamer students, restores Pell eligibility semesters, and reforms Satisfactory Academic Progress rules to better support students. Overall, it seeks to stabilize and increase financial support for millions of postsecondary students, particularly those with high financial need.

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the right to community-based services for individuals eligible for long-term supports and services (LTSS), ensuring they can live in the most integrated setting of their choice. It prohibits discrimination by states and LTSS providers against individuals seeking community living over institutionalization. The Act mandates comprehensive planning, self-evaluation, and enforceable objectives to transition people out of institutions and address disparities in service delivery.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish grant programs for researching and developing next-generation firefighter turnout gear that is free of harmful PFAS chemicals. These grants will support the creation of safer protective clothing and the development of training programs for first responders on its proper use and decontamination. The ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness and injury among firefighters by advancing safer alternatives.

This resolution honors the veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces (FANK) for their crucial service alongside U.S. forces in Southeast Asia. It recognizes their sacrifices, including support during the Vietnam War and the evacuation of U.S. personnel from Phnom Penh. The resolution also acknowledges the immense suffering these veterans and their families endured during the subsequent Khmer Rouge genocide. Finally, it celebrates their ongoing contributions to American society following their resettlement.

The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 grants federal appellate and district court judges the discretion to permit public photographing, recording, and broadcasting of court proceedings. This authority is subject to due process considerations and includes mandatory protections for vulnerable witnesses, such as the right to remain unrecognizable. The Act also prohibits all media coverage of jurors and the jury selection process.

The Children Harmed In Life-threatening or Dangerous Labor (CHILD) Labor Act strengthens federal protections against child labor by expanding the definition of hazardous work and increasing corporate accountability across supply chains. The bill imposes significantly tougher financial and criminal penalties for violations, grants the Department of Labor enhanced enforcement tools, and mandates stricter child labor standards for federal contractors. Additionally, it requires annual reporting on workplace injuries to ensure greater transparency and safety for young workers.

The Saving the OOI Act of 2026 prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from scaling back or decommissioning critical Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments. This measure ensures the continued operation of these vital coastal and deep-sea monitoring assets until the NSF completes a comprehensive review with community input. The bill mandates the full maintenance of the initiative throughout the review period.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

This joint resolution seeks to block a recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule that established the 2027 benefit and payment parameters for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, preventing its implementation and ensuring it has no legal force or effect.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting the safety and well-being of refugees globally and domestically. It highlights the severe worldwide displacement crisis and criticizes the current suspension and low caps of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The bill calls for the full restoration of asylum protections and refugee resettlement to uphold U.S. legal obligations and humanitarian leadership.

The Land of the Free Act of 2026 proposes to amend immigration law by eliminating the provision that makes non-citizens deportable for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government through force or violence. This bill specifically repeals the section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that lists this as a ground for removal.

The Stock Buyback Accountability Act of 2026 significantly increases the excise tax on corporate stock repurchases from 1% to 4%. It also tightens the rules for calculating this tax by preventing corporations from offsetting the tax liability with the value of stock issued to highly compensated executives and certain top earners. This legislation aims to discourage excessive stock buybacks by increasing the cost and limiting available deductions.

This resolution designates June 6, 2026, as National Naloxone Awareness Day to increase public understanding and access to naloxone, the life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. The day aims to educate the public on how to use naloxone and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. It encourages broad support for expanding the availability and distribution of this critical medication.

The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act aims to repeal several restrictions, known as the Tiahrt Amendments, that limit law enforcement's ability to use firearm trace data. This legislation restores the authority of the ATF to access, share, and utilize its own gun trace databases and allows for the retention of NICS background check records. Ultimately, the bill seeks to provide vital information to combat illegal gun trafficking and enhance public safety.

This resolution formally acknowledges and apologizes for the decades of discrimination and mistreatment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the U.S. military, Foreign Service, and federal civil service. It condemns past and recent discriminatory policies that led to wrongful terminations and exclusions. The resolution commits the nation to pursuing equal rights, protections, and respect for all LGBT servicemembers and federal employees moving forward.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment collectively. This recognition honors the regiment's crucial and heroic service during the Revolutionary War, notably as one of the first integrated military units in American history. The original medal will be displayed at the Rhode Island State Library, and bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs.

The No Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Act of 2026 aims to enhance food safety by automatically classifying several hazardous chemicals, including PFAS and certain phthalates, as unsafe for use in food contact materials. This legislation requires the FDA to consider vulnerable populations when reviewing alternatives to these banned substances. The new federal standard allows states and localities to maintain or enact stricter regulations protecting public health.

The Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2026 affirms the fundamental right of individuals to travel across state lines to receive reproductive health care that is legal in the destination state. This bill prohibits any government or person from restricting, sanctioning, or discriminating against individuals who travel for such care or those who assist them. It preempts conflicting state laws and establishes robust federal enforcement mechanisms, including civil actions for individuals and the Attorney General, while removing common immunity defenses for violators.

This resolution honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable Donald W. Riegle, Jr., former Senator for Michigan. It recognizes his decades in Congress, highlighting key legislative achievements such as co-sponsoring the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and leading significant banking reforms. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow and adjourns in his memory.