Legislative Activity

The 21st Century Dyslexia Act updates federal education law to specifically define dyslexia and ensure children with this learning disability receive appropriate support. This legislation amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to include dyslexia in its definitions of qualifying conditions. Furthermore, the Act mandates that schools guarantee equitable access to necessary accommodations and services for all eligible students, regardless of socioeconomic status or English proficiency.

This bill prohibits the Department of Education from transferring the functions or operations of four key offices—Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Postsecondary Education, Indian Education, and Elementary and Secondary Education—to other federal agencies. It restricts the Secretary of Education from entering into interagency agreements to outsource the management, grant administration, or enforcement duties of these specific offices. The legislation ensures these core educational functions remain under the direct authority of the Department of Education.

The POLAR Act establishes a dedicated Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation to advance scientific research, workforce development, and infrastructure in the Arctic and Antarctic. This legislation centralizes the management of U.S. polar operations, ensuring a strategic, coordinated approach to logistical support, safety, and international collaboration. By prioritizing key research areas and fostering partnerships with indigenous communities and federal agencies, the Act aims to strengthen the United States' influential presence and scientific capabilities in both polar regions.

The Children's Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the risks, educational impacts, and ethical concerns surrounding AI-enabled toys for children. Additionally, the bill requires the FTC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop a joint action plan to establish safety standards, marketing regulations, and consumer protections for these products.

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 Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The EMPOWER for Health Act reauthorizes and increases funding for essential health workforce programs through 2030, supporting the training and development of medical, nursing, and pediatric professionals. The bill strengthens the healthcare pipeline by expanding scholarship and grant opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged students and those in underserved areas. Additionally, it modernizes pediatric specialty programs and updates educational standards to better address the evolving needs of the national health workforce.

The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act aims to streamline the federal licensing process for hydropower projects by narrowing the scope of regulatory requirements. It mandates that conditions imposed for Indian reservations and fishway prescriptions must be directly linked to mitigating the specific adverse effects of the project in question.

The National Coordination on Resilience for Security Act of 2026 establishes a Chief Resilience Officer within the National Security Council to lead a unified federal strategy against natural hazards. This legislation creates interagency working groups and a Partners Council to streamline federal resilience efforts, improve spending efficiency, and better support state, local, and tribal communities. Additionally, the Act mandates the development of a comprehensive National Resilience Strategy and an online clearinghouse to enhance national security through proactive, science-based adaptation.

The "Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act" authorizes federal grants to help internationally educated health care professionals integrate into the U.S. workforce. By funding both system-level improvements and individual support services, the bill aims to address critical staffing shortages and improve health care access in underserved and rural communities.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

The Small County PILT Parity Act seeks to update the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program by adjusting population thresholds for qualifying local governments. By lowering these figures and introducing a new payment calculation table, the bill aims to better support the unique financial needs of the nation's smallest counties.

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 SAFE Banking Act of 2026 creates a federal safe harbor for depository institutions and insurers that provide financial services to state-sanctioned marijuana and hemp-related businesses. By prohibiting federal regulators from penalizing financial institutions for serving these legal entities, the bill aims to improve industry transparency and public safety. Additionally, the Act establishes protections for mortgage lenders and clarifies requirements for suspicious activity reporting and account termination procedures.

The PREVENT Act directs the CDC to expand and maintain a comprehensive program dedicated to the primary prevention of child sexual abuse. This initiative focuses on improving data collection, closing research gaps, and developing evidence-based strategies to combat both traditional and technology-facilitated abuse. The bill authorizes $6 million in annual funding from 2027 through 2031 to support these critical public health efforts.

The National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026 establishes a nonprofit corporation dedicated to creating a nationwide network of digital fabrication laboratories. This initiative aims to provide universal access to advanced manufacturing tools, fostering STEM education, workforce development, and community innovation. By connecting local labs across the country, the network seeks to empower individuals and communities to design, invent, and manufacture solutions for the 21st-century economy.

The **American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026** aims to accelerate energy and infrastructure development by streamlining federal permitting processes. The bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for natural gas pipeline reviews, sets strict timelines for interagency coordination, and limits the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA. Additionally, it reforms water quality certification requirements and restricts judicial review to prevent project delays, fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for energy and mining projects.

The Remote Waste Storage Act amends existing law to provide an exception for hazardous waste generators in remote areas lacking year-round road access. This allows these generators to store waste on-site for up to two years, provided they adhere to all other applicable regulations.

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.