Legislative Activity

The RESPECT Act of 2025 updates the authority for reconsidering decisions regarding interment or memorialization in national cemeteries, allowing reviews for decisions made on or after June 18, 1973. It also standardizes and clarifies the legal language used when referencing the definition of a tier III sex offender in relation to these decisions. Finally, the Act removes an outdated provision from a previous law concerning national cemeteries.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.

This resolution officially designates February 16, 2026, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day." It honors the Tlingit civil rights leader whose advocacy led to the passage of the nation's first anti-discrimination law in 1945. The day calls upon the public to remember her work and continue the pursuit of equality for Alaska Natives and Native Americans.

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.

This bill amends the Digital Coast Act to enhance the acquisition, integration, and accessibility of program data, explicitly including underground infrastructure information. It ensures all program data and tools are fully and freely available to the public. Furthermore, the legislation extends the authorization for the Digital Coast program through fiscal year 2030.

The Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans (RECUE) Act establishes a comprehensive federal research framework to advance the science of marine carbon dioxide removal. By coordinating efforts across NOAA, the NSF, NASA, and NIST, the legislation aims to develop safe, effective, and standardized technologies for ocean-based climate solutions. The bill prioritizes environmental safety, rigorous data transparency, and meaningful engagement with Tribal and coastal communities.

This resolution marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It condemns Russia's ongoing aggression, including attacks on civilians and the forced abduction of children. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for robust, sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's long-term defense and stability.

The Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Act of 2026 reauthorizes and significantly updates existing tsunami programs through 2031. This legislation focuses on improving warning system accuracy, expanding research to include non-seismic sources and social science, and enhancing coordination with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. It also mandates critical assessments and reports on preparing for major tsunami threats, particularly from the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

The WORK to Save Lives Act aims to combat workplace opioid overdoses by providing non-mandatory guidance to private employers on stocking and training for overdose reversal medication. Additionally, the bill mandates that all federal agencies must acquire and maintain this medication and provide annual employee training on its use. This legislation seeks to ensure preparedness for opioid emergencies across various workplaces.

This Senate resolution declares that protecting the rights of women and girls in Haiti is critical for the nation's stability and successful transition. It condemns the widespread gender-based violence and the exclusion of women from leadership roles in the transitional government. The resolution calls for urgent measures to center women's needs, ensure their meaningful participation, and fund programs to combat violence against them.

The Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program to award grants to nursing schools to help increase and retain qualified faculty. These grants will supplement eligible faculty salaries, aiming to bridge the compensation gap between academic and clinical nursing roles. The program prioritizes schools demonstrating the greatest need and those serving vulnerable populations.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.

This concurrent resolution affirms the strong partnership between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland, emphasizing shared democratic values and collective security. It explicitly states Congress's position that the U.S. respects Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland and that any change in status or use of military force there requires Congressional authorization. The resolution advocates for strengthening cooperation through partnership rather than coercion in the Arctic.

The NATO Unity Protection Act aims to safeguard the strength and cohesion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It permanently restricts the use of Department of Defense and Department of State funds for any U.S. action, such as occupation or blockade, against the sovereign territory of a NATO ally. These restrictions only lift if the action is authorized by the affected ally or the North Atlantic Council, or in cases of self-defense against an armed attack.

The Stronger Start for Working Families Act aims to significantly expand access to the refundable Child Tax Credit. This legislation lowers the required earned income threshold for eligibility from \$3,000 to just \$1. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates and expands the national strategy to mitigate earthquake risks across the U.S., where nearly half the population is vulnerable. This legislation broadens the program's scope to include the evaluation and retrofitting of critical buildings and infrastructure, explicitly incorporating Tribal governments into preparedness efforts. It also enhances scientific research, improves early warning systems, and authorizes specific funding levels for key federal agencies through fiscal year 2028.

The Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2025 aims to significantly reduce the unintended capture of non-target species in federal fisheries. It mandates extensive new research on Alaska salmon life history and ecosystem factors affecting marine species. The bill also establishes partnerships to build a flume tank for gear testing and creates new funding mechanisms to assist the fishing industry in adopting bycatch-reducing technology. Finally, it streamlines processes for electronic monitoring and reporting to improve data integration for management.

The Closing the Contraception Coverage Gap Act aims to ensure Medicare beneficiaries receive contraceptive items, services, and drugs with no out-of-pocket costs, effective January 1, 2027. This legislation amends Medicare Parts B, C, and D to mandate comprehensive, cost-free coverage for contraception. Additionally, the bill requires studies on prescription drug access for disabled beneficiaries and current contraceptive coverage gaps in other health plans.