Legislative Activity

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.

The Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act mandates that U.S.-funded foreign aid—including food, medicine, and vaccines—must be delivered or donated to intended beneficiaries before it spoils or expires. The bill requires federal agencies to expedite funding to prevent waste and establishes strict annual reporting requirements for any commodities that fail to reach their destination. This legislation ensures that vital resources are utilized effectively to save lives while protecting taxpayer investments.

This bill establishes the annual Esther Coopersmith Award to recognize U.S. diplomatic personnel who significantly advance the goals of women's participation in peace and security efforts. The award specifically honors contributions that sustainably prevent or resolve conflict by promoting women's leadership and economic empowerment. Recipients will meet with the Secretary of State and attend a major global security conference. This Act is set to expire five years after enactment.

This Act redefines exemptions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to clarify the rights of Alaska Natives to take marine mammals for subsistence and to create and sell authentic handicrafts made from marine mammal ivory and other materials. It establishes clear definitions for "authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing" to ensure legitimacy in commerce. Furthermore, the bill prohibits states from banning the sale or transfer of these authentic Native handicrafts incorporating marine mammal parts.

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.

This resolution recognizes World Oceans Day and celebrates the vital role of the ocean in the history, economy, and security of the United States. It honors the contributions of maritime workers, the armed forces, and coastal communities. The resolution also highlights key anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris Program. Finally, it reaffirms the nation's commitment to ocean stewardship and leadership.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and communities that supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The Canteen was a massive, entirely volunteer-run operation that fed approximately six million service members traveling across the country. The original gold medal will be permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. The bill also allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

This resolution officially designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. It recognizes the devastating impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and affirms the Senate's dedication to improving access to treatments and supports for those affected. The bill also commits to supporting research to find causes, risk factors, and a cure for ALS.

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.

This bill aims to strengthen the defense industrial base by aligning Job Corps training programs with critical industry needs, such as shipbuilding. It expands incentives for employers to hire Job Corps graduates and provides pathways for individuals ineligible for military enlistment to gain relevant skills. Furthermore, the Act grants Job Corps centers greater operational flexibility and access to external funding.

The Legalizing Premium Health Care Act of 2026 fundamentally reforms Medicare by guaranteeing beneficiaries the freedom to choose any qualified provider. It allows Medicare recipients (excluding those also on Medicaid) to enter into private, written contracts with professionals for covered services, setting the terms of payment directly. This legislation also preempts state laws that limit the charges eligible professionals can set for services provided under these new contractual arrangements.

This bill reauthorizes and extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program through fiscal year 2030. The program allows eligible small, rural hospitals to receive Medicare payments based on reasonable costs for inpatient services to promote financial stability. It maintains participation limits and requires a report evaluating the program's impact on rural access to care and costs.

The Nursing is a Professional Degree Act formally defines "professional degree" within federal law to explicitly include nursing degrees. This change ensures nursing education meets the statutory standard for professional degrees, recognizing the advanced academic and skill requirements necessary to practice.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late former United States Senator John Seymour of California. It recognizes his extensive public service, highlighting his career in business, local government, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow and directs that official copies of this resolution be delivered to his family.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It aims to honor the lives of missing and murdered American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls and demonstrate solidarity with their families. The bill also calls for a new Department of Justice study to update statistics on this ongoing crisis.

The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act aims to significantly improve health outcomes for mid-life women by boosting federal research, public awareness, and professional training related to menopause. The bill establishes new programs for research funding, public education campaigns, and specialized training for healthcare providers. It also supports the creation of Centers of Excellence to advance evidence-based care and address disparities in treatment access.

This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant licensees of certain hydropower projects, licensed before March 13, 2020, an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction. This extension is available upon request and demonstration of good cause. The legislation also addresses projects whose original deadlines expired recently, allowing for reinstatement of the license before the extension period begins.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, recognizing his significant contributions as a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow over his passing and offers condolences to his family. The resolution directs that this tribute be communicated to the House and his family, and the Senate will adjourn in his memory.

This bill strengthens oversight of nurse aide training programs in nursing facilities by removing outdated exceptions and allowing the government to temporarily disapprove programs at facilities with serious quality-of-care violations. It also expands access to the National Practitioner Data Bank, enabling more Medicare and Medicaid providers to conduct essential employee background checks. The goal is to ensure higher standards of care and safety for seniors in long-term care settings.