Legislative Activity

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 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 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 **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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.