Legislative Activity

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to define and regulate state-based education loan programs. It ensures that students are fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and the associated benefits before opting for state-sponsored private loans. The bill also mandates that these state programs offer interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as federal alternatives.

This bill, the Geese House Site Conveyance Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer approximately 21,578 acres of federal land within Denali National Park and Preserve to Doyon, Limited. The transfer is subject to specific restrictions, including prohibitions on selling the land to non-U.S. entities and limits on mining and development that could harm cultural sites. The Act also requires the corresponding boundary adjustment of Denali National Park and Preserve.

The Alaska Native Landless Equity Act aims to correct an omission in the original Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) by granting eligibility to Native residents in five southeastern Alaska communities: Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. This legislation authorizes these residents to form Urban Corporations and receive specific settlement lands and stock shares previously denied to them. The Act also mandates the transfer of approximately 23,040 acres of federal land to each new corporation, ensuring they receive their final ANCSA entitlement while protecting existing land rights and distribution rules for other Native Corporations.

The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2026 is a comprehensive legislative package designed to improve the health, safety, education, and economic stability of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children and families. By establishing new federal advisory committees, grant programs, and self-governance initiatives, the bill empowers Tribes to take greater control over their own social services, health research, and educational systems. Ultimately, the legislation aims to reduce systemic disparities and ensure that federal policies are culturally responsive and effectively meet the unique needs of Native communities.

The Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the authorization for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) through fiscal year 2031. This legislation updates the initiative by incorporating advanced data collection technologies, such as digital geochemistry, to better characterize critical subsurface resources. It also integrates data from the 3D Hydrography Program into the Earth MRI framework.

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.

This comprehensive bill aims to strengthen food security, support domestic agriculture and the seafood industry, and advance research and forestry innovation. Key provisions expand access to healthy foods, create new loan programs for remote processors, enhance seafood labeling transparency, and invest in agricultural research. Furthermore, the legislation significantly bolsters Tribal self-determination by allowing tribes to contract for certain USDA functions and extends preference for Indian-owned businesses in USDA procurement.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude micro-grants received for food security projects from gross income. Specifically, it ensures that financial assistance provided under the existing micro-grants for food security program is not treated as taxable income for eligible entities. This change supports organizations working to increase access to healthy food in underserved communities.

The Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act streamlines federal oversight for existing hydropower facilities by allowing routine maintenance and minor alterations without prior FERC approval. It also establishes an expedited licensing process for small, non-impounding hydrokinetic energy projects up to 5 megawatts. This legislation aims to balance operational flexibility for current licensees with the promotion of new, small-scale renewable energy generation.

This resolution recognizes the strategic importance of the Arctic region to U.S. national security and economic interests. It supports continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Senate specifically backs efforts to strengthen Arctic security, infrastructure, and scientific research while upholding a rules-based international order. The resolution also affirms the vital role of Indigenous peoples in Arctic governance.

The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act significantly increases federal funding and administrative flexibility for Tribal child welfare programs. It reserves more federal funds for Tribes across key child welfare services and allows Tribes to receive Social Services Block Grants directly. Furthermore, the Act enables Tribes to operate prevention-only child welfare programs and allows states the option to count tribal caseworker visits toward their own federal requirements.

The Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025 mandates the transfer of a specific 3.372-acre federal property in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Southcentral Foundation for use in health and social services. The bill requires the conveyance to be completed via warranty deed within two years, free of charge and without future federal reclamation rights. Additionally, the legislation provides the Foundation with liability protection regarding any pre-existing environmental contamination on the site.

The PHS ACCESS Act amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the assignment of Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers to support Urban Indian organizations. The bill also grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services flexibility in granting constructive credit for length of service during appointments, establishing transparent criteria that prioritize service in underserved and high-need areas.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 comprehensively updates federal housing laws for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. This bill aims to increase tribal flexibility in using technical assistance and procurement funds while streamlining environmental review requirements for housing projects. It also establishes new rental assistance programs for homeless veterans and creates pilot programs to address homelessness in tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. Finally, the Act reauthorizes key funding mechanisms and establishes a formal Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee within HUD.

The American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 strengthens the domestic seafood industry by expanding eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan and grant programs to include commercial fishing and fish processing businesses. Additionally, the bill improves industry access to capital by allowing Farm Credit System institutions to provide financial services to businesses that support aquatic producers and harvesters.

The American Indian and Alaska Native Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (AIAN CAPTA) amends existing federal law to ensure Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations receive dedicated funding for child abuse prevention. This legislation formalizes the inclusion of Tribes in fund distribution and establishes a specific 5 percent allocation of reserved resources to support Tribal child welfare programs.

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

This bill exempts public school districts from paying the $100,000 non-processing fee for H-1B visa petitions. By removing this financial barrier, the legislation ensures that public schools can continue to hire and retain essential foreign-born educators without incurring significant additional costs.

This bill extends the authorization for modifications to the Second Division Memorial in Washington, D.C. The legislation grants an extension through September 30, 2033, allowing for continued updates to the site beyond current statutory restrictions.