Legislative Activity

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 reauthorizes and significantly expands federal programs to prevent and address domestic and dating violence. It updates services to explicitly include technological and economic abuse while increasing funding and focusing on culturally relevant support for underserved populations. The bill also establishes new grant programs to fund local demonstration projects aimed at preventing teen dating violence.

The ALS Better Care Act aims to improve care for individuals with ALS by establishing new Medicare coverage and a dedicated payment system for essential ALS-related services starting in 2027. This legislation mandates a supplemental annual payment to providers for coordinating complex care, including therapy and specialized support, while also requiring a report on challenges facing ALS clinical trials. The goal is to enhance the quality of life and lifespan for ALS patients by ensuring better access to coordinated, specialized care.

This bill reauthorizes and expands federal research and development programs for water power technologies, including hydropower and marine energy. It updates research goals to focus on efficiency, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and environmental impact mitigation. The legislation also increases authorized funding levels for these critical energy sectors through fiscal year 2030.

This act reauthorizes and expands the National Landslide Preparedness Act, updating definitions to specifically address hazards from atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events. It also establishes the Next Generation Water Observing System within the USGS to provide real-time water data and enhances groundwater and streamgage monitoring programs. Overall, the bill strengthens federal efforts to mitigate risks from landslides and improve water resource management across the nation.

The Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025 authorizes a land swap between the Chugach Alaska Corporation and the U.S. government to resolve complex ownership issues stemming from the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement lands. This exchange allows the government to perfect its surface conservation efforts while granting Chugach Alaska clear subsurface rights in exchange for other federally owned lands. The goal is to resolve split estate conflicts that have hindered both conservation management and the corporation's ability to develop its assets.

This Act establishes a new program within the Indian Health Service to provide public health veterinary services, focusing on preventing diseases that spread between animals and humans in Tribal communities using a "One Health" approach. It also mandates a study on the feasibility of using oral rabies vaccines in Arctic regions. Furthermore, the bill formally includes the Director of the Indian Health Service in the interagency One Health Working Group.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 significantly updates existing law to enhance tribal authority over forest and rangeland protection. This legislation expands the definition of eligible tribal lands, including certain lands in Alaska, and broadens the scope of authorized restoration projects. Furthermore, it increases funding authorization to $15 million annually through fiscal year 2031.

This resolution officially recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month. It celebrates the rich cultures, histories, and significant contributions of Native Americans to the United States across various fields. The resolution also reaffirms the government's commitment to tribal self-governance and the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove the Bureau of Land Management's rule regarding the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision. If enacted, this action would nullify the BLM's rule, preventing it from taking effect.

The TREATS Act modifies existing law to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. Specifically, it allows a single telehealth evaluation to satisfy the prior in-person evaluation requirement for prescribing certain Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances approved for addiction treatment. This change aims to improve the delivery of necessary therapy services via remote care.

This bill proposes establishing a new, Senate-confirmed position: the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the Department of State. This Ambassador will report directly to the Secretary of State to lead U.S. foreign policy coordination across key areas in the Arctic. Their responsibilities will focus on national security, environmental protection, scientific research, and strengthening cooperation among Arctic nations.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

This bill extends the temporary enhanced premium tax credits designed to help individuals afford health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Specifically, it pushes back the expiration date for these increased subsidies by two years, maintaining them through the 2027 tax year. This ensures continued financial assistance for both general enrollees and higher earners who qualify for the credits.

The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for individuals at high risk of hereditary cancers. This bill ensures Medicare Part B covers necessary germline genetic testing and covers certain preventive surgeries that reduce cancer risk. Furthermore, it mandates increased, evidence-based cancer screenings for beneficiaries already identified as having a hereditary cancer gene mutation.

This bill appropriates funding for Fiscal Year 2026 across the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Indian Health Service (IHS). It directs significant resources toward land management, conservation, environmental cleanup, and tribal health services while setting specific policy conditions and administrative restrictions. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure grants, halting certain endangered species listings, and mandating detailed financial reporting to Congress.

The Healing Partnerships for Survivors Act establishes new federal grants to strengthen coordination between health, behavioral health, disability, and sexual assault service providers. These funds aim to create trauma-informed, culturally relevant support systems for survivors of sexual assault, including adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Grantees will use the funding to develop integrated services such as direct support, case management, and specialized healing approaches. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for these grants from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month to highlight the serious and progressive nature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It recognizes the challenges faced by the tens of thousands affected, including long diagnosis times and the burden on caregivers. The Senate commits to supporting research, improving access to treatment and support services, and honoring those working to combat the disease.

The Working Waterfronts Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to strengthen American maritime industries and coastal communities. It provides financial incentives for upgrading hydroelectric power and transitioning commercial fishing vessels to cleaner fuels. The Act also expands federal loan access for fishing and seafood businesses, invests in shoreside processing and working waterfront infrastructure, and establishes new grant programs for maritime workforce development and "Blue Economy" innovation.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund by expanding the sources of deposits. This includes allowing the Fund to receive money from certain legal settlements that do not result in a criminal conviction. Additionally, the bill temporarily allows certain recoveries from False Claims Act settlements to fund victim services through 2030, while protecting payments to whistleblowers and the government's direct recovery.

This bill modifies existing law to allow the construction of certain Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards under strict conditions. The President can grant exceptions to the general ban only if it is deemed necessary for U.S. national security. Any such exception requires Congressional notification and certification that the foreign shipyard meets specific criteria related to alliance, cost savings, and expedited timelines.