Legislative Activity

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting the safety and well-being of refugees globally and domestically. It highlights the severe worldwide displacement crisis and criticizes the current suspension and low caps of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The bill calls for the full restoration of asylum protections and refugee resettlement to uphold U.S. legal obligations and humanitarian leadership.

The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act aims to repeal several restrictions, known as the Tiahrt Amendments, that limit law enforcement's ability to use firearm trace data. This legislation restores the authority of the ATF to access, share, and utilize its own gun trace databases and allows for the retention of NICS background check records. Ultimately, the bill seeks to provide vital information to combat illegal gun trafficking and enhance public safety.

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.

The Complete America’s Great Trails Act establishes a new federal tax credit for landowners who donate property that includes a designated National Scenic Trail and a specified surrounding corridor. This credit is equal to the fair market value of the donated land, encouraging private conservation efforts to complete and expand these national trails. The bill also mandates a study on the credit's effectiveness and potential future modifications, such as making the credit refundable.

The Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2026 affirms the fundamental right of individuals to travel across state lines to receive reproductive health care that is legal in the destination state. This bill prohibits any government or person from restricting, sanctioning, or discriminating against individuals who travel for such care or those who assist them. It preempts conflicting state laws and establishes robust federal enforcement mechanisms, including civil actions for individuals and the Attorney General, while removing common immunity defenses for violators.

This bill, the "Stopping Illegal Minor Simulations Act" (SIMS Act), prohibits the creation and provision of chatbots that simulate minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct or conversation. It establishes federal criminal and civil penalties for covered entities that willfully violate this ban. The law includes exemptions for research and law enforcement investigations.

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 establishes the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act to address the critical need for mental health support in schools. It provides federal grants to states to award subgrants to local educational agencies for recruiting, retaining, and hiring school-based mental health services providers in high-need schools. The goal is to help schools work toward recommended student-to-provider ratios for counselors, psychologists, and social workers.

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.

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.

The Moms Matter Act establishes grant programs to improve maternal mental health equity and expand the specialized maternal mental and behavioral health care workforce. The first program funds community-based initiatives to provide integrated mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, prioritizing high-need areas. The second program supports training and diversifying providers specializing in maternal mental health, with a focus on recruiting from and serving underserved populations.

The Restoring Overtime Pay Act of 2026 significantly updates federal overtime exemptions for executive, administrative, and professional employees. It establishes a phased-in increase to the minimum salary threshold required for these "white-collar" roles to be exempt from overtime pay, eventually tying the threshold to national earnings data. Furthermore, the bill tightens the duties test by lowering the allowed percentage of time spent on non-exempt work from 40% to 20%.

The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It allocates significant funding for enhanced data collection, surveillance, and research across CDC and NIH programs. Furthermore, the bill establishes a task force to develop federal recommendations for ensuring safe, respectful, and equitable maternity care, especially for marginalized communities.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense that access to mifepristone should be based on over 25 years of proven safety and effectiveness supported by peer-reviewed science. It calls for equitable and transparent laws and policies governing access to this time-sensitive medication abortion care. The resolution affirms the FDA's authority to regulate the drug based on the best available evidence, free from political interference.

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 joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless Congress has explicitly authorized the action. It asserts Congress's constitutional authority over declaring war and cites the War Powers Resolution regarding unauthorized military engagements. The bill permits necessary defensive actions, intelligence sharing, and support for attacked allies.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly concerning minors. It mandates that companies operating these AI systems implement rigorous age verification processes for all users. Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for designing AI that solicits minors into explicit conduct or promotes violence, and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with user protection and disclosure requirements.

The CLEAN Mergers Act imposes strict new divestiture requirements on large mergers completed between January 20, 2025, and January 19, 2029. It mandates the immediate divestiture of completed threshold transactions (valued at $10 billion or more) unless specific competitive conditions are proven in court. Furthermore, the Act allows federal agencies and state attorneys general to review smaller "enforcement-lapse transactions" for evidence of misconduct or improper influence, potentially leading to required divestiture. Finally, it extends the statute of limitations for antitrust lawsuits from four years to ten years.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

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.