Legislative Activity

The Extinction Prevention Act of 2026 establishes dedicated federal funds and competitive grant programs across four titles to support the conservation of imperiled species. These titles focus on protecting North American butterflies, Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwestern desert fish. Each program authorizes up to $5 million annually for six years, prioritizing projects that aid species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

The Let Kids Play Act prohibits private equity funds engaging in harmful "vulture practices" from investing in or controlling youth sports organizations. This legislation aims to protect youth sports entities from predatory financial tactics by requiring designated "vulture investors" to divest their holdings within two years. The Act grants enforcement power to the FTC and DOJ and establishes a Youth Sports Fund for penalties collected.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes free breakfast and lunch for all students in participating schools, eliminating income-based eligibility and school meal debt. It also updates federal funding metrics by replacing free/reduced lunch data with new measures of economically disadvantaged students across various education and nutrition programs. This comprehensive bill aims to ensure universal access to nutrition while streamlining administrative requirements related to poverty tracking.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific individuals wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with President Xi Jinping. The resolution condemns these politically motivated detentions and calls for immediate humanitarian access and release for those named. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedoms globally.

The Reactors at Risk Act of 2026 mandates a joint report from the Department of Defense and the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security assessing the national security and civilian risks posed by nuclear reactors located in or near areas prone to armed conflict. This report must detail potential dangers and outline steps the U.S. and its allies can take to prevent and mitigate these risks. The assessment covers reactors in regions with recent conflict, contested areas, or potential flashpoints like Taiwan or the Korean Peninsula.

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 resolution formally recognizes the vital roles and significant contributions of teachers across the United States in shaping the nation's civic, cultural, and economic future. It specifically designates the week of May 4–8, 2026, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. The bill encourages widespread public recognition and respect for educators and the teaching profession.

This resolution officially recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2026. It celebrates the significant and growing contributions of these communities to American history, culture, and government. The resolution also acknowledges important anniversaries and ongoing challenges faced by the community.

This act aims to support the mental health and resilience of educators and school staff across the nation. It mandates the sharing of best practices, launches a national awareness campaign to encourage help-seeking, and establishes grant programs to fund direct mental health services and training. The legislation also requires federal reviews to assess the impact of these efforts and identify ongoing needs.

The Public Lands Integrity Act amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to classify any provision resulting in the sale, disposal, or transfer of federal lands as "extraneous" under the Byrd Rule. This change aims to prevent such land transactions from being included in budget reconciliation processes.

The PATH to the Foreign Service Act creates a streamlined career pathway for eligible former USAID employees to transition directly into the State Department's Foreign Service. This legislation waives the Foreign Service Entrance Exam for qualified applicants and mandates the recognition of prior USAID service for seniority and benefits. The goal is to leverage the experience of former USAID personnel within the State Department's Foreign Service ranks.

This resolution recognizes the escalating global threats to press freedom and reaffirms the vital role of a free and independent press in upholding democracy and informing the public. It condemns actions that suppress journalism and endangers journalists worldwide, especially in conflict zones. The resolution calls for the immediate release of wrongfully detained journalists and reaffirms press freedom as a priority of U.S. foreign policy.

This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act to prohibit U.S. foreign assistance funds from supporting programs that violate human rights or undermine public health, including those involving coercive family planning. It specifically nullifies three recent Department of State rules related to foreign assistance. The Secretary of State is required to issue compliance guidance and report annually to Congress on any violations.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 significantly strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by establishing rigorous new standards for dog dealers. This bill mandates substantial improvements to housing, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care for dogs. Furthermore, it introduces strict regulations on breeding practices, including health screening and limits on female dog litters, while ensuring humane retirement for breeding dogs.

This Act requires the Secretary of State to determine whether the People's Republic of China has committed atrocities, genocide, or crimes against humanity against the Tibetan people. The Secretary must report these findings, along with supporting evidence and policy recommendations, to Congress within specified deadlines. This legislation mandates a formal U.S. government assessment of the situation in Tibet based on established international definitions of atrocity crimes.

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.

This resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress. It recognizes the deep, historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. across security, innovation, and shared democratic values. The bill reaffirms the enduring friendship and encourages deeper cooperation on strategic global issues.

The **Protecting America’s Workers Act** significantly expands workplace safety protections by extending OSHA coverage to all public employees and strengthening whistleblower rights against retaliation. The bill increases penalties for safety violations, grants victims' families more rights during investigations, and improves federal oversight of state-run safety programs. Overall, it aims to create a more comprehensive, transparent, and punitive system to prevent workplace injuries and hold employers accountable.

The No Immunity for Glyphosate Act aims to hold manufacturers of glyphosate-based herbicides and elemental phosphorus accountable for harm caused by their products. This legislation explicitly removes any existing legal immunities that shield these companies from civil liability. It establishes a clear right for injured individuals to sue manufacturers in federal court for damages related to exposure.

The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for key Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and surety bonds. This change allows businesses majority-owned by certain immigrants, non-citizens lawfully present in the U.S., and even some individuals residing abroad to access federal support. The bill ensures that businesses meeting ownership and location criteria are not denied SBA financing solely because of the status of their eligible owners.