Legislative Activity

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 bill, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026, significantly increases the penalties for stealing firearms from federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers. It establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for theft committed during a burglary or robbery of these businesses. Furthermore, the act clarifies that attempts to steal firearms from licensed collectors face the same enhanced penalties as successful theft.

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 resolution supports designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the critical mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high suicide rates. This day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness within the agricultural industry.

This resolution supports designating May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month." It recognizes the significant role that renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel play in lowering consumer fuel prices and reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, the bill highlights how these fuels bolster rural economies and decrease reliance on foreign energy sources.

The Government Bailout Prevention Act prohibits the use of federal funds to assist state and local governments that file for bankruptcy, default on obligations, or face imminent default after January 1, 2026. This restriction applies to Treasury actions and Federal Reserve support, with an exception for disaster-related aid. The bill aims to prevent federal bailouts for financially distressed state and local entities.

The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026 addresses the growing shortage of general surgeons across the U.S., particularly in rural areas. The bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate current methods for designating surgical shortage areas. This study must analyze new methodologies, including one based on surgeon-to-population ratios within specific service areas, to accurately identify where general surgery access is inadequate. Ultimately, the legislation aims to establish a clear process for designating and addressing these critical general surgery shortage areas.

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.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

The Patients Before Monopolies Act aims to restore competition in the prescription drug market by structurally separating vertically integrated health conglomerates. This is achieved by making it illegal for any entity to own both a pharmacy and either an insurer or a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). The bill mandates divestiture of any conflicting ownership within one year and grants the FTC and DOJ strong enforcement and civil penalty authority to ensure compliance.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to exclude certain direct charitable distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans from their gross income. To qualify, the distribution must be made after age 70½ and sent directly to eligible charities, excluding private foundations and donor-advised funds. The exclusion amount is capped based on existing IRA charitable distribution limits.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as "National Beef Month." It recognizes the significant economic contributions and nutritional value of the United States cattle and beef industry. The designation aims to honor the industry's role in the nation's agriculture and food supply.

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 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 bill amends federal law regarding beneficial ownership information reporting. It narrows the reporting requirement to apply only to foreign entities registered to do business in the U.S. The legislation specifically exempts U.S. persons from reporting their ownership information and mandates the deletion of existing U.S. person data from FinCEN records.

The Workforce Data Enhancement Act mandates the creation of a comprehensive, nationwide system for collecting, analyzing, and publicly sharing detailed workforce data, including information on wages, job openings, and remote work. It also establishes a grant program to help states improve and integrate their local workforce data systems. The legislation emphasizes strict privacy protections while ensuring data is accessible, standardized, and machine-readable for better labor market analysis.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive bill aimed at reducing government waste, preventing fraud, and increasing financial transparency across federal programs. It targets improper payments in areas like child care and Medicare, permanently bars pandemic relief fraudsters from future SBA aid, and cancels unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the deficit. Additionally, the Act strengthens oversight of welfare programs, enhances fraud enforcement timelines, and expands whistleblower protections for federal contractors.

This bill prohibits federal family planning funds under Title X from being provided to any entity that performs, promotes, or refers for abortion. Entities receiving funds must certify they will not perform abortions or give funds to organizations that do, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing grant recipients and any abortions performed under the exceptions.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month. It officially designates March as the month dedicated to raising awareness about DVT and PE, which are serious and often preventable conditions. The measure highlights the significant impact these blood clots have on public health and medical costs.

The Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026 extends the authorization for critical sport fish conservation and restoration programs through 2031. This legislation maintains essential funding for state-level projects while updating the allocation formulas for multistate conservation grants and the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.