Legislative Activity

The Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act aims to strengthen rural healthcare by expanding eligibility for rural emergency hospital (REH) status and enhancing financial support for these facilities. The bill introduces new payment incentives, allows for expanded service offerings like swing beds and specialized units, and ensures REHs are eligible for critical grant programs and Medicaid coverage. These measures are designed to increase the sustainability of rural hospitals and improve access to essential care in underserved communities.

The RESULTS Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to help states modernize and integrate their longitudinal data systems, connecting information from early childhood education through workforce training and employment. By fostering secure, cross-sector data collaboration, the bill aims to provide policymakers, educators, and the public with the insights needed to improve educational outcomes and career readiness. Additionally, the legislation enhances state access to national employment data to better track and report on workforce development performance.

The State of Men’s Health Act addresses the widening health and life expectancy gap between men and women by establishing a dedicated Office of Men’s Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill mandates a comprehensive GAO study to identify health disparities and requires the new office to coordinate federal efforts, promote public awareness, and improve preventive care for men. This initiative aims to reduce premature mortality and the significant economic costs associated with men’s health crises.

This resolution designates July 25, 2026, as "National Day of the American Cowboy" to honor the historical and cultural significance of cowboys and cowgirls. It recognizes their vital role in shaping the American West and celebrates the enduring values, economic contributions, and community spirit they continue to embody today.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham, recognizing his decades of dedicated military service and his impactful career in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. It pays tribute to his commitment to national security, the rule of law, and the people of South Carolina. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow for his passing and extends its deepest condolences to his family.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive legislative package designed to combat fraud, reduce government waste, and ensure the integrity of federal spending programs. The bill implements stricter oversight for child care and health care payments, permanently bars those convicted of pandemic-related fraud from future Small Business Administration assistance, and rescinds unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the national deficit. Additionally, it enhances whistleblower protections for government contractors, strengthens data-sharing to intercept improper payments, and establishes new safeguards against foreign influence and deep fake scams.

The Unlocking Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Funding Act modernizes grant requirements for Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) to improve their reach and operational flexibility. The bill allows the Treasury to adjust matching fund percentages and clarifies that qualifying contributions include direct costs like staff salaries and equipment. These changes aim to reduce administrative barriers and better support clinics in providing essential tax assistance to underserved taxpayers.

The Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act aims to enhance the safety and oversight of human cell and tissue products by establishing civil penalties for regulatory violations. The bill also mandates the creation of public awareness campaigns for medical professionals and requires the FDA to improve transparency, streamline regulatory processes, and provide educational resources for stakeholders.

This resolution commemorates the anniversary of the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision, celebrating the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and the return of abortion regulation to elected representatives. It affirms the right to life for the unborn and commits to supporting families and expectant mothers. The resolution also recognizes the role of pregnancy centers and advocates for laws protecting unborn life.

The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026 prohibits physicians from performing dismemberment abortions, except when necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violators and provides civil remedies for patients or their parents to sue for damages. It explicitly excludes the woman undergoing the procedure from criminal prosecution or monetary liability.

The **American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026** aims to accelerate energy and infrastructure development by streamlining federal permitting processes. The bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for natural gas pipeline reviews, sets strict timelines for interagency coordination, and limits the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA. Additionally, it reforms water quality certification requirements and restricts judicial review to prevent project delays, fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for energy and mining projects.

The Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the benefits, risks, and safety implications of AI-enabled systems for adults aged 65 and older. Additionally, the bill directs the National Institute on Aging to coordinate multidisciplinary research and establish best practices to improve health outcomes and care for older adults in an increasingly digital world.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits licensed healthcare providers and transplant hospitals from denying organ transplants or related services to qualified individuals solely because of a disability. This legislation mandates reasonable modifications, auxiliary aids, and consideration of a patient's support network to ensure equal access throughout the entire transplant process. Exceptions only apply if a physician determines the disability is medically significant to the transplant, or if accommodations fundamentally alter the service.

The Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act mandates sanctions against foreign individuals and entities involved in forced organ harvesting within the People’s Republic of China. The bill requires the President to maintain a list of those responsible, imposing asset freezes and visa bans on listed parties. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report evaluating China’s organ transplant policies and practices.

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly amends existing law to provide broad immunity to the firearms industry from civil lawsuits related to the criminal or unlawful use of their products. This legislation mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against the industry and establishes strict definitions and procedural hurdles for any claims attempting to use statutory exceptions. Furthermore, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on manufacturers or sellers for harms resulting from criminal misuse of firearms.

The Multigenerational Care and Support Act updates existing law to expand demonstration, support, and research projects focused on multigenerational activities. This legislation broadens the scope of eligible mentoring opportunities and facilities where these programs can take place, ensuring support for activities that benefit both younger and older individuals. It also modifies reporting requirements for evaluations of these federally supported projects.

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.