Legislative Activity

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends vital funding and support for ALS research and treatment access through 2031. This legislation strengthens grant application requirements, enhances FDA reporting on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans, and mandates new assessments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing programs. These updates ensure continued momentum in the development of life-saving therapies for patients living with ALS.

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the control of the invasive spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative. This legislation authorizes federal grants to develop effective tools and treatments to combat the pest while extending the program's funding authorization through 2028.

This resolution condemns the Iranian government for its systematic human rights abuses, including the use of arbitrary detention, coerced confessions, and executions to suppress political dissent. It demands that Iran uphold due process and release individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, the resolution affirms U.S. support for the Iranian people and calls for continued international accountability for the regime’s actions.

This act authorizes a feasibility study for designating the route of George Washington's 1753 diplomatic mission as a National Historic Trail. The proposed trail spans approximately 500 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf, Pennsylvania. This study will assess the historical significance and potential for national recognition of this critical pre-Revolutionary War journey.

This resolution commemorates 35 years of independence for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, marking the end of Soviet rule in the region. It reaffirms the strategic importance of the United States' partnership with these nations in promoting regional stability, economic modernization, and global security. Furthermore, the bill underscores a commitment to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these Central Asian countries.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

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.

The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Reauthorization Act establishes a competitive grant program to help transit agencies modernize legacy rail systems built before 1990. By funding critical infrastructure upgrades, the bill ensures that older stations meet modern Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. This initiative aims to improve accessibility, service equity, and the overall passenger experience for individuals with disabilities.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 strengthens the national aging network by expanding access to mental health, nutrition, and caregiver support services while increasing transparency and accountability. The bill promotes independence for older adults through enhanced preventive health programs, improved housing accessibility, and modernized employment training. Additionally, it bolsters protections against elder abuse and ensures more culturally responsive care for Native American elders through 2030.

The **Opening Programs to Organic Farms Act** directs the Secretary of Agriculture to identify and report on the specific barriers that certified organic and transitioning farms face when accessing Department of Agriculture programs. This legislation requires the Department to provide Congress with actionable recommendations and administrative plans to improve program accessibility. Additionally, the bill mandates annual progress reports for three years to ensure ongoing efforts to remove these obstacles and support the organic farming community.

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 Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026 aims to reduce regulatory burdens by expanding permit exemptions for routine agricultural activities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The bill directs that these exemptions be interpreted broadly and removes restrictive provisions that previously required permits for certain farming and ranching operations.

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 **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.

This concurrent resolution calls for a joint session of Congress to convene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 2026. The session is designated to honor the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution highlights Philadelphia's critical role in the founding of the United States.

This Act restricts U.S. nonmilitary foreign assistance from supporting organizations that promote abortion, gender ideology, or discriminatory equity ideology. It places specific requirements on foreign and domestic organizations receiving these funds to ensure separation from prohibited activities. The bill also includes narrow exceptions for life-saving medical situations and allows the Secretary of State to waive provisions for national security interests.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act establishes the Eastern Mediterranean as a critical strategic hub within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The legislation directs the U.S. to prioritize energy security, defense cooperation, and regional integration through enhanced multilateral strategic dialogues. By fostering deeper ties with key partners like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, the Act aims to strengthen connectivity and stability across three continents.

The Pacific POWER Act aims to strengthen U.S. national security and economic interests by promoting geothermal energy development with key international allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill directs the State Department to establish an international program that fosters public-private partnerships, provides technical and financial assistance, and reduces reliance on energy exports from geopolitical adversaries. By leveraging U.S. expertise and technology, the Act seeks to expand global geothermal capacity while creating new market opportunities for American companies.