Legislative Activity

The National American History and Founders Month Act designates November as a month dedicated to celebrating U.S. history and the contributions of the Founding Fathers. This legislation aims to combat declining civics literacy by encouraging schools, communities, and government leaders to host educational programs that foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s founding principles. By establishing this annual observance, the act seeks to inspire national unity and promote a more informed and engaged citizenry.

The Guidance Out Of Darkness (GOOD) Act increases government transparency by requiring federal agencies to publish all active guidance documents in a single, centralized, and publicly accessible online location. This legislation ensures that policies, memoranda, and other informal agency directives are easily searchable and clearly marked if rescinded. By streamlining access to these documents, the Act helps the public better understand the regulatory interpretations that affect them.

The Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2025 establishes a new process for federal agencies to identify and return unused "surplus salaries and expenses funds" to the Treasury for deficit reduction. Agencies may retain up to 10% of these returned savings to provide cash awards to the employees who identified the waste. This temporary system includes strict reporting requirements for agencies and is set to expire six years after enactment.

The PEARL Act establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters. These rescued dogs will be trained to serve as support animals within the agency's existing Support Canine Program.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends critical funding and support for national vector-borne disease initiatives through 2030. This legislation updates program administration to improve efficiency and ensures the continued operation of regional centers of excellence dedicated to combating tick-borne illnesses.

The BLADE Act (Blocking Large-scale Adversarial Distillation Efforts Act of 2026) aims to protect U.S. national security and economic interests by identifying and deterring unauthorized "model extraction attacks" against closed-source artificial intelligence models. The bill mandates that the Department of Commerce assess and track foreign entities that illicitly acquire AI capabilities, while establishing a framework to impose sanctions and export restrictions on those involved in such activities. By fostering information-sharing between the government and private AI developers, the legislation seeks to safeguard American intellectual property from foreign adversaries.

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 Use Sovereignty To reduce Rx (USTRx) Act aims to combat foreign pharmaceutical price controls that exploit U.S.-funded innovation. The bill establishes a new Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator position to advocate for fair market access and requires the U.S. Trade Representative to annually report on and develop response plans for high-income countries that engage in unfair drug pricing practices.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 increasing transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. The bill also fosters competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs and establishes new support programs to provide affordable insulin access for uninsured individuals.

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.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Army to establish standardized, transparent procedures for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review applications related to non-Federal hydropower projects. By implementing clear checklists, phased timelines, and defined review scopes, the legislation aims to streamline the approval process and prevent unnecessary technical delays.

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.

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.