Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the hard work and dedication of the nearly two million professionals who power the U.S. hotel industry. It formally supports the goals of National Hotel Employee Day, observed annually on September 1, to recognize the vital contributions these employees make to our economy, travel infrastructure, and local communities.

The Saving Wallets and Increasing Penalties for Elder Scams (SWIPES) Act strengthens federal fraud and money laundering laws by expanding the legal definition of "access devices" to include gift cards and digital credentials. The bill significantly increases maximum prison sentences for fraud and establishes a mandatory additional two-year sentence for those who knowingly target victims over the age of 60.

The PLEDGE Act mandates that all elementary and secondary schools in the District of Columbia conduct daily patriotic observances, including the display of the U.S. flag, standing for the national anthem, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The bill includes provisions for parental opt-outs, accommodations for students with disabilities, and requirements to maintain a non-disruptive environment during these exercises.

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act of 2026 establishes federal criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally stage collisions with commercial motor vehicles. The bill imposes severe sentencing, including mandatory minimums, for incidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death, while also holding those who arrange such accidents equally accountable. To ensure legal fairness, the Act includes provisions to prevent federal prosecution if an individual has already been tried for the same offense at the state or local level.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to streamline the regulatory review process for biosimilar biological products. By removing specific administrative requirements, the legislation aims to simplify and accelerate the approval pathway for these products.

The Ballots by Election Day Act amends the Help America Vote Act to require that all ballots for federal elections be received by election officials by the close of polls on Election Day, starting in 2027. This mandate excludes ballots cast by uniformed services and overseas voters. Additionally, the bill grants the U.S. Attorney General the authority to pursue civil enforcement actions against states that fail to comply with this deadline.

The Servicemember Residence Protection Act of 2026 protects military personnel from losing their property to adverse possession by excluding time spent on active duty from the legal occupancy period. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide comprehensive online resources to help servicemembers manage and secure their real estate while deployed.

The TRADES Act increases the excise tax on the investment income of certain private colleges and universities from 8% to 15%. The additional revenue generated by this tax is then redirected to support state-level career and technical education programs. This initiative aims to bolster vocational training and apprenticeship opportunities for Americans nationwide.

The Space Ready 2.0 Act establishes a pilot program authorizing NASA to accept voluntary contributions from private and public partners to fund infrastructure improvements at NASA Centers. This initiative aims to streamline the maintenance and development of shared-use facilities through transparent cost-sharing agreements and rigorous oversight. The program is designed to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring that private contributions are managed responsibly through 2031.

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.

This resolution officially recognizes Father's Day and celebrates the vital, positive impact fathers have on the emotional, educational, and economic well-being of their children. It highlights that engaged fatherhood leads to numerous positive life outcomes for children and underscores the irreplaceable value of a father's love and support. The resolution affirms the responsibility fathers have in caring for their families and wishes all fathers and father figures a happy Father's Day.

The STOP Scams Against Seniors Act amends the use of Byrne grant funds to specifically support the establishment and operation of elder justice task forces. These task forces will combat financial exploitation and scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older. Grantees must report detailed metrics on task force activities, including cases initiated, concluded, and victims assisted.

This bill, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act of 2026, prohibits civil lawsuits against manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products for injuries caused by silica dust exposure during third-party fabrication. It aims to protect the industry from liability when injuries result from the unsafe alteration of their products by others. The Act mandates the dismissal of any such pending cases in federal or state court.

The Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026 aims to significantly strengthen federal oversight and accountability within the Child Care and Development Block Grant program to combat fraud. This bill mandates stricter requirements for states regarding fraud prevention, establishes automatic permanent debarment for providers found guilty of fraud, and sets a 5% threshold for improper payments, triggering mandatory corrective action plans. Furthermore, it enhances federal investigation powers and ensures cross-program debarment between child care and nutrition programs for fraudulent actors.

The LEO K9 Protection Act increases penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals, especially when a deadly weapon is used. It also directs the Department of Transportation to issue guidance and regulations ensuring emergency medical services can provide on-scene care and transport for injured police dogs. This legislation aims to enhance protections and medical response capabilities for these working animals.

This resolution recognizes the 175th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, the first secret society for college women. It celebrates the organization's historical significance, extensive philanthropic work supporting Ronald McDonald House, and the notable achievements of its many alumnae across various fields. The resolution also acknowledges the upcoming 2026 Grand Convention.

The PRESS Act aims to curb illegal synthetic drug production by regulating specialized manufacturing equipment like pill presses. It requires owners of this equipment to register with the DEA, with exemptions for licensed entities. The bill also establishes new federal penalties for manufacturing or selling drug-making equipment intended for illegal import into the U.S.

The No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Education to implement an identity fraud detection system for all federal student aid applications starting October 1, 2026. If fraud is suspected, applicants will be notified and institutions must verify identity in person or via live video before disbursing any federal aid. This legislation aims to prevent the fraudulent receipt of student financial assistance.

The FLEX Act revises federal funding distribution for charter schools under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It expands allowable uses for grant funds to support new programs within high-quality charter schools and increases minimum funding reservations for development, replication, and facilities assistance. The bill also streamlines application requirements and clarifies rules regarding advance payments and technical assistance for charter school grantees.

This resolution prohibits Senators from using official funds for travel between Washington, D.C., and their primary residence while a government shutdown is in effect. The measure specifically targets the use of office expense accounts for this travel during periods of lapsed federal funding.