Legislative Activity

The Social Determinants for Moms Act establishes a federal task force to coordinate cross-agency strategies aimed at eliminating preventable maternal deaths and health disparities. Additionally, the bill creates a grant program to provide $100 million annually to community-based organizations addressing the social and environmental factors that impact maternal health outcomes.

The Homegrown Fertilizer Act establishes a grant and loan program to expand the domestic manufacturing, processing, and storage of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives. By supporting independent producers and innovative technologies, the bill aims to increase market competition, reduce price volatility, and strengthen the supply chain for American farmers.

The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 allows veterans who received a Purple Heart after discharge to transfer up to 36 months of their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to eligible family members. This legislation provides veterans with greater flexibility in supporting their dependents' education while ensuring that these benefits remain protected as non-marital assets.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act significantly updates existing law to expand online privacy protections for individuals aged 13 to 16. It broadens the definition of personal information collected online and imposes stricter requirements on operators regarding notice, verifiable consent, and data use for advertising. The bill also mandates studies on application oversight and the privacy risks associated with teens using financial technology products.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

The PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026 mandates comprehensive insurance coverage for HIV prevention services—including medication, lab tests, and clinical monitoring—without cost-sharing or preauthorization requirements across private, federal, and state health programs. The bill also prohibits insurance discrimination against individuals taking HIV prevention medication, establishes national public and provider education campaigns, and creates grant programs to expand access for uninsured and underinsured populations. Additionally, it ensures patient confidentiality for those on family health plans and provides a private right of action to enforce these coverage protections.

The EDA Short Form Application Act streamlines the grant process for small rural communities by requiring the Economic Development Administration to create a simplified application form. This legislation mandates stakeholder input to reduce administrative burdens and increases transparency by providing public access to guidance, evaluation criteria, and sample applications.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates the inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation on veterans' benefits within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) preseparation counseling. This legislation ensures service members receive expert guidance on navigating VA benefits with the support of recognized veterans service organizations. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements to track participation and ensure the program's ongoing effectiveness.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors regarding life, disability, or long-term care coverage. The bill also amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly classify organ donation surgery as a serious health condition, ensuring job-protected leave for donors. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services update public educational materials to reflect these new protections and the realities of organ donation.

The Specialty CROP Act of 2026 mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Agriculture to Congress regarding the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop exports. This legislation requires an analysis of foreign trade barriers, their economic impact, and the executive branch’s ongoing efforts to eliminate these obstacles. By incorporating public input and ensuring transparency, the Act aims to strengthen the global market position of American specialty crop producers.

The Respect for Local Communities Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to obtain formal consent from local government officials and state leadership before acquiring, building, or modifying any immigration processing site or detention center. The bill mandates comprehensive impact assessments, public notice periods, and economic reviews to ensure transparency and local oversight. Ultimately, federal agencies are prohibited from proceeding with such projects without a signed agreement from the affected local jurisdiction.

The Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026 prohibits retail food stores from charging grossly excessive prices and bans the use of surveillance technology to set customized prices for individual consumers. The law mandates that all prices must be displayed using clear, non-digital methods like physical labels, and it grants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce these provisions. Violators face significant civil penalties, and consumers are granted the right to sue for damages.

The TEMP Act mandates the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop a new, nationwide, index-based crop insurance policy. This policy would specifically protect against financial losses caused by frost or other cold weather events. The Corporation must report its findings and recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.

The Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act of 2026, or SWAT Act, addresses the significant damage caused by the invasive spotted wing drosophila to U.S. fruit crops. This bill establishes a dedicated research and mitigation fund within the USDA, administered by APHIS. The fund is authorized to receive $6.5 million annually for five years to support efforts to reduce the pest's harmful effects.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.

This resolution honors the 67 victims of the 2025 Potomac River mid-air collision and extends sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. It recognizes the heroic efforts of the first responders and emergency personnel involved in the rescue and recovery operations. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms a commitment to supporting the affected families and implementing safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

The Baby Observation Act mandates a study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the effectiveness and accuracy of home cardiorespiratory monitors for preventing sudden unexpected infant death. This report, due to Congress within one year, will assess the monitors' efficacy and recommend criteria for health insurance coverage. Ultimately, the bill aims to determine if these infant monitoring devices warrant support under public or private health plans.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a recent rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the VA's September 9, 2024, regulation, rendering it without legal effect.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.