Legislative Activity

The Water Security and Drought Resilience Act aims to enhance water availability across Reclamation States through federal financial assistance. It expands funding for water storage projects and reauthorizes and modifies the small storage grant program. Additionally, the Act establishes a new grant program to support natural water retention and release projects within critical watersheds.

The Opportunities in Organic Act renames and significantly expands the existing national organic certification cost-share program. It establishes new grant funding for nonprofits to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and direct support for farmers transitioning to or maintaining organic certification. The bill also increases resources for technical assistance and mandates comprehensive reporting on the program's impact and participant demographics.

This bill establishes the Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act. It mandates a study to determine the feasibility of designating the existing 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The study will assess the trail's scenic, recreational, and cultural significance for potential inclusion in the National Trails System.

The Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act of 2026 establishes new committees within the Financial Stability Oversight Council to coordinate and assess climate-related financial risks to the U.S. financial system. It mandates federal banking agencies to update supervisory guidance to address these risks for large institutions. Furthermore, the bill requires the Federal Insurance Office to report on climate risk in the insurance sector and collect detailed, zip-code level data on homeowners insurance underwriting.

The Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026 amends existing law to formally include the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California in Lake Tahoe Basin land acquisition and management programs. This bill allows federal land acquisition funds to be used for crucial land management activities, such as forest health and cultural site preservation. Furthermore, it authorizes the transfer of culturally significant land to the Washoe Tribe and requires collaborative annual spending plans for basin improvements.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act aims to fundamentally reform immigration detention by prohibiting the use of jails and private criminal facilities for immigrant detention. It establishes stringent new standards for dedicated immigration facilities, mandates regular public reporting and rigorous oversight, and creates a presumption of release for detained individuals, prioritizing community-based alternatives. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the detention of children and the use of solitary confinement for all detained noncitizens.

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 bill establishes the NASA Talent Exchange Program, allowing for the temporary assignment of NASA employees to private companies and vice versa. The program aims to foster collaboration and share expertise between the public and private sectors for up to four years. Strict agreements are required to protect government interests, including commitments from NASA employees regarding their post-assignment service. The Administrator must also report annually on the program's activities and impact.

The Inspectors General Independence Act aims to strengthen the independence of Inspectors General by placing new restrictions on presidential nominations for these roles. Specifically, the bill prohibits the President from nominating individuals currently serving as, or who have previously served as, a political appointee under that same administration. This legislation seeks to ensure that Inspectors General maintain impartiality in their oversight functions.

This Act establishes the "American Decade of Sports" (2024-2034), leveraging major international sporting events hosted in the U.S. to advance foreign policy goals. It mandates the Secretary of State to develop and implement comprehensive, publicly available sports diplomacy strategies in coordination with various partners. Furthermore, the bill requires the creation of a dedicated Office of Sports Diplomacy within the State Department to execute these plans and submit regular progress reports to Congress.

The Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act establishes a three-year grant program for eligible school districts to offer 100% plant-based meal options. It also amends existing law to expand meal substitution requirements for students with various dietary needs, including a separate pilot program to reimburse schools for providing nondairy beverages. The legislation aims to increase plant-based food offerings and better accommodate diverse student dietary requirements.

Tyler's Law mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the frequency, costs, and impacts of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments. Following the study, the Secretary must issue guidance addressing whether routine fentanyl testing for overdose patients is advisable. This aims to improve overdose care by informing best practices for emergency department drug screening.

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.

The No Political Enemies Act prohibits the federal government from taking investigative, regulatory, or enforcement actions against individuals or entities primarily because they engaged in constitutionally protected speech or political activity. It establishes an affirmative defense for those facing politically motivated enforcement actions and allows individuals to sue officials for damages or seek injunctions against such targeting. The bill also mandates regular reporting from the Department of Justice to Congress regarding sensitive law enforcement matters.

The SERVE Act, or Stop Executive Renaming for Vanity and Ego Act, prohibits naming any federal property after a sitting President. This legislation prevents the use of federal funds for such naming or renaming. Any existing federal property named after the sitting President upon enactment must revert to its original federally designated name.

This resolution observes the one-year anniversary of the devastating 2025 Southern California wildfires, which resulted in significant loss of life, property destruction, and displacement. It honors the victims and commends the thousands of emergency personnel who bravely fought the unprecedented fires. Finally, the resolution affirms the commitment to supporting the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected communities.

The COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude specific supplementary payments made under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act from being counted as income for SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations. This change aims to ensure these payments do not negatively impact a household's federal nutrition assistance. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2027.

This act prohibits the use of any federal funds to pay legal settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. This ban specifically applies to settlements covering alleged harm suffered by the individual during the events or during their subsequent prosecution.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding programs for counties containing federal lands through fiscal year 2026. This legislation ensures the continuation of secure payments and resource advisory committee authorities established under the original 2000 Act. It also streamlines payment elections for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 by carrying over the previous year's choice. Finally, the bill includes technical corrections to improve the administration of these rural support programs.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.