Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, recognizing his significant contributions as a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow over his passing and offers condolences to his family. The resolution directs that this tribute be communicated to the House and his family, and the Senate will adjourn in his memory.

This resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6th to May 12th. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses across patient care, public health, and research. The bill encourages the nation to observe this week with appropriate recognition for the importance of nurses in everyday lives.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 significantly strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by establishing rigorous new standards for dog dealers. This bill mandates substantial improvements to housing, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care for dogs. Furthermore, it introduces strict regulations on breeding practices, including health screening and limits on female dog litters, while ensuring humane retirement for breeding dogs.

This resolution commends the American Chemical Society (ACS) on its 150th anniversary, recognizing its vital service to the United States. It honors the ACS's enduring contributions to science, education, and economic strength. The resolution further affirms the importance of promoting STEM education and careers in chemistry.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The Pipeline Integrity, Protection, and Enhancement for Leveraging Investments in the Nation's Energy to assure Safety Act of 2025 significantly increases funding for federal pipeline safety programs through 2030. It modernizes regulations by increasing penalties for violations, allowing for risk-based inspections, and mandating public access to safety standards. The bill also directs studies and new rules for emerging gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide, while strengthening emergency response and tribal involvement in oversight.

The **Protecting America’s Workers Act** significantly expands workplace safety protections by extending OSHA coverage to all public employees and strengthening whistleblower rights against retaliation. The bill increases penalties for safety violations, grants victims' families more rights during investigations, and improves federal oversight of state-run safety programs. Overall, it aims to create a more comprehensive, transparent, and punitive system to prevent workplace injuries and hold employers accountable.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month." The designation aims to raise public awareness about the critical importance of personal financial education. It calls upon various sectors of society to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities promoting financial well-being.

This bill, the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, explicitly repeals Executive Order 14399, which attempted to regulate mail-in voting. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Postal Service, from using funds to create national voter/citizenship databases or interfere with state administration of absentee and mail-in ballots. The Act reaffirms that states, not the federal government, control federal election procedures.

This resolution raises awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of the lake sturgeon, a long-lived, prehistoric freshwater fish facing population declines. It recognizes the ongoing threats from overfishing and habitat loss while highlighting collaborative efforts to restore healthy populations across their range. The Senate encourages continued partnership, habitat protection, and increased public education regarding this vital indicator species.

This resolution designates April 2026 as National Safe Digging Month to promote public safety. It strongly encourages everyone planning to dig to call 811 beforehand so utility lines can be safely located and marked. This simple step helps prevent dangerous accidents, service disruptions, and property damage.

The Stop CHEATERS Act aims to prevent tax avoidance by large corporations and high-income individuals. It provides significant, multi-year appropriations to the IRS for increased enforcement, improved taxpayer services, and technology modernization. Furthermore, the bill mandates regular reporting from the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General to Congress detailing efforts to audit high-earners and large businesses.

The Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026 extends the authorization for critical sport fish conservation and restoration programs through 2031. This legislation maintains essential funding for state-level projects while updating the allocation formulas for multistate conservation grants and the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.

The Rural America Health Corps Act establishes a demonstration program to incentivize healthcare professionals to work in rural areas facing provider shortages. By offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for a five-year full-time service commitment, the bill aims to improve medical access in underserved communities.

The AFTER Act of 2026 mandates that federal research facilities establish formal programs to facilitate the adoption and retirement of animals no longer needed for research. By partnering with qualified nonprofit organizations and sanctuaries, this legislation ensures that suitable animals are transitioned into permanent homes rather than euthanized.

The Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025 aims to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness by promoting foreign direct investment from trusted countries while mitigating risks from foreign countries of concern. The bill mandates an interagency review to identify barriers to investment and develop strategies to attract responsible private sector entities. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to foster innovation, create jobs, and secure critical supply chains through a strategic, security-conscious approach to global investment.

This resolution expresses the Senate's commitment to stabilizing the national debt by reducing the federal budget deficit to 3 percent or less of the gross domestic product (GDP) by fiscal year 2030. It calls for Congress and the President to implement fiscal policies and enforcement mechanisms that prioritize long-term deficit reduction and move toward a balanced budget.

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.

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their standard pay and benefits during any potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation guarantees uninterrupted compensation for employees until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.