Legislative Activity

The HCBS Access Act transforms home and community-based services into a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring older adults and people with disabilities can receive long-term care in their own homes rather than institutions. The legislation provides significant federal funding to eliminate waiting lists, strengthen the direct care workforce, and offer critical support to unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, it establishes new national standards for workforce data, career development, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, accessible care nationwide.

The **PROTECT Act** establishes a comprehensive federal initiative to combat youth e-cigarette and tobacco use through expanded research, public education campaigns, and improved cessation resources. By funding state and local health efforts, the bill aims to better understand usage patterns, health impacts, and effective prevention strategies. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce nicotine addiction among young people by providing schools and healthcare providers with the tools and guidance necessary to intervene effectively.

This resolution designates August 16, 2026, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the historic contributions and sacrifices of United States airborne forces. It recognizes the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump and pays tribute to the bravery of airborne units serving from World War II to the present day.

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 TABOO Act aims to increase transparency and accountability by closing ethics loopholes for individuals serving in sensitive diplomatic or national security roles. It mandates that all officials performing these functions—regardless of their compensation or volunteer status—adhere to strict financial disclosure, conflict-of-interest, and reporting requirements. The bill also establishes clear enforcement mechanisms and criminal penalties to ensure compliance across all federal departments and agencies.

This resolution designates August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week" to honor the National Park Service’s history and ongoing contributions. It recognizes the vital role these parks play in recreation, education, and the economy while encouraging the public to celebrate and support the preservation of our national treasures.

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 State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to formally define and integrate state-based education loan programs into existing financial aid frameworks. This legislation ensures that these state-sponsored, non-federal loans meet specific consumer protection standards and interest rate caps. Additionally, it permits higher education institutions to enter into formal arrangements to offer these loans, provided students are first fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and benefits.

The Restoring Justice for Workers Act prohibits employers from forcing workers to sign away their right to pursue legal claims in court or join class-action lawsuits as a condition of employment. The bill bans mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements and ensures that any agreement to arbitrate or waive collective action rights made after a dispute arises is strictly voluntary and informed. By amending the National Labor Relations Act and the Federal Arbitration Act, this legislation protects workers' rights to act collectively and seek justice for workplace violations.

The 21st Century Dyslexia Act amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to explicitly recognize dyslexia as a specific learning disability. This legislation establishes a formal definition of dyslexia and mandates equal access to educational accommodations and services for all eligible students, regardless of their socioeconomic or linguistic background.

The ASSET Act aims to improve financial security for low-income families by eliminating restrictive asset limits in key public assistance programs, including TANF, SNAP, and LIHEAP. By removing these barriers, the bill allows families to build savings without risking their eligibility for essential support. Additionally, the Act significantly raises and indexes resource limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to keep pace with inflation.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

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 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.

This resolution officially recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month to celebrate the history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality of the LGBTQ community. It acknowledges the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ individuals both domestically and globally. The resolution supports equal rights and treatment for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, encouraging education and celebration of the community's resilience.

The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act establishes a competitive grant program to assist states and Indian tribes in developing or improving their own firearms dealer licensing systems. To qualify for funding, jurisdictions must implement rigorous licensing requirements, including mandatory dealer inspections and clear enforcement protocols for violations. The Act also mandates annual reporting to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the effectiveness of these licensing programs.

The Medicare Cost Cap Act of 2026 establishes a new annual out-of-pocket spending limit for Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries, ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities are protected from catastrophic healthcare costs. Additionally, the bill expands access to low-income assistance programs by eliminating asset tests, raising income eligibility thresholds, and streamlining the enrollment process between Medicare and Medicaid.

The "Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act" establishes a national technical assistance center and a grant program to improve the recruitment, training, and retention of direct care professionals. By providing funding for education, career advancement, and supportive services, the bill aims to strengthen the workforce that supports older adults and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the legislation provides resources to assist both paid and unpaid family caregivers in their essential roles.