Legislative Activity

The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act establishes a U.S. effort to protect and strengthen undersea communication cables vital to Taiwan's security against sabotage, particularly from the People's Republic of China. The bill mandates the creation of a new initiative focused on improved monitoring, rapid repair capabilities, joint maritime surveillance, and hardening cable infrastructure. Furthermore, it authorizes sanctions against PRC individuals or entities involved in such sabotage and requires regular reporting to Congress on interference incidents and U.S. responses.

The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act establishes a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal gold mining and trafficking across the Western Hemisphere. This legislation directs the State Department to develop a multi-year plan focused on disrupting criminal financing, promoting responsible sourcing, and building international capacity. Furthermore, the Act mandates specific investigations into illicit gold trade networks connected to the Venezuelan regime and strengthens anti-money laundering efforts concerning precious metals.

This resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet and honors its three decades of service to the U.S. Navy and its allies. It recognizes the aircraft's significant operational history, combat contributions, and the dedication of the personnel who fly and maintain it. The resolution also directs that a copy be sent to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, where the prototype is now displayed.

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.

This bill, the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, redirects federal enforcement appropriations to significantly boost funding for local law enforcement through the COPS Hiring Program and the Byrne JAG Program. It provides substantial new resources to help local governments hire more police officers and support justice initiatives. Furthermore, it waives matching fund requirements for smaller jurisdictions seeking COPS grants.

The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026 ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will have coverage for genetic counseling services starting January 1, 2027. This legislation establishes clear definitions for qualified genetic counselors and mandates that these providers accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment. The bill sets a specific payment rate for these covered services, calculated as 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of the applicable physician fee schedule amount.

This concurrent resolution marks the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson, Arizona shooting. It honors the six lives lost and recognizes the survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, for their courage and advocacy. The resolution also commends the community's resilience and reaffirms Congress's commitment to civility and preventing gun violence.

This Senate resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including specific violent incidents in Colorado and Washington, D.C. It reaffirms the Senate's commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence. The resolution calls for thorough investigation of these acts and urges leaders to speak out against all forms of religious and political intimidation.

The Auto Theft Prevention Act establishes a new grant program within the Department of Justice to provide federal funding to states to combat rising auto theft. States receiving funds must distribute the majority to local law enforcement agencies for activities like hiring dedicated personnel and purchasing investigative equipment. This legislation aims to supplement existing resources to help states and localities prevent, detect, and investigate vehicle theft and trafficking.

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.

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 bill directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a single, shared system for credentialing and privileging their medical providers. The Secretaries must jointly select one existing departmental system to serve as this uniform standard by January 1, 2027. This initiative aims to streamline the verification of medical provider qualifications across both departments.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States. It honors the immense sacrifices and significant contributions of Southeast Asian Americans across all sectors of American life. The bill also acknowledges the challenges these communities have faced since arriving. Finally, it reaffirms the nation's commitment to supporting these vibrant communities.

This bill makes a technical correction to the existing Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act. Specifically, it authorizes an additional payment of over \$5.1 million into the Tribe's Development Fund to account for adjusted interest. This ensures the proper funding as outlined in the original settlement.

The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025 mandates that federal agencies report annually on major projects significantly delayed or over budget. This information will be compiled by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) into a public report submitted to Congress each year. The goal is to increase transparency regarding costly and protracted government endeavors.

This bill, the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025, amends existing law to strengthen the ability of victims and heirs to file claims for art looted by the Nazis. It explicitly blocks procedural defenses, such as statutes of limitations, to ensure these claims are decided on their actual merits. The legislation clarifies that it applies to all victims of Nazi persecution, regardless of nationality, and overrides certain judicial doctrines that have previously prevented recovery.

The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025 establishes a permanent program within the Department of State, led by a dedicated Special Envoy, to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTQI people globally. This bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive U.S. Global Strategy to address international discrimination and violence against this community. Furthermore, it authorizes foreign assistance to support local organizations and requires detailed reporting on LGBTQI human rights abuses in annual State Department reports.

This resolution honors the extraordinary life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. It recognizes her groundbreaking scientific contributions to primatology and her tireless global advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental education. The resolution pays tribute to her dedication to protecting chimpanzees and inspiring humanity to live in greater harmony with the natural world.

This bill authorizes $74 million in U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Congress finds that UNFPA is essential for global sexual and reproductive health, preventing maternal deaths, and combating gender-based violence worldwide. The legislation affirms that supporting UNFPA is a strategic U.S. foreign policy priority that advances global health and stability.

This bill, the AGRITOURISM Act, establishes an Agritourism Advisor within the USDA to promote and encourage agritourism activities nationwide. It recognizes the significant financial, educational, and cultural benefits that agritourism provides to rural communities and their agricultural enterprises. The Advisor will coordinate efforts within the USDA and with external partners to share best practices and improve access to federal resources for these businesses.