Legislative Activity

This resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of foster youth and expresses gratitude for foster parents, social workers, and advocates. Ultimately, the measure encourages Congress to implement policies that improve outcomes for children in foster care, from prevention to successful transition to adulthood.

The Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act addresses the massive revenue generated by Mexico-based cartels through the theft and smuggling of petroleum products. This legislation recognizes that stolen fuel is a primary non-drug income source enabling these criminal organizations to fund their operations, including drug and terror activities impacting the U.S. It requires the Department of Defense to report on current and potential activities to disrupt this illicit hydrocarbon smuggling network.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." It aims to honor the lives of missing and murdered American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls and demonstrate solidarity with their families. The bill also calls for a new Department of Justice study to update statistics on this ongoing crisis.

The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act aims to significantly improve health outcomes for mid-life women by boosting federal research, public awareness, and professional training related to menopause. The bill establishes new programs for research funding, public education campaigns, and specialized training for healthcare providers. It also supports the creation of Centers of Excellence to advance evidence-based care and address disparities in treatment access.

This resolution formally recognizes the vital roles and significant contributions of teachers across the United States in shaping the nation's civic, cultural, and economic future. It specifically designates the week of May 4–8, 2026, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. The bill encourages widespread public recognition and respect for educators and the teaching profession.

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.

The PATH to the Foreign Service Act creates a streamlined career pathway for eligible former USAID employees to transition directly into the State Department's Foreign Service. This legislation waives the Foreign Service Entrance Exam for qualified applicants and mandates the recognition of prior USAID service for seniority and benefits. The goal is to leverage the experience of former USAID personnel within the State Department's Foreign Service ranks.

This resolution supports designating May 10, 2026, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It recognizes the critical need to address significant mental health disparities and barriers to care within the diverse AANHPI community. The bill calls for better data collection, increased provider diversity, and improved access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services.

This resolution officially recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2026. It celebrates the significant and growing contributions of these communities to American history, culture, and government. The resolution also acknowledges important anniversaries and ongoing challenges faced by the community.

This bill combines two major components: the **Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act**, which reforms and extends key surveillance authorities like Section 702 of FISA with new privacy protections and criminal penalties for misuse, and the **Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act**, which explicitly prohibits the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the public. In essence, the legislation tightens oversight on foreign intelligence gathering while blocking the creation of a government-controlled digital currency.

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 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 bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act to prohibit U.S. foreign assistance funds from supporting programs that violate human rights or undermine public health, including those involving coercive family planning. It specifically nullifies three recent Department of State rules related to foreign assistance. The Secretary of State is required to issue compliance guidance and report annually to Congress on any violations.

This resolution designates the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as National Dark Sky Week to recognize the importance of preserving dark skies and reducing light pollution. It highlights the cultural, economic, and scientific value of the night sky, which is increasingly obscured by artificial light. The bill encourages federal agencies and communities to promote responsible lighting practices and expand opportunities for stargazing and astronomical education.

The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for key Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and surety bonds. This change allows businesses majority-owned by certain immigrants, non-citizens lawfully present in the U.S., and even some individuals residing abroad to access federal support. The bill ensures that businesses meeting ownership and location criteria are not denied SBA financing solely because of the status of their eligible owners.

This resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress. It recognizes the deep, historic partnership between the U.S. and U.K. across security, innovation, and shared democratic values. The bill reaffirms the enduring friendship and encourages deeper cooperation on strategic global issues.

This bill officially reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for an additional seven years, extending its operation until 2034. It also updates the mandatory recoupment timelines for when the government recovers insurance payments following a covered terrorist act.

The HELP Separated Children Act establishes comprehensive procedures to protect the rights and ensure the well-being of children when their parents are apprehended during immigration enforcement actions. It mandates that DHS officials identify detained parents, provide them with immediate access to make childcare arrangements, and facilitate ongoing communication and legal participation in child welfare and custody proceedings. The bill also requires mandatory training for personnel and extensive data collection to track the outcomes for these families.

The Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act aims to retain experienced military pilots and aircrew by offering new service options. It allows those completing active duty to serve part-time in the Reserves while maintaining flight proficiency. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program for active-duty fighter pilots to take a temporary break from service before returning with an extended commitment.

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.