Legislative Activity

The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2025 mandates comprehensive tracking of all service members' toxic exposures in an expanded Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER). It establishes a presumption of toxic exposure for military personnel and DoD civilians working at specified Department of Energy facilities. Furthermore, the bill officially classifies the Nevada Test and Training Range as a contamination site, requiring the VA to presume toxic exposure and service connection for related conditions for veterans who served there since 1951.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their pay and benefits during a potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation provides a temporary funding mechanism that remains in effect until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.

The Foreign Service Age Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act of 2026 updates the mandatory retirement age for Foreign Service officers. Under this legislation, the retirement age is increased to 67 or the age defined by the Social Security Act, whichever is greater.

The Carson City Public Land Correction Act facilitates the transfer of approximately 1,288 acres of federal land to Carson City, Nevada, for public use. The bill also mandates the sale of certain federal and city-owned lands, with all proceeds deposited into the Carson City Special Account for specified conservation and management purposes. Finally, it amends existing law to clarify how Carson City can sell or lease certain lands for economic development or recreation.

The Housing Tariff Exclusion Act aims to address the national housing affordability crisis by lowering construction costs. It establishes a formal process for U.S. companies to request exemptions from certain import tariffs on critical building materials. By removing these duties, the legislation seeks to increase the supply of new homes and reduce overall housing expenses for Americans.

This Senate resolution expresses the strong sense of the Senate that Ghislaine Maxwell should not receive a Presidential pardon or any form of clemency for her federal convictions related to the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors. The resolution affirms that her conviction and sentence reflect the seriousness of her crimes against children. It urges the President not to grant any executive clemency, emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability.

The Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2026 directs Small Business Development Centers to assist small businesses in establishing and improving various workforce development initiatives. This includes providing guidance on work-based learning, registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and job training programs. The goal is to help small businesses build stronger talent pipelines.

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act) mandates a comprehensive report on expanding internet access in Iran. This report must assess the technical feasibility and security implications of using direct-to-cell wireless technologies and drone platforms. It will also analyze the ownership and control of existing Iranian telecommunications providers.

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 Critical Mineral Mining Education Act of 2026 establishes programs within the Department of State to address the U.S. shortage of skilled mining professionals. It creates educational opportunities through scholarships, internships, and international exchanges focused on critical minerals. The Act also establishes fellowship programs to send U.S. students abroad and bring foreign experts to the U.S. to build domestic mining education capacity. These initiatives are authorized through fiscal year 2030 (for one program) and funded through 2035 (for the fellowship programs).

This resolution designates November 2025 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month to recognize the critical role these services play in improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses and their families. It highlights the comprehensive, interdisciplinary care provided, which focuses on symptom management, emotional support, and caregiver assistance. The resolution encourages increased public awareness of hospice and palliative care options and honors the dedication of the professionals and volunteers who provide this essential support.

The Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act mandates sanctions against senior Houthi leaders and officials operating in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The bill also requires several reports from the Executive Branch detailing Houthi indoctrination efforts, obstacles to humanitarian aid delivery, and specific human rights abuses. Congress affirms its opposition to Houthi extremism and support for a Yemeni-led peace process. This Act will terminate five years after its enactment.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove the interim final rule from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that removes the automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). If enacted, this disapproval would nullify the rule, preventing the removal of the automatic extension.

This bill establishes a new tax-exempt status for organizations focused on making essential drugs and medical devices affordable. To qualify, these "public interest" organizations must meet strict criteria regarding their purpose and leadership ties to for-profit companies. The legislation also defines which drugs or devices qualify for this status based on factors like shortage risk or cost reduction potential. Finally, it sets rules to prevent excess benefit transactions involving these newly designated entities.

The No Tariffs on Groceries Act of 2025 restricts the President's authority to impose new tariffs or tariff-rate quotas on articles of food. Under this Act, any new food-related tariff requires both a formal request from the President to Congress and subsequent approval via a specific joint resolution enacted by Congress. This limitation does not apply to existing trade enforcement duties like antidumping or countervailing duties.

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act mandates that all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers establish dedicated, private, and accessible lactation spaces for women veterans and the public. These spaces must meet specific criteria, such as being clean, shielded from view, and equipped with a chair and working surface. The VA Secretary is required to ensure full compliance within three years of the Act becoming law and must submit annual progress reports until all centers are compliant.

This Act establishes the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project, a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs designed to significantly lower veteran suicide rates. The program will implement the Zero Suicide Institute's curriculum and training across five selected VA medical centers over five years. The VA Secretary is required to consult with various experts and submit annual progress reports comparing outcomes at pilot sites to other VA centers.

This resolution condemns any potential financial compensation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to a former President, specifically addressing calls for a \$230 million payment. It affirms that using public funds for personal gain is an abuse of public trust. Furthermore, the bill requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on any such demands made by the President or their agents.

The HIV Medication Access Act officially recognizes the provision of HIV prevention tools, including PrEP medication, as core life-saving humanitarian assistance. This legislation updates how the U.S. approaches HIV/AIDS prevention aid under existing foreign assistance laws. Furthermore, it mandates that the identification of at-risk populations for aid must align with scientific guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

This resolution condemns the anti-vaccine policies of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and opposes Florida's efforts to roll back immunization requirements. It strongly asserts that vaccines are critical for public health, preventing illness and death, and must be widely available based on scientific consensus. The Senate expresses its support for science-based health decisions and criticizes political interference in vaccine advisory bodies.