Legislative Activity

This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and communities that supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The Canteen was a massive, entirely volunteer-run operation that fed approximately six million service members traveling across the country. The original gold medal will be permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. The bill also allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

This bill, the Expanded Consular Fellows Act of 2026, aims to enhance U.S. consular services by increasing the maximum length of limited appointments for consular staff from five to eight years. It also introduces a new two-year extension option specifically for Foreign Service needs. These changes are intended to build staffing capacity and efficiently manage growing consular workloads, especially in light of major international events.

This bill, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026, significantly increases the penalties for stealing firearms from federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers. It establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for theft committed during a burglary or robbery of these businesses. Furthermore, the act clarifies that attempts to steal firearms from licensed collectors face the same enhanced penalties as successful theft.

This joint resolution disapproves the District of Columbia Council's temporary amendment regarding body-worn camera transparency for use of force incidents. By passing this resolution, Congress is exercising its authority under the Home Rule Act to overturn the local D.C. legislation before it takes effect.

This joint resolution disapproves of the District of Columbia Council's temporary law regarding arrest reporting. Congress is exercising its oversight authority to overturn the D.C. Council's enactment of the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026. If passed, this resolution will prevent the D.C. law from taking effect.

This resolution supports designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the critical mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high suicide rates. This day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness within the agricultural industry.

This resolution honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable Donald W. Riegle, Jr., former Senator for Michigan. It recognizes his decades in Congress, highlighting key legislative achievements such as co-sponsoring the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and leading significant banking reforms. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow and adjourns in his memory.

The Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 exempts small-scale "marginal wells" from specific Clean Air Act emission standards and regulatory requirements set by the EPA. This legislation removes obligations like monitoring, reporting, and leak detection for these low-production oil and gas sites. Furthermore, it prevents the EPA from requiring states to include these standards in their air quality plans.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 establishes automatic, 14-day continuing appropriations to prevent federal operations from halting when regular funding lapses. This mechanism funds programs at the previous rate until Congress enacts a full budget or continuing resolution. The bill also imposes strict limitations on official travel and congressional business during these funding gaps. Finally, it classifies the costs of this Act as discretionary spending subject to existing budget enforcement rules.

Lulu's Law mandates that the FCC classify shark attacks as an event eligible for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This ensures that alerts regarding shark attacks can be broadcast to the public via emergency messaging systems.

This bill reauthorizes and extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program through fiscal year 2030. The program allows eligible small, rural hospitals to receive Medicare payments based on reasonable costs for inpatient services to promote financial stability. It maintains participation limits and requires a report evaluating the program's impact on rural access to care and costs.

The U.S. Tech PATH Act establishes a Department of State program to streamline foreign government partners' procurement of trusted U.S. cyber and digital technologies. This initiative aims to counter reliance on strategic competitors by providing comprehensive support, financing options, and risk assessments for acquiring secure technology. The Act also creates a dedicated Office to administer this program, ensuring alignment with U.S. national security and technological leadership goals.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late former United States Senator John Seymour of California. It recognizes his extensive public service, highlighting his career in business, local government, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow and directs that official copies of this resolution be delivered to his family.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week." It serves to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of their essential mission.

This Senate resolution urges the President to prioritize securing the release of several specific individuals wrongfully detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with President Xi Jinping. The resolution condemns these politically motivated detentions and calls for immediate humanitarian access and release for those named. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defending political and religious freedoms globally.

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 Senate resolution declares the People's Republic of China (PRC) the foremost strategic competitor of the United States, citing threats across military, economic, and technological domains. It calls for countering these threats by making them a top foreign policy priority. The resolution urges strengthening deterrence, protecting U.S. economic interests against predatory practices, and reaffirming commitments to Indo-Pacific allies.

The LINK Act mandates that the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior coordinate to ensure their information technology and cybersecurity systems can securely share critical data. This interoperability is specifically aimed at improving federal land management, especially wildfire response, disaster preparedness, and related business functions. The Secretaries must develop and implement a joint plan to achieve this sharing, while protecting sensitive Tribal data and ensuring mission safety.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly concerning minors. It mandates that companies operating these AI systems implement rigorous age verification processes for all users. Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for designing AI that solicits minors into explicit conduct or promotes violence, and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with user protection and disclosure requirements.

This resolution officially designates April 24, 2026, as the 154th anniversary of Arbor Day. It celebrates the importance of planting and caring for trees, recognizing the role of sustainable forestry in conservation and carbon storage. The resolution encourages participation in Arbor Day activities nationwide.