Legislative Activity

The Opportunities in Organic Act renames and significantly expands the existing national organic certification cost-share program. It establishes new grant funding for nonprofits to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and direct support for farmers transitioning to or maintaining organic certification. The bill also increases resources for technical assistance and mandates comprehensive reporting on the program's impact and participant demographics.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a recent rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the VA's September 9, 2024, regulation, rendering it without legal effect.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act aims to fundamentally reform immigration detention by prohibiting the use of jails and private criminal facilities for immigrant detention. It establishes stringent new standards for dedicated immigration facilities, mandates regular public reporting and rigorous oversight, and creates a presumption of release for detained individuals, prioritizing community-based alternatives. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the detention of children and the use of solitary confinement for all detained noncitizens.

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 Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act, prohibits the use of any federal funds to finance, support, or subsidize the development or maintenance of Venezuela's oil and petroleum infrastructure. It ensures taxpayer money is not used to back risky investments in the Venezuelan oil sector. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must submit an annual report to Congress detailing compliance with this prohibition.

The REAADI for Disasters Act aims to significantly improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It establishes dedicated funding, new federal standards of care, and training programs to ensure these vulnerable populations receive accessible services and are protected from discrimination during emergencies. The bill also mandates the inclusion of people with disabilities and older adults in all phases of disaster planning and response efforts.

The COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude specific supplementary payments made under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act from being counted as income for SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations. This change aims to ensure these payments do not negatively impact a household's federal nutrition assistance. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2027.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

The Data Care Act of 2025 establishes essential duties of care, loyalty, and confidentiality for online service providers regarding the handling of user data. It mandates that companies protect sensitive information, prevent harmful data usage, and ensure third-party compliance. The legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce these standards and hold providers accountable for violations.

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.

The Schedules That Work Act aims to provide employees, particularly those in retail, food service, and warehouse sectors, with greater stability and predictability in their work hours. It grants employees the right to request schedule changes for caregiving, education, or other needs, and requires employers to discuss these requests in good faith. Furthermore, the Act mandates advance notice of schedules, predictability pay for last-minute changes, and a minimum rest period between shifts.

The Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act aims to expand protections for part-time and temporary workers. It eliminates the hours-of-service requirement for FMLA leave, making eligibility based only on 90 days of employment. Furthermore, the bill prohibits discrimination against these workers regarding pay, scheduling, and benefits compared to their full-time counterparts. It also mandates that employers must offer available hours to existing employees before hiring new staff.

The Lowering American Energy Costs Act of 2025 seeks to reduce domestic energy prices by restricting the export of U.S.-produced natural gas. The bill mandates that the President implement a rule prohibiting such exports, with limited exemptions allowed only for national security or critical ally needs, subject to Congressional approval. This legislation aims to protect households and the industrial sector from the price volatility and increased costs associated with high volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

This Act, titled the "States' Right to Regulate AI Act," prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce a specific Executive Order concerning a national policy framework for Artificial Intelligence. Essentially, it prevents the federal government from using its money to enforce that particular AI regulation order.

The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 mandates that the Supreme Court provide written explanations and disclose the votes of participating justices for emergency orders concerning preliminary injunctive relief or stays thereof. These explanations must address key legal standards, such as the likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable harm. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the Federal Judicial Center to assess compliance with these new transparency measures.

The Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement (GRACE) Act establishes a minimum annual refugee admission goal of 125,000 and mandates regional allocation plans based on global resettlement needs. The bill also introduces rigorous quarterly reporting requirements for the President regarding refugee processing, security vetting, and admission timelines. These measures aim to increase transparency and ensure accountability in meeting annual refugee resettlement targets.

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 aims to protect Medicare beneficiaries by prohibiting the implementation of the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model. This legislation prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from introducing the WISeR model or any substantially similar payment and service delivery system under Medicare.

This Act establishes the **Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act** to create direct employer liability for federal law enforcement agencies when their officers violate an individual's constitutional or legal rights. It allows civil actions against the United States for officer misconduct, regardless of whether an official policy caused the violation or if the officer has individual immunity. This measure waives sovereign immunity for claims against federal agencies under these circumstances.

The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 overhauls the process for closing nuclear power facilities by mandating increased public and state consultation for decommissioning plans and license transfers. It establishes new grant programs to fund local community advisory boards and provides direct financial assistance to communities dealing with stranded waste and economic disruption. Furthermore, the bill creates dedicated economic recovery accounts funded by plant operators to support long-term development in host communities.

The Background Check Completion Act of 2025 mandates that a completed background check must occur before any firearm transfer can take place. This law removes the previous "default proceed" provision that allowed transfers after three business days if the check was incomplete. It also updates related federal laws to align with this new, stricter requirement.