Legislative Activity

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive review of federal epilepsy programs, research, and care strategies. By collaborating with stakeholders and identifying knowledge gaps, the Act aims to improve health outcomes, enhance treatment, and better support individuals living with epilepsy. The resulting report will provide Congress with actionable recommendations to strengthen federal efforts and coordination in epilepsy prevention and care.

The State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act amends the Higher Education Act to define and regulate state-based education loan programs. It ensures that students are fully informed of their federal loan eligibility and the associated benefits before opting for state-sponsored private loans. The bill also mandates that these state programs offer interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as federal alternatives.

The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 aims to stabilize Medicare physician payments by modernizing budget neutrality thresholds and capping year-to-year payment fluctuations. The bill mandates periodic updates to practice expense data to reflect current costs and establishes a reconciliation process to correct inaccuracies in estimated service utilization. These measures are designed to ensure more predictable and accurate reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.

This bill mandates gender-neutral standards for all occupational specialties and assignments across the U.S. Armed Forces, prohibiting gender-based exclusions. It establishes rigorous, science-based performance requirements and increases transparency through enhanced annual reporting and congressional oversight. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Defense to provide Congress with comprehensive, unredacted reviews regarding the operational effectiveness of ground combat units.

This resolution honors the vital contributions of small firearm manufacturers to the U.S. economy, domestic innovation, and the preservation of recreational shooting traditions. It recognizes these businesses as essential drivers of job creation and community engagement. Additionally, the resolution officially designates August 2026 as "National Shooting Sports Month."

The Restoring Justice for Workers Act prohibits employers from forcing workers to sign away their right to pursue legal claims in court or join class-action lawsuits as a condition of employment. The bill bans mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements and ensures that any agreement to arbitrate or waive collective action rights made after a dispute arises is strictly voluntary and informed. By amending the National Labor Relations Act and the Federal Arbitration Act, this legislation protects workers' rights to act collectively and seek justice for workplace violations.

This resolution designates August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week." It recognizes the vital role these markets play in supporting local economies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving community access to fresh, healthy food.

This resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day," honoring the historical significance of the end of slavery in the United States. It celebrates the resilience of African Americans and encourages nationwide reflection on the history and heritage that have shaped our democracy.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental right of individuals with disabilities to live independently in their communities, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the *Olmstead* decision. It condemns recent efforts to weaken integration mandates and calls on federal agencies to prioritize accessible housing, employment, and community-based services. Furthermore, the bill advocates for the protection of Medicaid funding and the removal of barriers to ensure full equality and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities.

The Supreme Court Ethics Act mandates that the Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference establish formal codes of conduct for all federal judges and justices. The bill creates an independent Ethics Investigations Counsel to oversee compliance, investigate potential violations, and issue annual public reports. Additionally, it requires Supreme Court justices to publicly disclose their reasoning when recusing themselves from a case or denying a motion for recusal.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2026 strengthens the nursing profession by expanding grant eligibility for advanced education and modernizing training resources, including simulation and telehealth technologies. The bill addresses critical workforce shortages by increasing funding for nursing faculty and student programs while broadening support for specialized care, such as services for sexual assault survivors. These updates ensure that nursing education remains robust and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare system through 2030.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of "renewable biomass" eligible for federal renewable fuel programs. By including a wider range of forest residuals and vegetation sourced from wildfire risk reduction and restoration activities, the bill incentivizes the removal of hazardous fuels from both public and private lands. This legislation streamlines the certification process to encourage the use of forest materials in renewable energy production.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 imposes sweeping economic sanctions and trade restrictions to isolate Russia and penalize those supporting its military efforts. The bill targets Russian financial institutions, energy sectors, and leadership while penalizing foreign entities that facilitate sanctions evasion. It aims to cripple Russia’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine through severe tariffs, asset freezes, and restricted access to U.S. markets.

The **Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act** ensures that higher education programs receiving federal funding provide genuine value and career readiness. The bill mandates that programs preparing students for licensed occupations must meet specific state qualification requirements and establishes strict debt-to-earnings standards to hold institutions accountable for student outcomes. Additionally, it strengthens oversight for distance education by requiring institutions to maintain proper state authorization for all students they serve.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham, recognizing his decades of dedicated military service and his impactful career in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. It pays tribute to his commitment to national security, the rule of law, and the people of South Carolina. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow for his passing and extends its deepest condolences to his family.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.