Legislative Activity

The **READ Act** aims to combat the national literacy crisis by promoting reading instruction aligned with the science of reading across K-12 education. It establishes new grant programs to support states in implementing evidence-based policies, improving teacher training, and ensuring early identification and intervention for struggling readers. Furthermore, the bill mandates that schools notify parents when their child is identified as being at risk for reading difficulties.

The College Transparency Act establishes a secure, privacy-protected federal data system to track postsecondary student outcomes, including enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings. By repealing the existing ban on a national student-level database, the bill aims to provide students and families with transparent, customizable information to help them make informed educational decisions. The system is designed to streamline institutional reporting requirements while strictly prohibiting the use of personal data for law enforcement, immigration, or federal ranking purposes.

This resolution designates August 1, 2026, as "Gold Star Children’s Day" to honor the sacrifices and unique hardships faced by children who have lost a parent in military service. It serves as a formal expression of national gratitude, encouraging Americans to recognize and support these children.

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 MERIT Act aims to increase equity in higher education by prohibiting colleges and universities from granting preferential admissions treatment based on an applicant's family or financial ties to alumni and donors. The bill establishes new accreditation standards to ensure fair admissions practices while mandating transparency and reporting on institutional compliance. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a feasibility study on improving data collection regarding legacy and donor-based admissions.

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.

This resolution officially designates July 15, 2026, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." It seeks to raise public awareness about glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadliest form of malignant brain tumor. The bill supports increased research efforts and better treatments to improve the outlook and quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease.

This Act encourages colleges and universities to adopt comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention plans. It directs the Department of Education to develop and distribute evidence-based model plans to guide these voluntary efforts. The legislation also mandates the provision of technical assistance to schools interested in implementing these plans.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

This bill reauthorizes and continues funding for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. It also extends the authorization for the National Cord Blood Inventory program through 2031. The legislation supports vital stem cell therapies and research initiatives.

The Tax Relief for Innocent Spouses Act grants courts, including the Tax Court, the authority to conduct a *de novo* review when considering requests for innocent spouse relief. This means judges can fully reexamine the facts and law, rather than being restricted to the initial administrative record. This change applies to all relevant petitions filed or pending after the Act's enactment.

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 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 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.

The Detention Authority Clarification Act updates terminology in immigration inspection law and expands mandatory detention requirements. Specifically, it changes the term "alien seeking admission" to "applicant for admission." This change subjects applicants for admission to the same mandatory detention rules currently applied to other specified groups.

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 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 bill repeals the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931, eliminating the federal requirement for contractors on federally funded construction projects to pay locally prevailing wages. The repeal voids the requirement for the Department of Labor to set these minimum wage rates for federal contracts over $2,000. This change takes effect 30 days after the bill is enacted, with exceptions for existing contracts and open bids.

This bill strengthens oversight of nurse aide training programs in nursing facilities by removing outdated exceptions and allowing the government to temporarily disapprove programs at facilities with serious quality-of-care violations. It also expands access to the National Practitioner Data Bank, enabling more Medicare and Medicaid providers to conduct essential employee background checks. The goal is to ensure higher standards of care and safety for seniors in long-term care settings.