Legislative Activity

The **Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026** updates and streamlines federal housing programs for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. The bill simplifies environmental review processes, expands eligibility for homeownership and student housing assistance, and increases the maximum leasehold interest on trust lands to 99 years. Additionally, it establishes new grant programs to address homelessness among veterans and tribal populations while strengthening tribal self-determination in housing administration and procurement.

The Bring Our Heroes Home Act mandates the collection and prompt public disclosure of all U.S. government records concerning Armed Forces and civilian personnel missing since December 7, 1941. It establishes an independent Review Board to oversee the transfer of these records to the National Archives and to rule on any proposed postponements of disclosure. The Act aims to provide the fullest possible accounting to the American public and the families of the missing, with only narrow, clearly defined exceptions to release.

The Consumer Advocacy and Protection Act of 2026 strengthens consumer safety by significantly increasing the maximum civil penalties for violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act and removing existing penalty caps. Additionally, the bill mandates annual inflation adjustments for these penalties to ensure they remain effective deterrents over time.

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end preventable maternal mortality and close racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. By investing in social determinants of health, expanding nutritional support, diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection, the bill seeks to provide holistic, equitable care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also addresses critical gaps in maternal health for veterans, incarcerated individuals, and those impacted by climate change and public health emergencies.

The **Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act of 2026** ensures transparency and accountability by preventing the Department of Defense from using administrative reclassifications to obscure the human cost of war or deny service members their earned benefits. The bill mandates that casualty records remain accurate and permanent, regardless of changes to an operation's name or status. Additionally, it requires the restoration of records and benefits for personnel affected by recent reclassifications related to Operation Epic Fury.

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 CHATBOT Act establishes comprehensive rules for artificial intelligence chatbot providers, focusing heavily on protecting children and teens. It mandates family account requirements for users under 13 and verifiable parental consent for teens (13-17) accessing these services. Furthermore, the Act prohibits targeted advertising based on the personal data of minors and requires robust parental controls within designated family accounts.

The ASSET Act aims to improve financial security for low-income families by eliminating restrictive asset limits in key public assistance programs, including TANF, SNAP, and LIHEAP. By removing these barriers, the bill allows families to build savings without risking their eligibility for essential support. Additionally, the Act significantly raises and indexes resource limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to keep pace with inflation.

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.

The Improving America’s Literacy Act updates federal grant programs to prioritize evidence-based reading instruction while explicitly prohibiting the use of the "three-cueing" model. The bill mandates stricter oversight and reporting for state literacy grants, requires a focus on core literacy skills like phonics and comprehension, and directs new research to identify and promote successful, proven reading strategies.

The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 establishes an independent United States Immigration Court system under Article I of the Constitution, effectively separating immigration adjudication from the executive branch. This new judicial body will consist of appellate and trial divisions, with judges appointed to 15-year terms to ensure impartiality and judicial independence. The Act provides for a structured transition of existing cases and personnel, while granting the courts authority over their own budget, staffing, and procedural rules.

The Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026 overhauls the treatment of noncitizen children and families in federal custody by prioritizing family unity, humane living standards, and swift reunification. The legislation mandates legal representation for unaccompanied children, establishes independent oversight to ensure accountability, and strictly limits the use of detention facilities. By creating clear, enforceable protections and privacy safeguards, the bill aims to minimize trauma and ensure that the welfare of the child remains the central focus of the immigration process.

The Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026 establishes a regularized appointment schedule, requiring the President to nominate one new Supreme Court justice every two years. The bill limits the Court to 18 total justices, with the nine most recently appointed members presiding over appellate cases. This legislation aims to create a predictable rotation for judicial appointments and modernize the structure of the Supreme Court.

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 Child Marriage Prevention Act of 2026 aims to eliminate child marriage across the United States by establishing a national commission to study the practice and providing federal incentives for states to set the minimum age of marriage at 18. The bill also mandates comprehensive reporting by the Government Accountability Office, creates grant programs for state-level task forces, and implements stricter age requirements and interview protocols for marriage-based immigration visas. Additionally, it prohibits the use of federal property for child marriages and directs the Department of Justice to develop a model state law to protect minors from forced or coerced unions.

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 commemorates the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF). It recognizes the Institute’s vital role in providing critical scientific research, conservation strategies, and wildfire mitigation for tropical ecosystems across the Pacific. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms support for IPIF’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous perspectives and sustainable management practices to protect the region's unique biodiversity.

The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2026 is a comprehensive legislative package designed to improve the health, safety, education, and economic stability of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children and families. By establishing new federal advisory committees, grant programs, and self-governance initiatives, the bill empowers Tribes to take greater control over their own social services, health research, and educational systems. Ultimately, the legislation aims to reduce systemic disparities and ensure that federal policies are culturally responsive and effectively meet the unique needs of Native communities.

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.

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.