Legislative Activity

The CONSENT Act establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue those who knowingly transmit unsolicited intimate visual depictions, including deepfakes, across state or foreign commerce without consent. Successful plaintiffs can recover damages, attorney's fees, and obtain court orders to stop future transmissions. This civil remedy exists alongside any applicable criminal laws and must be applied in a manner consistent with First Amendment protections.

The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026 addresses the growing shortage of general surgeons across the U.S., particularly in rural areas. The bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate current methods for designating surgical shortage areas. This study must analyze new methodologies, including one based on surgeon-to-population ratios within specific service areas, to accurately identify where general surgery access is inadequate. Ultimately, the legislation aims to establish a clear process for designating and addressing these critical general surgery shortage areas.

The Pacific POWER Act aims to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security by promoting geothermal energy development with key allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill directs the State Department to establish an International Geothermal Program to foster collaboration, share expertise, and create financial tools for geothermal exploration and deployment. This initiative seeks to reduce partners' energy dependence on adversaries while creating new markets for U.S. energy technology and services.

This resolution congratulates the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team for winning the 2026 NCAA National Championship. It commends the Rainbow Warriors for securing the program's third national title and setting a new single-season victory record. The Senate recognizes the team's hard work and dedication.

The Scientific Integrity Act aims to safeguard the role of science in federal policymaking by requiring agencies that fund or conduct research to adopt and enforce strict scientific integrity policies. These policies must prohibit political interference, data suppression, and retaliation against scientists. The legislation establishes Scientific Integrity Officers within agencies and mandates regular training and public reporting on policy implementation to ensure public trust in government science.

The PATH to the Foreign Service Act creates a streamlined career pathway for eligible former USAID employees to transition directly into the State Department's Foreign Service. This legislation waives the Foreign Service Entrance Exam for qualified applicants and mandates the recognition of prior USAID service for seniority and benefits. The goal is to leverage the experience of former USAID personnel within the State Department's Foreign Service ranks.

This resolution recognizes the escalating global threats to press freedom and reaffirms the vital role of a free and independent press in upholding democracy and informing the public. It condemns actions that suppress journalism and endangers journalists worldwide, especially in conflict zones. The resolution calls for the immediate release of wrongfully detained journalists and reaffirms press freedom as a priority of U.S. foreign policy.

This resolution supports the goals of the 2026 Day of Silence to highlight the bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ students in schools. It calls on communities to act to ensure equal educational opportunities and civil rights protections for all students. The bill affirms the importance of safe, inclusive learning environments free from harassment and victimization.

This concurrent resolution supports the goals and ideals of International Transgender Day of Visibility. It celebrates the achievements, leadership, and cultural contributions of the transgender community while acknowledging the ongoing challenges and discrimination they face. The resolution affirms the right of transgender individuals to live with dignity and equal rights.

The GUARDRAILS Act formally repeals the December 11, 2025, Executive Order concerning national policy frameworks for artificial intelligence. This legislation terminates the order's legal effect and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation, administration, or enforcement.

The Child Suicide Prevention Act establishes federal grant programs to support youth suicide prevention initiatives for individuals under 26. This legislation funds evidence-based prevention strategies, training for healthcare providers and educators, and the integration of suicide prevention curricula into medical and health education. Additionally, the Act mandates the creation of a public resource website and promotes lethal means safety, including the secure storage of firearms.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month." It recognizes the history of the Hawaiian language, its near extinction due to past suppression, and the successful revitalization efforts led by Native Hawaiians. The bill commits Congress to preserving and promoting the use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and urges the public to celebrate the month with supportive activities.

The Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans (RECUE) Act establishes a comprehensive federal research framework to advance the science of marine carbon dioxide removal. By coordinating efforts across NOAA, the NSF, NASA, and NIST, the legislation aims to develop safe, effective, and standardized technologies for ocean-based climate solutions. The bill prioritizes environmental safety, rigorous data transparency, and meaningful engagement with Tribal and coastal communities.

The FAIR Act establishes pay increases for federal employees in calendar year 2027. This legislation mandates a 3.1 percent increase to the basic pay rates for General Schedule and similar employees. Additionally, it provides a 1 percent adjustment to federal locality pay rates for the same year.

This bill, the Unlocking Native Lands and Opportunities for Commerce and Key Economic Developments Act of 2025, modifies existing laws to streamline leasing and rights-of-way processes on Indian lands. It expands tribal authority to grant rights-of-way across their own land without direct Secretarial approval, provided the tribe adopts an approved regulatory framework that includes environmental review. The legislation also makes technical corrections to existing leasing provisions for certain trust lands. Ultimately, this Act aims to unlock economic development opportunities by empowering tribes in land management decisions.

This bill amends the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to establish new grant programs. It authorizes various federal agencies to award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to support tourism and visitor experience initiatives. The legislation authorizes $35 million in appropriations for these grant programs between fiscal years 2025 and 2029.

The Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act of 2025 modifies Social Security by phasing out payroll taxes on high earners above a certain threshold after 2025. It also adjusts the benefit calculation formula to increase benefits, particularly by incorporating a new tier based on earnings exceeding the taxable limit. Finally, the bill mandates that future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) be calculated using a new Consumer Price Index specifically for elderly consumers.

The Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act amends existing legislation to strengthen support for Native arts and culture nationwide. This bill modifies the requirements for the Institute's Board of Trustees and mandates the ongoing maintenance of its facilities and programs. Furthermore, it updates grant requirements for Native Hawaiian art and culture to ensure representation from recognized Native Hawaiian artists and cultural experts on governing boards.

This resolution expresses deep concern over the rising trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression across the United States. It strongly opposes censorship in schools and libraries, citing constitutional rights and the harm done to democratic discourse. The measure urges local entities to protect students' access to diverse viewpoints and calls for the reversal of restrictive orders impacting educational materials.

The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act temporarily halts certain legal and administrative actions that could negatively affect the civil rights of federal employees and contractors during a government shutdown. This protection includes pausing evictions, foreclosures, lien enforcement, and providing relief for student loan and income tax obligations. The law also ensures that seeking these protections will not negatively impact an employee's credit or future financial standing.