Legislative Activity

The Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Act of 2026 reauthorizes and significantly updates existing tsunami programs through 2031. This legislation focuses on improving warning system accuracy, expanding research to include non-seismic sources and social science, and enhancing coordination with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. It also mandates critical assessments and reports on preparing for major tsunami threats, particularly from the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

The FUTURES Act of 2026 establishes a joint initiative between the U.S. and Israeli defense departments to accelerate and expand cooperation on defense technology research, development, and industrial integration. This program focuses on rapidly incorporating jointly developed and Israeli-origin technologies into U.S. military systems across critical domains like AI, counter-drone systems, and directed energy. The Act authorizes funding for these efforts and mandates regular reporting to Congress on progress and technology transition.

This resolution strongly condemns the Government of Iran for its violent suppression of peaceful protests and widespread human rights abuses against its citizens. It highlights the regime's use of deadly force, internet blackouts, and severe persecution in response to demonstrations sparked by economic hardship. The resolution commends the courage of the Iranian people and calls for free and fair elections.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.

This bill extends the authority allowing modifications to the Second Division Memorial in the District of Columbia. Specifically, it continues the special power granted by the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. This extension ensures the authority to make changes remains in effect until September 30, 2032.

This bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act), mandates that individuals must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It also establishes a federal requirement for voters to present a photo ID containing a citizenship indicator when casting a ballot in federal elections. Furthermore, the legislation requires states to implement ongoing programs to verify and remove non-citizens from voter rolls.

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026 formally establishes a comprehensive set of rights for all veterans interacting with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill mandates that the VA clearly inform veterans of their rights regarding health care, benefits, and services. It requires the VA Secretary to integrate these rights into all policies, training, and public-facing materials to ensure consistent, respectful, and transparent administration nationwide.

This Act requires the Secretary of State to annually determine whether Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) deserve their current privileges and immunities. If the Secretary finds they do not, the offices must terminate operations within 180 days, subject to Congressional review. Furthermore, the bill places new restrictions on U.S. government contracting with HKETOs and limits the promotion of Hong Kong as an autonomous entity if it lacks sufficient autonomy from China.

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.

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 Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025 authorizes a land swap between the Chugach Alaska Corporation and the U.S. government to resolve complex ownership issues stemming from the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement lands. This exchange allows the government to perfect its surface conservation efforts while granting Chugach Alaska clear subsurface rights in exchange for other federally owned lands. The goal is to resolve split estate conflicts that have hindered both conservation management and the corporation's ability to develop its assets.

The Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025 seeks to safeguard U.S. national security by restricting American investments in sensitive technology sectors within adversarial nations, primarily China. The bill establishes a framework for the Treasury Department to prohibit or require notification for U.S. capital flowing into foreign military, surveillance, or human rights-related technologies. It also authorizes targeted financial sanctions against specific foreign entities tied to these critical sectors. Ultimately, the legislation aims to prevent U.S. expertise and funding from inadvertently strengthening foreign adversaries.

The American Voices in Federal Lands Act revises public involvement procedures for rulemaking on federal lands managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. This bill mandates that only comments from U.S. citizens be considered for new Bureau of Land Management regulations. Additionally, it requires the use of CAPTCHA technology to prevent automated submissions during the public comment period for these lands.

The Indian Buffalo Management Act aims to strengthen the government-to-government relationship by promoting the capacity of Indian Tribes to manage and restore buffalo herds on Indian land. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide support, technical assistance, and surplus buffalo from federal lands to Tribes for cultural, subsistence, and economic purposes. The Act emphasizes Tribal involvement in decision-making and explicitly protects existing treaty rights.

The Helping Improve Recruitment and Retention Efforts for Prosecutors Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program administered by the Department of Justice. This program aims to help state, local, territorial, and tribal governments hire, retain, and train prosecutors and support staff. Grants will be awarded competitively, with preference given to proposals focusing on new hiring or serving tribal, remote, or rural areas. The federal government will cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring a non-federal match.

This act establishes the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, providing eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters with a free annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The bill defines eligible individuals as those employed by federal, state, local, or tribal governments whose duties involve fire suppression or criminal law enforcement/supervision. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with making these passes available upon proof of eligibility.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 significantly updates existing law to enhance tribal authority over forest and rangeland protection. This legislation expands the definition of eligible tribal lands, including certain lands in Alaska, and broadens the scope of authorized restoration projects. Furthermore, it increases funding authorization to $15 million annually through fiscal year 2031.

This resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the continuous operations of the *Stars and Stripes* newspaper in the Pacific. It commends the publication for its invaluable, long-standing service as the "hometown newspaper" for members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees, and their families worldwide. The resolution honors the dedication of the men and women who have produced this vital news source through every major conflict since World War II.

The Back the Blue Act of 2025 establishes new federal crimes and harsher penalties for killing or assaulting law enforcement officers and other public safety officials. The bill also creates specific aggravating factors for the federal death penalty in such cases and places new restrictions on federal habeas corpus relief for related state convictions. Finally, it expands federal protections allowing active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms in various federal locations.

The SAFE Chips Act of 2025 establishes strict new export controls on advanced integrated circuits to foreign adversary countries. This law mandates a license for the export or transfer of these specified high-performance chips, with a policy to deny all such applications. The bill specifically defines "advanced integrated circuit" based on technical performance thresholds or existing export control classifications, excluding those not designed for data center use.