Legislative Activity

This bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment collectively. This recognition honors the regiment's crucial and heroic service during the Revolutionary War, notably as one of the first integrated military units in American history. The original medal will be displayed at the Rhode Island State Library, and bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs.

This bill, the SUSTAIN Act, prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing, retiring, or modifying existing MQ-9 aircraft units through September 30, 2032, with limited exceptions for unsafe aircraft or approved mission conversions. It also requires the Air Force to submit a comprehensive report detailing the recapitalization and modernization plan for the MQ-9 fleet through fiscal year 2035. The legislation aims to protect the current inventory and operational status of these critical unmanned systems.

This bill establishes a new framework to provide direct emergency assistance payments to specialty crop growers, such as fruit and vegetable producers, harmed by natural disasters. Payments will be calculated based on historical sales and a factor set by the Secretary of Agriculture, taking into account the unique costs of specialty crops. The legislation sets specific payment limits, with higher caps available for producers who derive most of their income from farming.

The Expanding Market Access Act aims to boost U.S. agricultural exports by establishing technical assistance to improve foreign market infrastructure. It also mandates a biennial report detailing foreign barriers to U.S. specialty crop competitiveness. Furthermore, the bill increases and extends funding levels for key agricultural trade promotion programs through fiscal year 2031.

This bill establishes the "Economic Relief for Specialty Crops Act" to provide financial support to specialty crop producers. It appropriates \$5 billion for fiscal year 2027 to make direct payments to these farmers through existing or similar USDA programs. The distribution of funds will adhere to established federal guidelines for specialty crop assistance.

This bill establishes a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee to improve federal crop insurance options for specialty crops. The Committee will advise the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation on policy development, risk management, and educational programs. It also revises the role of the Specialty Crops Coordinator to better serve the needs of specialty crop producers.

This act aims to strengthen defenses against agricultural threats by directing more resources toward states highly vulnerable to plant pests and diseases. It establishes a permanent annual funding level of $150 million for key management programs starting in fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the bill increases the spending cap for disaster prevention activities from $5 million to $12 million.

This bill establishes a new competitive grant program to fund research and development in agricultural automation and mechanization specifically for specialty crops. The goal is to create and improve technologies that reduce manual labor, enhance worker safety, and increase efficiency for growers. Priority will be given to projects that also include training for farmworkers to operate these new technologies.

The Drain the Slush Fund Act prohibits the federal government from using the Judgment Fund to pay any monetary award or settlement resulting from a lawsuit filed by the President or Vice President against the United States. This change ensures that the President or Vice President cannot benefit from this permanent fund if they sue the government. The restriction applies to current and future claims arising after January 20, 2025.

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 NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a federal property right for individuals to control the use of their voice or visual likeness in highly realistic, computer-generated "digital replicas." This right applies to both living and deceased persons, granting control over unauthorized creation and distribution of these likenesses in commerce. The bill outlines specific licensing requirements, liability for unauthorized use, and safe harbor provisions for online services that comply with notice-and-takedown procedures.

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.

The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act of 2026 officially designates the Great Lakes Commission as a recognized Regional Great Lakes Partnership. This designation amends existing federal law to formally include the Commission, which represents the eight Great Lakes states.

The Jewish American Security Act addresses the rising threat of antisemitism across the nation. It mandates new protections for Jewish students against discrimination in educational settings and enhances security measures for Jewish communities through grant program modifications and threat assessments. Furthermore, the Act requires large online platforms to report on their content moderation practices regarding antisemitism and mandates government reports linking online activity to real-world violence.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize the significant, 350-year history and contributions of Jewish Americans across all sectors of society. It also strongly calls upon leaders to actively counter the recent rise in antisemitism through education and awareness. The resolution commits to ensuring the safety, security, and dignity of American Jews while honoring their service to the nation.

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 Senate resolution expresses the sense that access to mifepristone should be based on over 25 years of proven safety and effectiveness supported by peer-reviewed science. It calls for equitable and transparent laws and policies governing access to this time-sensitive medication abortion care. The resolution affirms the FDA's authority to regulate the drug based on the best available evidence, free from political interference.

This bill ensures that veterans' disability compensation and related benefits receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The increase will match the percentage increase applied to Social Security benefits taking effect on December 1, 2026. This adjustment applies to various compensation and dependency/indemnity payments administered by the VA.

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.