Legislative Activity

The Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to establish clear, biological definitions for the terms "sex," "female," and "male." These definitions are intended to provide legal clarity for educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance. The act takes effect immediately upon being signed into law.

This resolution condemns the Iranian government for its systematic human rights abuses, including the use of arbitrary detention, coerced confessions, and executions to suppress political dissent. It demands that Iran uphold due process and release individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, the resolution affirms U.S. support for the Iranian people and calls for continued international accountability for the regime’s actions.

This act reauthorizes funding for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System. It extends the authorization of appropriations deadlines from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2028.

This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise the payment structure for bonus payments on certain coal leases issued under a deferred payment system. It mandates that the bonus payment be made in 10 equal annual installments, with the first installment due at the time of the lease bid.

The **Patients Deserve Price Tags Act** aims to increase healthcare affordability by mandating comprehensive price transparency across hospitals, laboratories, imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The bill requires these providers and health insurance plans to publicly disclose negotiated rates, cash prices, and standard charges in standardized, machine-readable formats. Additionally, it empowers patients with real-time cost-estimation tools and requires providers to issue detailed, itemized bills before initiating any collection actions.

The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 prohibits the sale or importation of connected vehicles, their parts, and related software originating from or controlled by covered adversarial countries (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). Enforced by the Secretary of Commerce, this law aims to mitigate national security risks associated with foreign adversary access to sensitive vehicle data and control systems. The Act establishes phased bans starting in 2027 for vehicles and software, and 2030 for hardware, while setting up processes for compliance, authorization, and enforcement.

The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act directs the FAA to establish new rules within one year to allow civil supersonic flight over U.S. airspace. This authorization is strictly conditioned on the aircraft being operated in a manner that prevents any sonic boom from reaching the ground. The goal is to safely reintroduce faster-than-sound commercial travel domestically.

The Expanding AI Voices Act directs the National Science Foundation to provide competitive grants to institutions with limited AI research capacity, including minority-serving institutions and smaller colleges. This initiative aims to broaden participation in the AI workforce, strengthen research partnerships, and expand educational opportunities across diverse geographic regions.

The Small County PILT Parity Act seeks to update the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program by adjusting population thresholds for qualifying local governments. By lowering these figures and introducing a new payment calculation table, the bill aims to better support the unique financial needs of the nation's smallest counties.

The Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the entry of foreign nationals traveling to the United States primarily to secure U.S. citizenship for their children through birth. The bill authorizes immigration officials to deny admission or initiate deportation proceedings against individuals determined to be engaging in this practice.

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.

The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the FAA to conduct a comprehensive review of low-altitude airspace safety policies, with a specific focus on mitigating risks posed by temporary obstructions like slacklines. The bill mandates stakeholder consultation and requires the FAA to improve aeronautical data, interagency coordination, and public outreach. Ultimately, it ensures that necessary regulatory updates are implemented to enhance safety for pilots operating in low-altitude environments.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive legislative package designed to combat fraud, reduce government waste, and ensure the integrity of federal spending programs. The bill implements stricter oversight for child care and health care payments, permanently bars those convicted of pandemic-related fraud from future Small Business Administration assistance, and rescinds unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the national deficit. Additionally, it enhances whistleblower protections for government contractors, strengthens data-sharing to intercept improper payments, and establishes new safeguards against foreign influence and deep fake scams.

The Citizenship Act of 2026 formally declares the current state of illegal immigration as an invasion and restricts birthright citizenship for children born to individuals designated as "invaders." The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents who are unlawfully present or engaged in birth tourism. Additionally, the legislation prohibits judicial review of the official declaration of an invasion.

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.

The Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the crew of the historic Artemis II mission for their groundbreaking contributions to human space exploration. The bill authorizes the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the four crew members in recognition of their achievements in deep-space travel. Additionally, it provides for the production and sale of bronze duplicates to commemorate this milestone mission.

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the U.S. and Filipino service members and civilians who fought in the Pacific theater during World War II. This legislation authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who defended Bataan and Corregidor and endured imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their legacy is preserved and shared with the public.

The Credit for Prior Learning Act expands federal student aid to cover up to $2,000 in costs for assessments that award college credit for skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom. The bill also mandates that accrediting agencies ensure institutions maintain rigorous standards for these assessments and requires colleges to publicly report data on student participation and credit attainment.

This resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a pivotal event in American history that occurred in 1876. It honors the memory of all soldiers, scouts, civilians, and warriors who lost their lives in the conflict. Furthermore, the resolution encourages citizens nationwide to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument to mark this significant sesquicentennial.