Legislative Activity

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 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 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.

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 **American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026** aims to accelerate energy and infrastructure development by streamlining federal permitting processes. The bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for natural gas pipeline reviews, sets strict timelines for interagency coordination, and limits the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA. Additionally, it reforms water quality certification requirements and restricts judicial review to prevent project delays, fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for energy and mining projects.

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.

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 America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and modifies the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its authorized funding to \$2.0 billion. This legislation broadens eligible lands for maintenance projects and prioritizes those receiving significant private donations. It also enhances transparency by requiring multi-year project lists and actively encouraging public contributions to address deferred maintenance across federal lands.

This bill, the FIRE SMART Act of 2026, requires the EPA to immediately expand the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The expansion specifically directs funding toward water infrastructure projects that aid in wildfire suppression for rural communities at high risk from fire. The EPA must prioritize projects that benefit both drinking water quality and fire safety in these vulnerable areas.

The Duty Status Reform Act aims to modernize and improve the regulations governing work-hour requirements for professionals in high-stakes industries. By updating duty status standards, the bill seeks to enhance operational safety, reduce fatigue-related risks, and promote better work-life balance for employees.

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.

The Illegal Immigration Cost Recovery Act significantly increases civil penalties for employers who hire unauthorized aliens. It also raises the fines imposed on aliens who fail to depart after a removal order or who enter the U.S. improperly. Furthermore, this Act mandates annual inflation adjustments for all these increased civil penalties starting in 2027.

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly amends existing law to provide broad immunity to the firearms industry from civil lawsuits related to the criminal or unlawful use of their products. This legislation mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against the industry and establishes strict definitions and procedural hurdles for any claims attempting to use statutory exceptions. Furthermore, it preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability on manufacturers or sellers for harms resulting from criminal misuse of firearms.

The **Take Care of America’s Veterans Act** is a comprehensive bill designed to significantly expand compensation, benefits, and healthcare access for veterans and their survivors. It overhauls VA claims processing to be faster and fairer, modernizes education and transition support, and strengthens caregiver resources. Ultimately, the legislation aims to deliver more timely, high-quality, and veteran-centered services across the board.

The Wildfire Prevention Act of 2025 aims to accelerate wildfire risk reduction on federal lands by mandating ambitious, measurable targets for forest thinning and prescribed burns. The legislation streamlines environmental reviews for vegetation management near power lines and roads, while empowering local governments and tribes to participate in legal proceedings. Additionally, it fosters agency innovation through new technology pilot programs and requires enhanced public reporting to ensure greater accountability and transparency in forest management.

This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and communities that supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The Canteen was a massive, entirely volunteer-run operation that fed approximately six million service members traveling across the country. The original gold medal will be permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. The bill also allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.