Legislative Activity

This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant licensees of certain hydropower projects, licensed before March 13, 2020, an extension of up to six additional years to begin construction. This extension is available upon request and demonstration of good cause. The legislation also addresses projects whose original deadlines expired recently, allowing for reinstatement of the license before the extension period begins.

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.

This resolution expresses Congressional appreciation for key military alliances and the sacrifices made by allied special operations forces in conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq. It voices concern that recent, politically motivated war crimes allegations against allied forces undermine mutual trust and morale. The bill urges that investigations into such matters remain impartial and free from political interference to preserve essential defense partnerships.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prohibits the Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing OSHA's proposed 2024 heat safety standard. Congress finds the proposed rule too rigid, burdensome, and confusing for both businesses and workers across diverse industries. This legislation prevents the adoption of that specific, prescriptive standard or any substantially similar regulation.

This bill amends federal law regarding beneficial ownership information reporting. It narrows the reporting requirement to apply only to foreign entities registered to do business in the U.S. The legislation specifically exempts U.S. persons from reporting their ownership information and mandates the deletion of existing U.S. person data from FinCEN records.

This bill officially reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for an additional seven years, extending its operation until 2034. It also updates the mandatory recoupment timelines for when the government recovers insurance payments following a covered terrorist act.

The **Protecting American Taxpayers Act** is a comprehensive bill aimed at reducing government waste, preventing fraud, and increasing financial transparency across federal programs. It targets improper payments in areas like child care and Medicare, permanently bars pandemic relief fraudsters from future SBA aid, and cancels unspent COVID-19 relief funds to reduce the deficit. Additionally, the Act strengthens oversight of welfare programs, enhances fraud enforcement timelines, and expands whistleblower protections for federal contractors.

This Act mandates a comprehensive report on Russia's systematic persecution of religious groups in occupied Ukrainian territories, detailing abuses against non-aligned faiths. Following each report, the President must certify findings and impose sanctions on responsible individuals and entities. The legislation aims to hold accountable those involved in suppressing religious freedom and destroying houses of worship during the invasion.

The RETAIN Act of 2026 aims to improve the retention of experienced military aviators. It mandates that officers with over eight years of service receive the maximum aviation incentive pay. Additionally, the bill enhances the Air Force's retention program by offering greater flexibility in duty assignments and increasing potential aviation bonuses up to an average of $100,000 annually.

The Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 streamlines the acquisition of critical fighter jets by granting the Secretary of Defense multiyear procurement authority for the F-35 and F-15EX aircraft. This bill also establishes new minimum inventory requirements for the Air Force fighter fleet, aiming for at least 1,800 total fighters by 2026. Furthermore, it authorizes an expansion of the F-15EX fleet to replace aging F-15E aircraft.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to significantly expand and strengthen the U.S. national commitment to quantum information science, engineering, and technology. This bill reauthorizes and updates the existing initiative by bolstering workforce development, enhancing interagency coordination, and securing the quantum supply chain against foreign threats. It also establishes new programs for quantum testbeds, NIST research centers, and requires a review of regulatory barriers to accelerate domestic quantum innovation.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

The VA Appraisal Modernization Act aims to improve the efficiency of the VA home loan process by establishing a standardized, annually adjusted base appraisal fee. The bill mandates higher compensation and mileage reimbursement for appraisers working in high-demand or remote areas to address current staffing shortages. Additionally, it requires the VA to study and report on the impact of these changes to ensure program effectiveness and oversight.

The Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026 extends the authorization for critical sport fish conservation and restoration programs through 2031. This legislation maintains essential funding for state-level projects while updating the allocation formulas for multistate conservation grants and the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.

The Support our Firefighters Act establishes new paid rest and recuperation leave policies for federal wildland firefighters following deployments. It also permanently waives overtime pay caps for these employees and allows for necessary fund transfers between agencies to ensure continued salary payments. This legislation aims to improve support and compensation for federal wildland firefighting personnel.

The Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act authorizes the placement of a new National Medal of Honor Monument within the Reserve in Washington, D.C. This legislation ensures the monument’s site selection complies with specific federal location requirements while remaining subject to the broader planning and construction standards of the Commemorative Works Act.

This resolution honors the memory, service, and ultimate sacrifice of six Air Force service members who lost their lives in a 2026 KC-135 Stratotanker accident during Operation Epic Fury. It expresses the Senate’s deepest condolences to the families of the fallen and recognizes their bravery in service to the United States.

The Local Data for Better Conservation Act requires the Secretary to incorporate state-collected data when making listing or delisting determinations under the Endangered Species Act. This legislation ensures that local scientific information is formally integrated into federal decision-making processes for species protection.