Legislative Activity

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.

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act establishes a competitive grant program managed by the Secretary of Education to fund long-term facility improvements at eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and similar institutions. Grants prioritize entities with the greatest facility needs, the most limited fundraising capacity, and high Pell Grant enrollment. Funds can be used for construction, modernization, repairs, and technology infrastructure, while also requiring loan forgiveness for certain prior HBCU Capital Financing Program debts.

This bill clarifies that direct deposit is a permissible method for making contributions to qualified ABLE programs. It explicitly prevents any existing law from being interpreted as a barrier to using direct deposit for these essential savings accounts.

The ABLE MATCH Act establishes a federal program to match contributions made by individuals to their own ABLE accounts, offering a 100% match up to \$2,000, subject to an income-based phaseout. This new benefit aims to increase savings for people with disabilities, starting in tax years after 2026. The bill also mandates demographic reporting for ABLE account beneficiaries and authorizes grants to states to promote the use of these accounts and the new matching contribution.

The ABLE Tomorrow Act aims to expand financial security for people with disabilities by enhancing access to and use of ABLE savings accounts. Key provisions include prohibiting Medicaid recovery from ABLE accounts upon the beneficiary's death and creating exceptions to annual contribution limits for specific lump-sum payments. Furthermore, the bill mandates widespread federal and state agency outreach to inform eligible individuals about ABLE programs and allows employees to redirect certain employer retirement contributions directly into their ABLE accounts.

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 Senate resolution declares the People's Republic of China (PRC) the foremost strategic competitor of the United States, citing threats across military, economic, and technological domains. It calls for countering these threats by making them a top foreign policy priority. The resolution urges strengthening deterrence, protecting U.S. economic interests against predatory practices, and reaffirming commitments to Indo-Pacific allies.

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act revises federal law regarding motor vehicle theft by lowering the required mental state for the basic offense to "knowingly." This change broadens the scope of federal jurisdiction over carjacking incidents. The bill also establishes a specific aggravating factor if death results when a vehicle is taken with the intent to cause serious harm.

This resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6th to May 12th. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses across patient care, public health, and research. The bill encourages the nation to observe this week with appropriate recognition for the importance of nurses in everyday lives.

This bill combines two major components: the **Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act**, which reforms and extends key surveillance authorities like Section 702 of FISA with new privacy protections and criminal penalties for misuse, and the **Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act**, which explicitly prohibits the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the public. In essence, the legislation tightens oversight on foreign intelligence gathering while blocking the creation of a government-controlled digital currency.

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.

The PHS ACCESS Act amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the assignment of Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers to support Urban Indian organizations. The bill also grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services flexibility in granting constructive credit for length of service during appointments, establishing transparent criteria that prioritize service in underserved and high-need areas.

The No Oil Profits for Enemies Act of 2026 (NOPE Act) significantly expands Congressional oversight of sanctions against the Russian Federation, particularly concerning energy-related actions. It mandates a review period for sanctions on Russian oil and gas that only ends once Russia ends its war in Ukraine and commits to reparations. The bill allows for temporary exceptions to this review for urgent safety or environmental needs related to energy transport.

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.

This bill prohibits federal family planning funds under Title X from being provided to any entity that performs, promotes, or refers for abortion. Entities receiving funds must certify they will not perform abortions or give funds to organizations that do, with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing grant recipients and any abortions performed under the exceptions.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 strengthens the ability of claimants to recover art looted by the Nazis by ensuring cases are decided on their legal merits rather than procedural technicalities. The bill prevents courts from dismissing claims based on the passage of time or other non-merits defenses and clarifies that these actions may proceed regardless of the victim's nationality. These updates aim to remove legal barriers and ensure that justice for victims of Nazi persecution is not frustrated by procedural delays.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

This bill, the BLOCK PUTIN Act, aims to hold the Hungarian government accountable for undermining transatlantic interests by continuing to rely on Russian energy and obstructing aid to Ukraine. It mandates the President to impose sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on senior Hungarian officials who block Ukraine support or facilitate Russian energy imports. Sanctions can be lifted only if Hungary commits to ending its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and ceases obstructing assistance to Ukraine.