Legislative Activity

The Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025 mandates that state child welfare agencies develop comprehensive "family partnership plans" focused on identifying, recruiting, and supporting foster and adoptive families. These plans must utilize data to improve placement stability, increase kinship care, and better match families with children's needs, especially for teens and sibling groups. Furthermore, the bill enhances federal reporting by requiring detailed, state-by-state data on foster family capacity and recruitment challenges to be submitted to Congress annually.

This bill officially designates the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Historic Jefferson College in Mississippi as affiliated areas of the National Park System. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History will serve as the management entity for both historic sites. The National Park Service will provide technical and financial assistance while respecting existing local management and limiting federal acquisition of property.

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.

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 Nursing is a Professional Degree Act formally defines "professional degree" within federal law to explicitly include nursing degrees. This change ensures nursing education meets the statutory standard for professional degrees, recognizing the advanced academic and skill requirements necessary to practice.

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 Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 aims to dramatically increase the number of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad, focusing on greater diversity in both student participation and program destinations. The bill renames and expands the existing IDEAS Program, authorizing competitive grants to institutions to support this expansion. Key goals include achieving one million annual participants within ten years, ensuring demographics reflect the general undergraduate population, and increasing study in nontraditional and developing nations.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, observed May 10–16, 2026. It honors the critical role of hospitals and their dedicated workers in providing essential care across the nation. The bill recognizes the diverse services offered by U.S. hospitals, from critical access to specialized mental health care. It encourages the public to observe the week to demonstrate appreciation for these vital community institutions.

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 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.

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 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.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month." The designation aims to raise public awareness about the critical importance of personal financial education. It calls upon various sectors of society to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities promoting financial well-being.

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.

The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to officially include hot rotisserie chicken as an eligible food item for purchase using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This bill expands the range of food options available to SNAP recipients.

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 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.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "National Native Plant Month" to celebrate the vital role native plants play in sustaining healthy ecosystems and preserving our natural heritage. It highlights the environmental and economic benefits of these indigenous species while raising awareness about the importance of their conservation.

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.