Legislative Activity

This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2027, setting military personnel levels and authorizing funding for procurement, research, operations, and military construction. It enacts sweeping policy changes across personnel, acquisition, health care, and cyber domains, including new ethical standards, significant industrial base protections, and reforms to military family support. Key provisions focus on countering foreign adversaries, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring accountability across all defense activities.

This resolution designates the week of April 13 through April 19, 2026, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week." It recognizes the significant contributions of osteopathic physicians and students, highlighting their whole-person approach to healthcare and vital role in addressing physician shortages, particularly in primary care. The week celebrates the history and dedication of osteopathic medicine in improving community health across the nation.

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates funding for existing regional ocean partnerships through fiscal year 2031. This legislation amends previous law to ensure continued support for these vital ocean management initiatives. It also adjusts reporting requirements to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the partnerships.

This bill implements two technical corrections to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. It clarifies the licensing requirements for judge advocates and updates the award criteria for the Distinguished-Service Cross to be presented to Isaac "Ike" Camacho.

This bill authorizes a waiver of the standard 60-day congressional notice requirement to expedite the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork, United States Army, to the rank of major.

The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act of 2026 establishes a specialized task force to study the use of AI and automatic speech recognition technology within the U.S. judicial system. This task force will assess the impact of these technologies on court record accuracy, constitutional rights, and cybersecurity. Ultimately, the group will provide Congress with comprehensive recommendations to ensure the responsible and equitable integration of these tools in courtrooms nationwide.

This concurrent resolution celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the Army Nurse Corps, honoring its establishment in 1901 as the entry of the first women into the U.S. military. It recognizes the Corps' distinguished service in every major conflict since its inception and expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of Army nurses throughout history. The resolution specifically commends their vital contributions to the health and well-being of American soldiers.

The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nonprofit corporation to exclusively support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. This corporation will operate as a 501(c)(3) entity, allowing the Secretary to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to fund and manage athletics. The bill also outlines provisions for leasing Academy property and managing trademarks to generate revenue for the athletic programs and Academy recruiting efforts.

This bill establishes the **Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act** to address the declining number of accredited adoption service providers. It creates a new, voluntary accreditation option allowing providers to be accredited for specific, limited services like home studies or post-placement reports. This aims to improve intercountry adoption practices by increasing the availability of experienced providers for essential adoption steps.

The SUCCESS for BEAD Act mandates that states and territories use any remaining broadband grant funds to establish a new competitive subgrant program. This program prioritizes investments in telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development for critical tech sectors, and modernizing Next Generation 911 systems for public safety. The bill aims to enhance national security, support AI readiness, and ensure the sustained success of broadband deployment projects.

The Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025 aims to ensure consistent access to medically necessary specialized food for individuals with digestive or inherited metabolic disorders. This bill mandates that federal health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP, cover these essential formulas and related supplies. By establishing a clear definition of "medically necessary food," the Act seeks to prevent malnutrition and severe health consequences for vulnerable patients.

This resolution supports designating October 30th as the "International Day of Political Prisoners" to recognize the estimated one million individuals globally detained for their political beliefs. It condemns political repression by naming several authoritarian regimes and supports ongoing U.S. government efforts to secure the release of these prisoners. The measure formally establishes the Senate's position in solidarity with those imprisoned for peacefully expressing their views.

This bill reauthorizes and updates the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. It expands the system's scope to include meteorological observations and strengthens requirements for data management and regional collaboration. The legislation also authorizes funding through Fiscal Year 2030 and mandates annual post-storm evaluations in reports to Congress.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, honoring its long history since the Continental Navy. It expresses deep appreciation for the courage and service of all Navy personnel, past and present, who have defended the nation. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian aid, and technological advancement.

This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2026 across procurement, research, operations, and personnel. It imposes significant new oversight, reporting, and planning requirements on major weapon systems and military readiness, while also addressing healthcare expansions, acquisition modernization, and strategic competition with foreign adversaries. Additionally, the legislation includes authorizations for military construction, intelligence activities, Coast Guard operations, and reforms to federal housing and State Department functions.

The Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 prioritizes U.S. defense cooperation with key NATO allies bordering Russia and Belarus. This legislation establishes a formal definition for "Eastern Flank strategic defense partners" based on location, defense spending commitments, and hosting NATO forces. It mandates that these partners receive priority access to U.S. security assistance, financing, and pre-positioned military stockpiles to enhance regional deterrence. The Act also requires a briefing to Congress detailing the implementation plan for these new cooperative measures.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a landmark 1975 agreement establishing principles for security, economic cooperation, and human rights among signatory nations. Congress reaffirms the United States' enduring commitment to these foundational principles, especially in light of current violations by some states. The resolution urges all signatories to uphold their commitments and calls for public observance of this diplomatic milestone.

This resolution officially designates August 1, 2025, as "Gold Star Children's Day." It serves to recognize and honor the children who have lost a parent serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The measure encourages all Americans to observe this day to show support for the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The MARA Act of 2025 aims to establish and grow a regulated domestic offshore aquaculture industry by creating a dedicated Office of Aquaculture for centralized oversight. The bill sets up a framework for assessing commercial-scale demonstration projects under strict environmental and safety standards. Finally, it provides significant federal support through workforce development, financing mechanisms, and mandated scientific studies to guide future regulation.

This bill reauthorizes funding for critical American aquaculture assistance programs through fiscal year 2029. It ensures a consistent funding stream of $15 million annually for these research and development efforts. Furthermore, the Act updates the rules governing how indirect (overhead) costs are calculated for these specific aquaculture awards.