Legislative Activity

The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act directs the FCC to establish an interagency taskforce to develop strategies for combating unlawful robocalls originating outside the United States. The bill also strengthens enforcement by providing legal protections for call traceback efforts and authorizing the FCC to require bonds from certain voice service providers to ensure accountability. These measures aim to reduce international robocall volume and improve coordination between federal agencies and the private sector.

This resolution designates August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week." It recognizes the vital role these markets play in supporting local economies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving community access to fresh, healthy food.

The Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act of 2026 aims to improve air quality monitoring in rural and remote communities threatened by wildfire smoke. The bill authorizes the EPA to provide grants, technical assistance, and expanded loan programs to help local agencies deploy portable air sensors. By increasing data collection in underserved areas, this legislation seeks to better protect public health from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) by overriding restrictive state laws. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage for military service members, veterans, federal employees, and those enrolled in private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These measures aim to ensure equitable, affordable access to fertility treatments nationwide.

The Fair Seeds for Farmers Act restricts federal intellectual property protections for plants to specific existing statutes, preventing the use of broader patent laws to control plant materials. Additionally, the bill prohibits contractual clauses that restrict farmers and researchers from saving, breeding, or experimenting with seeds and plant germplasm. These measures aim to protect agricultural autonomy and ensure continued access to plant materials for research and propagation.

The Supreme Court Ethics Act mandates that the Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference establish formal codes of conduct for all federal judges and justices. The bill creates an independent Ethics Investigations Counsel to oversee compliance, investigate potential violations, and issue annual public reports. Additionally, it requires Supreme Court justices to publicly disclose their reasoning when recusing themselves from a case or denying a motion for recusal.

The Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026 establishes a regularized appointment schedule, requiring the President to nominate one new Supreme Court justice every two years. The bill limits the Court to 18 total justices, with the nine most recently appointed members presiding over appellate cases. This legislation aims to create a predictable rotation for judicial appointments and modernize the structure of the Supreme Court.

The "Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act" strengthens existing bans on foreign influence by prohibiting domestic business entities with significant foreign ownership or control from contributing to federal elections. The bill also mandates strict certification requirements for corporations and PACs to ensure that decision-making processes remain free from foreign interference. Additionally, it expands these protections to cover state and local ballot initiatives and Super PACs.

The Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026 overhauls the treatment of noncitizen children and families in federal custody by prioritizing family unity, humane living standards, and swift reunification. The legislation mandates legal representation for unaccompanied children, establishes independent oversight to ensure accountability, and strictly limits the use of detention facilities. By creating clear, enforceable protections and privacy safeguards, the bill aims to minimize trauma and ensure that the welfare of the child remains the central focus of the immigration process.

The **Patients Deserve Price Tags Act** aims to increase healthcare affordability by mandating comprehensive price transparency across hospitals, laboratories, imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The bill requires these providers and health insurance plans to publicly disclose negotiated rates, cash prices, and standard charges in standardized, machine-readable formats. Additionally, it empowers patients with real-time cost-estimation tools and requires providers to issue detailed, itemized bills before initiating any collection actions.

This resolution directs the Senate Legal Counsel to initiate a civil lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The action seeks to prohibit the President from accepting unauthorized presents, titles, or financial emoluments from foreign states. The measure cites numerous alleged instances of corruption and conflicts of interest involving the President, his family, and foreign entities that undermine the integrity of his office.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It details the economic impact of this disparity and reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving pay equity through systemic change.

The Curtailing Executive Overcompensation (CEO) Act proposes a new excise tax on large corporations that maintain extreme pay gaps between their highest-paid executives and their typical workers. By penalizing companies with excessive pay disparities, the bill aims to discourage runaway executive compensation and promote more equitable wage structures.

This resolution designates July 2026 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month" to raise awareness about the severe environmental and health impacts of plastic waste. It highlights the urgent need to address rising pollution levels and encourages individuals and the nation to participate in reduction, cleanup, and recycling efforts.

The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act requires large multinational companies to publicly disclose detailed financial and operational data for every tax jurisdiction in which they operate. By mandating country-by-country reporting, the bill aims to increase corporate transparency regarding tax payments, profits, and employee counts. This information must be filed with the SEC in a machine-readable format and made available to the public online.

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act proposes ending federal cannabis prohibition by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and transferring regulatory oversight to health and revenue agencies. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for taxation, product safety, and restorative justice, including the expungement of past federal cannabis convictions and increased investment in communities impacted by the War on Drugs. Additionally, it provides states with the authority to manage their own cannabis policies while creating new federal standards for research, workplace safety, and banking access.

The High Court Gift Ban Act establishes strict limitations on the acceptance of gifts by federal judicial officers to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill sets clear monetary thresholds for permissible gifts, outlines specific exceptions, and mandates enforcement through civil and criminal penalties for violations.

The Protecting Innocent Taxpayers from Endless Assessments Act prevents the IRS from using an unlimited timeframe to assess taxes against individuals who were victims of tax preparer fraud. By clarifying that the unlimited assessment period only applies when the taxpayer intended to evade taxes, this bill protects innocent filers from being held liable for the fraudulent actions of their preparers.

The Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2026 provides essential financial protections for individuals facing bankruptcy due to significant medical debt or health-related employment loss. The bill offers relief by increasing homestead exemptions, waiving certain administrative bankruptcy requirements, and simplifying the discharge of student loans for qualifying debtors. Additionally, it protects the credit reputations of these individuals by excluding such bankruptcy filings from consumer credit reports.

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.