Legislative Activity

The Power for the People Act of 2026 mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to study the impact of data centers on the electric grid and establish special interconnection queues for them. This legislation aims to ensure data centers bear the costs of their grid demands, preventing residential and business customers from subsidizing their growth. The bill also encourages states to adopt specific electricity rate classes for data centers to protect ratepayers from rising energy costs and infrastructure burdens.

The Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026 requires federal agencies using complex automated systems to establish dedicated civil rights offices focused on algorithmic bias. These offices must employ experts to assess risks related to discrimination based on protected characteristics. Furthermore, agencies must submit biennial reports detailing their efforts to mitigate harms from these covered algorithms and engage with relevant stakeholders.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.

This act prohibits the U.S. government from using taxpayer funds to reimburse any person or entity for capital investments made in Venezuela's oil and gas sector. It specifically bans payments for qualified capital expenditures related to oil and gas operations within the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 updates school nutrition standards to allow schools to offer organic or non-organic whole milk as a beverage option. This legislation also revises the criteria for milk substitutions based on medical or dietary needs and excludes milk fat from saturated fat calculations for meal compliance. Furthermore, the bill mandates that training for school food service personnel must now include comprehensive information on food allergies.

The No Political Enemies Act prohibits the federal government from taking investigative, regulatory, or enforcement actions against individuals or entities primarily because they engaged in constitutionally protected speech or political activity. It establishes an affirmative defense for those facing politically motivated enforcement actions and allows individuals to sue officials for damages or seek injunctions against such targeting. The bill also mandates regular reporting from the Department of Justice to Congress regarding sensitive law enforcement matters.

The Credit Card Competition Act of 2026 mandates new federal regulations to increase competition in credit card processing networks. These rules will prevent large card issuers and networks from limiting transaction routing options available to merchants. The Federal Reserve must establish these rules within one year, while also creating a national security risk list for payment networks.

The REAADI for Disasters Act aims to significantly improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It establishes dedicated funding, new federal standards of care, and training programs to ensure these vulnerable populations receive accessible services and are protected from discrimination during emergencies. The bill also mandates the inclusion of people with disabilities and older adults in all phases of disaster planning and response efforts.

The DEFIANCE Act of 2025 addresses the severe harm caused by non-consensual, sexually intimate digital forgeries (deepfakes). This bill establishes a federal civil cause of action allowing victims to sue those who knowingly create, possess with intent to disclose, or disclose these intimate digital forgeries. Successful plaintiffs can recover significant statutory damages, actual damages, and injunctive relief.

This bill, the Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act, prohibits the use of any federal funds to finance, support, or subsidize the development or maintenance of Venezuela's oil and petroleum infrastructure. It ensures taxpayer money is not used to back risky investments in the Venezuelan oil sector. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must submit an annual report to Congress detailing compliance with this prohibition.

The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026 ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will have coverage for genetic counseling services starting January 1, 2027. This legislation establishes clear definitions for qualified genetic counselors and mandates that these providers accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment. The bill sets a specific payment rate for these covered services, calculated as 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of the applicable physician fee schedule amount.

The "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act" prohibits the use of any federal funds to compensate individuals prosecuted for involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This includes blocking payments from the Judgment Fund or any victim compensation fund. Furthermore, the bill prevents the U.S. Treasury from refunding court-ordered restitution, fines, or special assessments paid by those convicted for their actions during the attack.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

This act prohibits the use of any federal funds to pay legal settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. This ban specifically applies to settlements covering alleged harm suffered by the individual during the events or during their subsequent prosecution.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.

The Data Care Act of 2025 establishes essential duties of care, loyalty, and confidentiality for online service providers regarding the handling of user data. It mandates that companies protect sensitive information, prevent harmful data usage, and ensure third-party compliance. The legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce these standards and hold providers accountable for violations.

The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 mandates that the Supreme Court provide written explanations and disclose the votes of participating justices for emergency orders concerning preliminary injunctive relief or stays thereof. These explanations must address key legal standards, such as the likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable harm. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the Federal Judicial Center to assess compliance with these new transparency measures.

This resolution affirms that the Federal Government should actively support school districts in investing in clean school buses. It highlights the significant health risks posed by diesel exhaust to children and the positive impact clean alternatives, like electric buses, would have on air quality and educational outcomes. The bill encourages continued federal support for this transition, building on past bipartisan efforts.

This resolution recognizes that solar, storage, and wind power are the fastest and most cost-effective solutions to meet the United States' rapidly growing electricity demand. It highlights that these renewable sources currently dominate new power capacity additions and are essential for avoiding future power shortages. The Senate resolution calls for accelerating the deployment of solar, storage, and wind energy across the country.

This resolution recognizes the serious health risks associated with ozone pollution, including lung disease and cardiovascular problems. It expresses the Senate's support for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2024 methane pollution standards. Furthermore, the resolution urges the EPA to continue taking action to reduce smog pollution.