Legislative Activity

This resolution raises awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of the lake sturgeon, a long-lived, prehistoric freshwater fish facing population declines. It recognizes the ongoing threats from overfishing and habitat loss while highlighting collaborative efforts to restore healthy populations across their range. The Senate encourages continued partnership, habitat protection, and increased public education regarding this vital indicator species.

The Plug Offshore Wells Act increases transparency regarding the decommissioning of offshore energy infrastructure. It requires the Department of the Interior to submit and publish an annual report detailing the status of well, platform, and pipeline removals, as well as enforcement actions taken against operators for failing to meet regulatory deadlines.

This joint resolution exercises congressional disapproval to overturn the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s decision to withdraw "Bulletin 2012-04" regarding lending discrimination. By nullifying this withdrawal, the resolution effectively restores the original guidance and ensures it remains in full force and effect.

The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act aims to reduce the cost of higher education by eliminating interest on both existing and future federal student loans starting July 1, 2026. The legislation also establishes an Education Affordability Trust Fund to manage loan repayments and reinvest investment earnings into supplemental student aid and institutional grants. Additionally, the bill streamlines implementation by granting the Department of Education authority to expedite the rollout of these new policies.

The FARM Home Loans Act of 2026 expands access to rural housing financing by increasing the population threshold for eligible areas from 2,500 to 10,000 residents. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of rural housing to explicitly include accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as eligible for financing. These changes aim to increase the availability of home loans in growing rural communities.

The Health Records Enhancement Act allows designated individuals or immediate family members to supplement the health records of deceased veterans with observed health information after their passing. This process ensures that important post-mortem details can be added to the existing records maintained by the DoD and VA. Any added information will serve only as a supplement and will not alter the original medical documentation.

The Justice for Hind Rajab Act mandates a comprehensive investigation into the January 29, 2024, killing of Hind Rajab, her family, and their responding paramedics in Gaza. The bill requires the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to report on the use of U.S.-provided weapons in the attack and to pursue potential war crimes prosecutions. Additionally, it establishes a formal U.S. policy to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable for war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict.

The Access to Consumer Energy Information Act (E-Access Act) establishes federal guidelines to ensure consumers have secure, standardized, and real-time access to their electricity and natural gas usage data. By promoting digital energy management tools and data-sharing standards, the bill empowers consumers to better understand their energy costs and participate in efficiency programs. Additionally, the Act provides financial support for states to implement these data-access policies and mandates a federal study on integrating consumer meter data into wholesale energy markets.

The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

This bill, the "Baby Changing on Board Act," mandates that Amtrak install baby changing tables in at least one restroom on every covered passenger rail train it owns and operates. These tables must be located in an ADA-compliant restroom where possible, and clear signage must indicate their presence.

The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands the RISE grant program to support economic development in rural communities. This legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize smaller communities, ensuring at least 10% of funds benefit areas under 10,000 residents. The bill authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and updates program language for broader application.

This bill aims to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aircraft type certification process to better support new technologies. It mandates increased transparency, establishes standard timelines for key certification steps, and updates criteria for technical issue papers. Furthermore, the legislation requires updated guidance on the FAA's delegation of certification authority to industry stakeholders.

The LCBP Enhancements Act of 2026 updates the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program by establishing a new, jointly selected fiscal agent to manage program funds and administration. It also authorizes the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to undertake specific restoration and management work within the Lake Champlain basin. Finally, the bill extends the program's authorization for appropriations through 2032.

This act ensures that Medicare will reimburse qualified providers for essential on-scene emergency medical services, even when patient transportation is not required. This change takes effect starting in 2027. The reimbursement rate for these non-transport services will be comparable to what is paid for transport services.

The Opportunities in Organic Act renames and significantly expands the existing national organic certification cost-share program. It establishes new grant funding for nonprofits to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and direct support for farmers transitioning to or maintaining organic certification. The bill also increases resources for technical assistance and mandates comprehensive reporting on the program's impact and participant demographics.

The COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude specific supplementary payments made under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act from being counted as income for SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations. This change aims to ensure these payments do not negatively impact a household's federal nutrition assistance. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2027.

The Global Climate Resilience Act of 2025 establishes programs to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change impacts. It authorizes the reduction of U.S. debt owed by eligible, climate-vulnerable countries, provided the savings are reinvested in resilience activities. Furthermore, the Act directs the U.S. to advocate within international financial institutions for debt restructuring and the creation of an automatic climate insurance program through the World Bank.

The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 overhauls the process for closing nuclear power facilities by mandating increased public and state consultation for decommissioning plans and license transfers. It establishes new grant programs to fund local community advisory boards and provides direct financial assistance to communities dealing with stranded waste and economic disruption. Furthermore, the bill creates dedicated economic recovery accounts funded by plant operators to support long-term development in host communities.

This resolution congratulates the Vermont Green Football Club on winning the 2025 United Soccer League Two National Championship. It recognizes their undefeated season, the historic achievement of securing a second consecutive national title for a Vermont soccer team, and their commitment to community values. The resolution officially commends the players, coaches, and staff for their success.

This bill mandates the use of ranked choice voting for all federal elections, including those for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, starting in 2030. It establishes specific rules for ballot design, vote tabulation, and prohibits separate runoff elections. The legislation also provides federal funding to states to assist with the implementation costs.