Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan, 16-member commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the federal government's long-term fiscal health and reduce the national debt. The bill mandates that the Commission’s approved proposals be submitted to Congress for expedited consideration through a fast-track process that prohibits amendments. This initiative aims to address the nation's fiscal condition and ensure the long-term solvency of federal trust funds.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

This resolution officially designates February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to celebrate and support CTE programs nationwide. It recognizes CTE's vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand careers and boosting American economic competitiveness. The resolution encourages promotion of CTE as a respected educational pathway for students.

The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2025 aims to significantly bolster cybersecurity across the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. It mandates increased coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CISA, establishes clear cybersecurity oversight within HHS, and requires HHS to develop a comprehensive incident response plan. Furthermore, the bill introduces mandatory cybersecurity standards for covered entities, creates a grant program to fund security upgrades, and focuses on developing the healthcare cybersecurity workforce.

The Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act strengthens Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by improving the bond guarantee program and establishing new liquidity and capitalization initiatives. The bill also creates a dedicated relending program to expand homeownership opportunities within Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, it mandates increased congressional oversight and reporting regarding the effectiveness of these federal financial programs.

The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a permanent, free, and user-friendly online tax filing program operated directly by the IRS. The bill prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that restrict government-provided filing services and mandates the development of a seamless, accessible platform for federal and state tax returns. This initiative aims to simplify the filing process for taxpayers while ensuring the government maintains full control over its own tax preparation software.

The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act establishes a new National Park unit to preserve and interpret the legacy of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the historic Rosenwald Schools program. The legislation creates a national park across multiple sites—including a headquarters in Chicago—to honor the partnership that built thousands of schools for African American children in the segregated South. Additionally, the Act establishes the Rosenwald Schools National Network to provide research, educational resources, and financial assistance for the preservation of these historic sites nationwide.

The ROTOR Act focuses on enhancing aviation safety and transparency, primarily by reforming exceptions that allow aircraft to disable their ADS-B Out tracking systems. It mandates that the FAA require most aircraft to install and use ADS-B In technology for improved situational awareness. Furthermore, the bill establishes new coordination offices and requires comprehensive safety reviews of airspace operations, particularly around major airports, involving both civil and military aviation.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection issue interest-bearing refunds for import duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that were subsequently ruled unlawful. The bill prioritizes small businesses in the refund process and requires that larger entities pass these savings on to their customers. All refunds must be processed within 180 days of enactment, with regular progress reports provided to Congress.

The FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 establishes an independent expert panel to conduct a comprehensive review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Safety Management System (SMS). This panel will assess the SMS's effectiveness, compliance, and integration across the agency. The FAA Administrator is required to act on the panel's findings and report progress on implementation to Congress.

This bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General to assess the economic fallout of federal workforce reductions on state and local governments. The study will analyze lost wages, decreased tax revenue, and increased demand for public assistance in affected areas. The resulting report will provide Congress with findings and policy recommendations to address these fiscal harms.

The FAIR Act establishes pay increases for federal employees in calendar year 2027. This legislation mandates a 3.1 percent increase to the basic pay rates for General Schedule and similar employees. Additionally, it provides a 1 percent adjustment to federal locality pay rates for the same year.

This bill, the "Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act," aims to reduce fraudulent payments by improving information sharing between the Social Security Administration and the federal Do Not Pay working system. It mandates cooperation to use death data to prevent and recover improper benefit payments. The legislation also establishes standards for recording deaths and requires notification if an individual is incorrectly flagged as deceased.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson, Arizona, shooting. It honors the six individuals who lost their lives and recognizes the survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution reaffirms the importance of civility in democracy and Congress's dedication to preventing gun violence.

This bill, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2026, extends the operating authority of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for an additional ten years, through 2036. It specifically renews the Bank's general authority, its total financing limit, and the authorization for its Program on China and Transformational Exports.

This resolution officially honors the 67 victims of the tragic 2025 mid-air collision between an Army helicopter and an airliner over the Potomac River. It expresses deep sympathy for the families affected and commends the hundreds of agencies and first responders involved in the response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, the resolution commits to translating safety lessons from the incident into action to prevent future tragedies.

The PREVENT DIABETES Act establishes a four-year demonstration program allowing virtual-only suppliers to participate in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) from 2026 through 2029. This allows for expanded access to evidence-based diabetes prevention services delivered entirely online, regardless of the beneficiary's state. The bill also removes enrollment limits for individuals during this demonstration period.

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.