Legislative Activity

The Scientific Integrity Act aims to safeguard the role of science in federal policymaking by requiring agencies that fund or conduct research to adopt and enforce strict scientific integrity policies. These policies must prohibit political interference, data suppression, and retaliation against scientists. The legislation establishes Scientific Integrity Officers within agencies and mandates regular training and public reporting on policy implementation to ensure public trust in government science.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense that access to mifepristone should be based on over 25 years of proven safety and effectiveness supported by peer-reviewed science. It calls for equitable and transparent laws and policies governing access to this time-sensitive medication abortion care. The resolution affirms the FDA's authority to regulate the drug based on the best available evidence, free from political interference.

This resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of foster youth and expresses gratitude for foster parents, social workers, and advocates. Ultimately, the measure encourages Congress to implement policies that improve outcomes for children in foster care, from prevention to successful transition to adulthood.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to exclude certain direct charitable distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans from their gross income. To qualify, the distribution must be made after age 70½ and sent directly to eligible charities, excluding private foundations and donor-advised funds. The exclusion amount is capped based on existing IRA charitable distribution limits.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, recognizing his significant contributions as a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. The Senate expresses its profound sorrow over his passing and offers condolences to his family. The resolution directs that this tribute be communicated to the House and his family, and the Senate will adjourn in his memory.

The GUARD Act establishes federal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly concerning minors. It mandates that companies operating these AI systems implement rigorous age verification processes for all users. Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for designing AI that solicits minors into explicit conduct or promotes violence, and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with user protection and disclosure requirements.

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act revises federal law regarding motor vehicle theft by lowering the required mental state for the basic offense to "knowingly." This change broadens the scope of federal jurisdiction over carjacking incidents. The bill also establishes a specific aggravating factor if death results when a vehicle is taken with the intent to cause serious harm.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Robert S. Mueller III, celebrating his distinguished career as a Marine Corps veteran, federal prosecutor, and former FBI Director. It commends his lifelong dedication to public service, the rule of law, and the defense of American democracy. The resolution also extends formal condolences to his family for their loss.

The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 prohibits credit reporting agencies from reporting negative credit information related to federal workers during a government shutdown. This protection applies when there is a lapse in appropriations lasting over 24 hours and for 30 days after the lapse ends. Covered federal employees can request the removal of this adverse information from their credit reports free of charge during this period.

This bill proposes a short-term extension of specific surveillance authorities under Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). It moves the expiration date for these authorities from April 30, 2026, to June 12, 2026.

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act aims to increase diversity and participation in clinical trials by funding outreach and education efforts targeting underrepresented populations. It amends federal laws to allow trial sponsors to cover participant expenses, provide necessary digital health technologies, and assist with cost-sharing obligations without violating anti-kickback statutes. Furthermore, the bill allows participants to exclude up to \$2,000 in annual payments received from trial sponsors from their gross income.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to celebrate the vital contributions and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across the United States. The bill recognizes the essential role these businesses play in the national economy and applauds their resilience.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 significantly strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by establishing rigorous new standards for dog dealers. This bill mandates substantial improvements to housing, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care for dogs. Furthermore, it introduces strict regulations on breeding practices, including health screening and limits on female dog litters, while ensuring humane retirement for breeding dogs.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 20 through April 24, 2026, as "National Home Visiting Week." It recognizes the vital role of home visiting programs in supporting families with young children, promoting healthy development, and preventing abuse and neglect. The bill highlights the extensive reach and impact of these evidence-based services across the nation.

This bill officially reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for an additional seven years, extending its operation until 2034. It also updates the mandatory recoupment timelines for when the government recovers insurance payments following a covered terrorist act.

This bill, the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, explicitly repeals Executive Order 14399, which attempted to regulate mail-in voting. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Postal Service, from using funds to create national voter/citizenship databases or interfere with state administration of absentee and mail-in ballots. The Act reaffirms that states, not the federal government, control federal election procedures.

The Drug Deal Disclosure Act mandates the public release of all federal government agreements with drug manufacturers concerning pricing, sales, and import conditions. This transparency requirement applies to specific existing deals and any future agreements made after enactment. The law strictly limits what information can be withheld, preventing redactions based on political embarrassment. Finally, it requires analyses from the CBO and GAO on the economic and budgetary effects of these disclosed deals.

The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to officially include hot rotisserie chicken as an eligible food item for purchase using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This bill expands the range of food options available to SNAP recipients.

The Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2026 is a comprehensive bill establishing stricter federal firearm regulations. It mandates universal background checks for private sales, limits handgun purchases, bans "ghost guns," and restricts assault weapons. Additionally, the Act creates federal grant programs to support state implementation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (red flag laws) and domestic violence firearm surrender requirements. Finally, it introduces new safety measures, including mandatory reporting of lost/stolen guns and prohibitions for those convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes.

The Stop CHEATERS Act aims to prevent tax avoidance by large corporations and high-income individuals. It provides significant, multi-year appropriations to the IRS for increased enforcement, improved taxpayer services, and technology modernization. Furthermore, the bill mandates regular reporting from the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General to Congress detailing efforts to audit high-earners and large businesses.