The GATE Act of 2026 prohibits U.S. national laboratories from admitting or granting access to foreign nationals from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba who are not permanent residents or U.S. citizens. This ban applies to individuals seeking to visit the facilities or work there for more than 30 consecutive days. The Secretary of Energy may issue a written waiver to allow specific exceptions if they determine that the benefits to the United States outweigh national security and economic risks, a decision made in consultation with intelligence officials. Any such waivers must be reported to relevant congressional committees within 30 days, including details on the individual's country of origin and the specific reasons for the exception.
HR 10090 would impose a 10 percent excise tax on private colleges and universities that allow individuals defined as biologically male to participate in intercollegiate athletic programs designated for females. The bill defines sex strictly by biological reproductive systems, excluding state institutions from this requirement. To prevent the financial burden of the tax from being shifted to students, the legislation prohibits affected schools from raising tuition or mandatory fees as a result of the liability. These provisions would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study evaluating the potential for safely expanding the use of reprocessed single-use medical devices, primarily affecting hospitals, third-party reprocessing companies, and patients. The investigation must prioritize patient safety and infection prevention while examining current regulatory pathways, operational feasibility, and financial or environmental impacts. Key areas of focus include comparing third-party reprocessors with in-house hospital processing and addressing liability issues if a reprocessed device fails. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress listing devices suitable for reprocessing and providing recommendations for programs that support safe reuse.
The Lifelong Learning Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to increase the percentage of federal funds that states must reserve for incumbent worker training and transitional jobs programs. It requires states to report on the performance outcomes of these specific training initiatives, which will then be used to adjust performance targets for other adult and dislocated worker programs. Additionally, the bill expands flexibility by allowing local boards to serve as one-stop operators if they enter into written agreements with local officials and adhere to strict conflict-of-interest controls.
The Virtual-Based Opioid Treatment for Veterans Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to launch a two-year pilot program aimed at expanding access to virtual opioid treatment for enrolled veterans who face barriers to in-person care. This initiative requires the VA to conduct outreach, build referral networks, and coordinate with other federal agencies to connect veterans with telehealth programs that combine medication and counseling in a single visit. The bill also mandates a study on treatment barriers and requires annual reports to Congress on the program's progress until the opioid crisis is no longer considered a public health emergency.
The ARCH Act requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a records preservation program for specific Afghan individuals who served with U.S. forces between 2001 and 2021. This program allows eligible applicants, including former military personnel, intelligence operators, and justice sector officials, to submit applications through a secure online portal to have their service records and biometric data preserved by the Department of Defense. The bill mandates that these records be kept for potential future use by the applicant or their designee, while prohibiting fees for the application process. Applicants who are denied classification based on eligibility or derogatory information are granted the right to file one written appeal and may request to reopen their case to provide additional clarifying information.
The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in the People’s Republic of China Act directs the U.S. government to evaluate whether Chinese officials responsible for severe religious freedom abuses have committed gross human rights violations, potentially subjecting them to sanctions under existing laws. It mandates that the Department of State support programs promoting religious freedom and monitor transnational repression targeting ethnic and religious minority groups within China. Additionally, the bill establishes a "sense of Congress" urging diplomatic actions such as raising cases of political prisoners with Chinese leadership and strengthening international partnerships to address these issues. Finally, it requires the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom to provide annual briefings to congressional committees on sanctions efforts, diplomatic initiatives, and specific cases of detained individuals.
This Senate resolution commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union and recognizes the resilience of the Ukrainian people in pursuing sovereignty and democracy. The text affirms U.S. support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, specifically rejecting the annexation of Crimea, while condemning Russia’s 2022 military invasion. It encourages the U.S. government to provide strong security guarantees to facilitate a lasting peace agreement and to integrate lessons from Ukraine’s defense innovations into American military readiness. Additionally, the resolution urges Ukraine to continue implementing reforms related to anti-corruption measures, free markets, and the rule of law.
This Senate resolution celebrates the July 2026 NATO Summit held in Ankara, Türkiye, and reaffirms the United States' commitment to collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. It commends NATO allies for pledging $80 billion in military support for Ukraine in 2026 and highlights the alliance's goal for members to spend at least 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2035. The resolution also urges the Department of Defense to consult with all NATO allies during its force posture review and encourages continued support for Ukraine through initiatives like the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List.
The Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens who are facing removal from the United States. The bill removes time limits on detention during removal proceedings and allows for indefinite detention after a final order is issued if specific conditions, such as national security threats or public safety risks, are certified by government officials. It restricts access to bond hearings for many detainees, requiring them instead to prove they are not flight risks or community threats through clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the legislation establishes administrative review processes that permit detention beyond standard removal periods if an individual fails to cooperate with deportation efforts or poses a continuing danger.
The Right to Worship Act makes it unlawful for individuals to knowingly disrupt religious services or prevent people from entering houses of worship within 100 feet of an entryway during a one-hour window before and after scheduled services. The bill defines prohibited conduct based on the manner of the action, such as volume and duration, rather than the specific content of any speech, while explicitly preserving the right to speak freely under standard time, place, and manner restrictions. Violators face escalating civil fines ranging from $2,500 for a first offense to $10,000 per occurrence for subsequent violations, which are assessed by the Attorney General. Additionally, the legislation grants private individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, and state Attorneys General the authority to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, or statutory penalties of $5,000 per violation.
The Right to Worship Act makes it unlawful for individuals to knowingly disrupt religious services or prevent people from entering houses of worship within 100 feet of an entryway during the hour before and after a scheduled service. The bill applies to conduct that meaningfully interferes with a service's normal operation or unreasonably hinders participation, while explicitly allowing free speech as long as it adheres to these specific time, place, and manner restrictions. Violators face escalating civil fines ranging from $2,500 for a first offense to $10,000 for subsequent offenses, assessed by the Attorney General. Additionally, the act permits aggrieved individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, or state attorneys general to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.
