This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a study within 180 days to determine if smaller aircraft, designed for 10 to 19 passengers, can be safely used for scheduled commercial flights. The investigation must examine how allowing these planes in commercial service would affect the economics for airlines serving small communities, review regulations in other countries, and gather input from manufacturers, rural communities, and safety experts. Once the study is finished, the FAA Administrator will submit a report detailing the findings to both the House and Senate committees.
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.
This resolution formally recognizes June 8, 2026, as World Oceans Day to honor the ocean's historical and economic importance to the United States. It celebrates the contributions of fishermen, maritime workers, scientists, and coastal communities while acknowledging key milestones such as the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris Program. The measure serves as a commemorative statement that reaffirms national commitment to ocean stewardship and maritime leadership without altering existing laws or creating new regulations.
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The bill calls on people across the United States to promote awareness of gun violence and safety, wear orange on the designated day to honor victims, and encourage community leaders to discuss ways to make neighborhoods safer. While the resolution highlights statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries, it does not create new laws or change existing policies. Instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public attention about the issue during a specific time period.
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Defense Act of 2026 establishes a new framework for the U.S. Department of Defense to develop and deploy autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence capabilities. It requires the Secretary of Defense to maintain continuous human oversight, ensuring that operators can intervene to stop systems acting illegally or unexpectedly. The bill mandates rigorous testing, cybersecurity reviews, and legal assessments before these technologies are prototyped or fielded, while also creating a working group to advise on safety standards. Specific prohibitions prevent the use of AI for nuclear launch decisions or warrantless surveillance of individuals within the United States. Additionally, the act defines different risk levels for these systems and requires annual reports to Congress on their administration.
The Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2026 prohibits any person or government entity from restricting, sanctioning, or discriminating against individuals who travel to another state to receive reproductive health care that is legal there. It also protects those who assist travelers and reproductive health care providers from facing penalties for offering services to out-of-state patients, effectively overriding any conflicting state laws. The bill establishes a private right of action allowing affected individuals, organizations, and providers to sue in federal or state court for violations, with provisions for damages and attorney's fees. Additionally, it removes state sovereign immunity defenses for officials enforcing laws that interfere with this travel right, ensuring federal courts can hear such cases directly.
This resolution expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The bill calls on the public to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote awareness of gun safety. It highlights statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries to underscore the need for community discussions on making neighborhoods safer.
The Protecting American Consumers Act establishes a minimum funding level for the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to ensure it has sufficient resources to operate. Specifically, the bill mandates that the federal government must transfer at least 12 percent of the Federal Reserve System's total operating expenses to the Bureau each fiscal year. This provision directly affects the Bureau's budget and its ability to enforce financial regulations on lenders and other entities that impact consumers. By setting a fixed floor for funding, the legislation aims to prevent the Bureau's budget from being reduced below this threshold in future years.
This resolution designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month to highlight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The measure directly impacts the U.S. Senate by formally recognizing the month and affirming the body's dedication to improving treatments, identifying causes, and supporting patients and caregivers. It also commends the efforts of families, volunteers, and researchers working to enhance the quality of life for those living with the condition.
This joint resolution seeks to officially disapprove a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants. If passed, the measure would prevent the EPA's proposed repeal of existing national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from taking effect. The legislation directly impacts the EPA and the electric utility industry by maintaining current regulatory requirements for these power generation units. It operates as a legislative veto, allowing Congress to reject a federal agency's rule without passing new laws.
This Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.
The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens protections for veterans by increasing penalties for unauthorized fees and requiring that only recognized agents or attorneys assist with benefit claims. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide clear online tools for veterans to search for accredited representatives and report unaccredited individuals who charge fees. The bill also requires the department to update its website warnings to explicitly discourage veterans from sharing login credentials and to include questions on claim forms about any coaching or assistance received. Additionally, the legislation expands restrictions on automated telephone equipment to prevent unsolicited calls from automated systems to federal agencies. Finally, the act directs the VA to conduct a review of its current recognition processes and establish a more accessible digital system for managing agent accreditation and complaints.
