This resolution congratulates students, families, educators, and leaders of public charter schools across the United States for their contributions to education and support of National Charter Schools Week in May 2026. It recognizes the growth of the charter school sector, noting that approximately 8,000 such schools serve over 3.7 million children and operate under specific accountability measures similar to traditional public schools. The Senate formally supports the ideals of the annual celebration and encourages communities to hold events to demonstrate backing for these institutions.
This resolution supports designating the second Friday in June as National Service and Conservation Corps Day to honor the work of over 140 organizations that engage young adults and veterans in community service projects. These programs, which are descendants of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps, help participants gain skills, earn education awards, and contribute to conservation, disaster response, and infrastructure improvements. The Senate's action calls on citizens to recognize the value of national service and encourages the continued expansion of these existing nonprofit and government-run initiatives.
This bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to allow the Secretary of Education to extend paperwork reduction waivers for states that are struggling with administrative burdens. Under the new provisions, the Secretary can grant multiple extensions of these waivers, with each extension lasting up to four years. The change directly affects state education agencies that currently hold waivers to reduce reporting requirements for special education services, giving them the option to extend these relief periods rather than facing stricter compliance deadlines.
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 designates specific dates in 2026 to honor seersucker, a lightweight cotton fabric traditionally worn during hot summer weather. It officially names June 11, 2026, as National Seersucker Day, designates every Thursday from that date through the end of August 2026 as Seersucker Thursday, and declares the entire month of June 2026 as Seersucker Appreciation Month. The bill aims to recognize the historical significance of the fabric and encourage people to wear it while supporting cotton producers and local clothing industries.
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.
This bill, known as the Critical Access Hospital RIP Act of 2026, aims to protect rural hospitals from losing their special status due to new road construction. It directly affects facilities designated as critical access hospitals that might otherwise fail to meet population requirements because a nearby highway or bridge was recently built or improved. The law mandates that if a facility qualifies for designation but fails the population test solely because of a completed roadway project, it will still be considered to meet the requirement. By ignoring the impact of these specific transportation upgrades, the legislation ensures these hospitals can continue operating without being forced to close due to infrastructure changes.
The SHRIMP Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a testing method for identifying the country of origin for shrimp, covering raw, cooked, and prepared forms. This new methodology must include chemical analysis, be usable in a portable field kit, and minimize testing time to help law enforcement combat illegal fishing and improve food safety. Within 18 months of enactment, officials must develop this approach, and within two years, submit a report detailing the method and a plan to put it into practice. The law specifically applies to shrimp harvested, cultivated, or imported into the United States for human consumption.
This bill directs the U.S. government to create a strategy for maintaining global leadership in Wi-Fi and unlicensed wireless technologies, specifically in preparation for a major international conference in Shanghai in 2027. It requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop a public plan within 180 days that outlines how the United States will advocate for specific spectrum allocations and counter efforts by foreign adversaries to undermine these technologies. The plan must include strategies to coordinate with allies and address actions taken by the Chinese government, with a final report on progress due after the conference concludes.
The SIMS Act prohibits companies from creating or operating chatbots that simulate minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct or conversations. This law applies to any person offering such software in the United States and defines a minor as anyone under 18 years old. While the ban covers simulations of real or fictional minors, it includes specific exemptions for law enforcement agencies investigating child sexual exploitation. Violations can result in criminal fines of up to $100,000 or civil penalties, and the Attorney General is required to submit annual reports on enforcement actions and investigations related to the new rules.
This bill creates a new "Red Tape Hotline" to help small businesses report rules or government actions they find burdensome. The Chief Counsel for Advocacy must set up this hotline, along with an accessible website and submission methods, within 180 days of the law passing. Once established, the hotline will collect complaints about specific regulations, and the office must submit annual reports to Congress detailing the most common issues and suggesting ways to reduce the workload on small entities.
The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.
