SRES 615 is a Senate resolution celebrating Black History Month, acknowledging the historical contributions of African Americans to U.S. society across fields like civil rights, arts, science, and leadership. The resolution encourages all citizens to reflect on this history as part of the nation's ongoing journey toward equality, without creating new laws or policies. It specifically recognizes figures such as Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks, and emphasizes the importance of Black History Month in February as a time for communal learning and inspiration. This ceremonial resolution was introduced by multiple senators and passed unanimously by the Senate in 2026.
SRES 602 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams (Team USA) competing in the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. It formally applauds Team USA athletes, coaches, and their supporters, commends Italy for hosting the event, and commits to ensuring safety for future U.S. host events (2028 Los Angeles Summer Games and 2034 Utah Winter Games). The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is purely a statement of congressional support. It directly affects Team USA athletes and organizers by acknowledging their efforts and achievements. This is a procedural resolution with no binding effect on government actions.
Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop or identify resources for small businesses to address concerns relating to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Resources must be generally applicable, technology neutral, and based on relevant voluntary international standards, among other requirements. NIST must coordinate with the Small Business Administration with respect to the distribution of these resources. NIST must also review and update the resources at least biennially.
Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries Act or the ASCEND Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program run by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Through the CSDA program, NASA acquires remote sensing data and imagery from commercial satellites to support its Earth science research. ( Remote sensing generally refers to the collection of data by instruments in Earth’s orbit, such as satellites, that can be processed into imagery of Earth’s surface.) Under the bill, NASA may establish or modify end-use agreements to allow for broad use of data and imagery acquired under the program, including by individuals outside of NASA (e.g., other federal agencies). The terms of any data or imagery acquisition may not prevent the publication of such data or imagery for scientific purposes or the publication of information derived from it. To the extent practicable, NASA must acquire such data and imagery from U.S. vendors.
Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act. The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device. The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.
This concurrent resolution (SCONRES 25) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims (such as Judge John Roll, Gabriel Zimmerman, and 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green), survivors like Giffords and Ron Barber (who later became a U.S. Representative), and the community's response. The resolution expresses support for survivors, recognizes Giffords’ advocacy against gun violence, and reaffirms commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new laws or policy changes.
This bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce two types of commemorative $2.50 coins for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: a circulating coin for everyday use and a numismatic (collector) coin. Both would feature designs based on the 1926 Sesquicentennial coin - showing allegorical liberty holding the Declaration on one side and Independence Hall on the other - with "1776-2026" inscriptions. The bill requires the Mint to issue these coins by July 4, 2026, if technically and economically feasible, but does not mandate their production or affect any specific groups beyond the public who may purchase them.
This bill amends the process for the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) when considering actions against U.S. nonbank financial companies. It requires the FSOC to first determine that alternative solutions - such as new regulatory standards, agency actions, or a company's written plan - are not possible or insufficient to protect financial stability before voting on a formal determination. The change directly affects the FSOC and large nonbank financial companies that could face regulatory scrutiny. The key provision adds a new step to ensure the Council explores other options before taking significant action. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as specified.)
This resolution designates January 2026 as "National Mentoring Month" to raise public awareness about mentoring programs. It recognizes the benefits of mentoring for youth - including improved academic performance, mental health, career development, and reduced risk of delinquency - and highlights that 40% of U.S. youth lack a mentor. The Senate encourages community, school, and workplace efforts to expand existing mentoring programs and recruit volunteers to support young people. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote existing mentoring initiatives across the country.
SRES 596 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week." It directly recognizes school counselors and their role in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. The resolution encourages public awareness through ceremonies and activities to highlight counselors' contributions, addressing their critical but often underfunded role (with a national student-to-counselor ratio of 376:1). It does not create new programs or alter funding but formally acknowledges counselors' work in schools.
HR 988 is a procedural bill that changes the legal location of the National Woman's Relief Corps. It moves the Corps' incorporation and legal domicile from the District of Columbia to Illinois, and shifts its principal office from Springfield, Illinois, to Murphysboro, Illinois. The bill also updates service-of-process requirements to reference Illinois officials instead of District of Columbia authorities. This is purely an administrative relocation with no impact on the Corps' operations or members.
This resolution supports the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and recognizes the critical role of women in agriculture. The resolution also encourages citizens to celebrate the impact these women have on the food systems and agricultural workforce of the United States by encouraging and empowering women to pursue careers in agriculture and cultivate leadership opportunities.
