Rhode Island Congressional Bills

in committee · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8592: No WAR Act

The No WAR Act prohibits Congress from using budget reconciliation procedures to fund military hostilities against Iran unless such actions are explicitly authorized by a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. This legislation directly affects the legislative process by establishing a point of order that blocks any reconciliation bill attempting to provide budget authority for offensive military operations, strikes, or covert actions targeting Iranian military forces, territory, or government institutions. The bill also defines proxy forces as any foreign military or irregular groups operating with U.S. direction or material support, ensuring these entities are included in the restrictions on unauthorized funding. By amending the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, the measure aims to prevent the use of budgetary shortcuts to bypass the constitutional requirement for congressional approval before engaging in armed conflict with Iran.

Val T. Hoyle (D) · 55 co-sponsors

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SRES 703: A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week" to celebrate the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in every community in the United States.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.

Joni Ernst (R) · 88 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 4437: Puppy Protection Act of 2026

The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 amends the Animal Welfare Act to impose stricter housing and care standards on dog dealers. It requires dealers to provide dogs with solid flooring, sufficient indoor space based on size, and temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill also mandates daily nutritious food, unrestricted outdoor exercise for most dogs over 12 weeks, and at least 30 minutes of daily social interaction with humans. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters a female dog can produce and requiring health screenings before breeding. These new requirements must be implemented through final regulations issued by the Secretary within 18 months of the law's enactment.

in committee · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 8582: Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act

This bill, titled the Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act, aims to cancel specific regulations issued by the Department of State. It directly affects the federal government by prohibiting any department or agency from enforcing, implementing, or proposing rules related to protecting life, combating discriminatory equity ideology, and combating gender ideology in foreign aid programs. The legislation treats these cancelled rules as if they never existed, effectively nullifying their impact on future foreign assistance policies.

Grace Meng (D) · 138 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SJRES 139: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Air Plan Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding Colorado's regional haze air quality plan. If passed, it would nullify the EPA's decision to disapprove Colorado's second implementation period plan for reducing air pollution from distant sources. The measure directly affects the state of Colorado and the EPA by preventing the federal agency from enforcing its disapproval of the state's air quality strategy. Under this legislation, the EPA's rule would have no legal force or effect, leaving the status of Colorado's air plan unchanged.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 749: Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025

This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It directly affects the spouses of veterans whose death was caused by ALS, specifically those who died on or after October 1, 2022. The key provision amends a law to treat veterans who died from ALS as if they had the disease for the required period before death, removing a prior time requirement for compensation eligibility. This change ensures surviving spouses qualify for the same benefits previously available only to veterans with longer ALS diagnoses.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SRES 697: A resolution welcoming Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom to the United States on the occasion of His Majesty's address to a joint meeting of Congress, and recognizing the historic global significance of the United States-United Kingdom relationship.

This Senate resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for a state visit where the King will address a joint session of Congress. The document highlights the long-standing diplomatic and security partnership between the two nations, noting shared values and cooperation on issues like defense and technology. It also marks the occasion as the first time a British monarch has addressed Congress since 1991, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

James E. Risch (R) · 32 co-sponsors

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SRES 694: A resolution designating April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month".

This resolution designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of personal finance education. The bill calls on the federal government, states, schools, businesses, and other organizations to hold programs and activities during this month. It is based on data showing high levels of financial stress, debt, and a lack of financial education among many Americans.

Topics ✓ Education

Jack Reed (D) · 28 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HRES 1218: Recognizing the importance of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and welcoming the visit of King Charles III to the United States.

This resolution formally welcomes King Charles III to the United States for his scheduled April 2026 visit and addresses a joint session of Congress. It reaffirms the long-standing special relationship between the two nations, highlighting their shared history, democratic values, and military cooperation. The document also calls for continued collaboration on defense, trade, and human rights issues. As a non-binding expression of sentiment, the resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4415: TEACH Improvement Act of 2026

The TEACH Improvement Act of 2026 amends the federal TEACH Grant program to better support teacher preparation by establishing stricter eligibility criteria for institutions and clarifying rules for post-baccalaureate students. The bill defines "eligible institutions" as those providing high-quality teacher training, financial stability, and ongoing support services, while also creating a specific pathway for individuals with bachelor's degrees to earn teaching credentials without pursuing a graduate degree. Key provisions include setting grant amounts of $4,000 to $5,000 per year, requiring recipients to serve as full-time teachers in high-need fields for four years within eight years, and introducing a new loan conversion process if service obligations are not met. Additionally, the act imposes penalties on institutions where more than 50% of their graduates fail to complete their service obligations, restricting their ability to offer grants until they demonstrate improved outcomes. The legislation also mandates annual reporting on grant conversions and servicer performance to ensure accountability and transparency in the program's administration.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4411: Investing in the American Dream Act

The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration loans to include businesses owned by certain immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, and individuals with deferred action. To qualify, these businesses must be located in the United States and at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or nationals of the United States. The law explicitly states that businesses meeting these ownership and location requirements cannot be denied loans solely because they are owned by eligible immigrants. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not grant the SBA authority to increase the 51 percent ownership threshold for any type of loan.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

Edward J. Markey (D) · 21 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SRES 688: A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

This Senate resolution expresses support for library staff across public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States. It highlights the essential services libraries provide, such as equitable internet access, social support, and community resources, while calling for adequate funding at all government levels. The measure reaffirms the right of citizens to freely access information and explicitly supports the ability of library workers to unionize and collectively bargain. Additionally, it defends the civil rights of library staff against intimidation and censorship, noting recent challenges like book bans and the potential elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology