Michael F. Bennet

TRUST Act

The bill would establish stricter requirements for hiring and training immigration enforcement officers, including better background checks and screening procedures before they can be hired. It would also create uniform standards for how these officers dress, carry identification, and conduct themselves on the job to ensure consistency and professionalism across immigration enforcement agencies. These changes would affect the Department of Homeland Security and its immigration enforcement operations, potentially improving accountability and public trust in how immigration laws are enforced.

KIDS Act

The Department of Homeland Security would be prohibited from detaining children and people with cognitive disabilities, and immigration agents would need a court-issued criminal warrant before conducting enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and courthouses. This would affect immigration enforcement practices and protect vulnerable populations and public institutions from immigration raids. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

OPEN Act

The bill would require immigration enforcement agencies to be more transparent about their operations and hold officers accountable for misconduct, while also protecting people's civil rights during immigration enforcement actions. It would establish new reporting requirements so the public and Congress can better understand how immigration enforcement is being conducted and whether officers are following proper procedures. The measure affects immigration enforcement personnel, immigrants, and the general public who want oversight of government agencies.

SMART Community Policing Act

The bill would provide federal funding to help police departments try new approaches to community policing, improve mental health services in their communities, and develop programs aimed at making neighborhoods safer. The money would support innovations and experiments in how law enforcement and communities work together to prevent crime and address underlying issues like mental illness. This would affect local police departments, mental health providers, and the communities they serve.

A resolution commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Columbine Day of Service and honoring the memories of the victims, survivors, and their families.

This resolution marks the 10th anniversary of the Columbine Day of Service, a community initiative created to honor the 13 people killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and support the survivors and their families. The resolution recognizes the ongoing impact of this tragedy on the Columbine community and celebrates the volunteer service efforts that have grown from remembering those lost. It serves as a formal congressional acknowledgment of the victims' memories and the resilience of those affected by the shooting.

Public Lands Integrity Act

This bill would change budget rules to prevent Congress from using land sales as a way to offset spending in other areas of legislation. Currently, when the government sells or transfers federal land, the money raised can be counted as savings to help pay for new spending elsewhere in a bill, but this change would eliminate that practice. The change would make it harder to pass certain bills under expedited budget procedures that normally allow faster votes with fewer parliamentary obstacles.

Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026

When a governor asks the President to declare a major disaster so a state can receive federal emergency aid, this bill would let Congress override the President's decision if they disagree with it. Currently, if the President says no to a disaster declaration, states have limited options to challenge that decision, but this bill would create a formal process for Congress to vote on reversing the President's denial. This would affect states and communities seeking federal disaster relief funds for emergencies like hurricanes, floods, or other major disasters.

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".

Congress is considering blocking an EPA rule that rejected Colorado's plan for reducing air pollution haze in the state during a specific time period. If approved, this resolution would overturn the EPA's disapproval and allow Colorado to proceed with its own approach to meeting regional haze standards. The decision affects Colorado's air quality regulations and how the state manages pollution from industrial sources and other contributors to haze.

Western Tribal Water Act of 2026

The legislation would address water rights and water management issues for Native American tribes in western states, likely establishing new agreements or clarifying existing water allocations that tribes depend on for drinking water, agriculture, and other uses. The bill affects tribal governments, their members, and potentially state and federal water management agencies that work with tribes on shared water resources.

Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act of 2026

This bill would likely establish programs and funding to protect and restore watersheds—the areas of land where water drains into rivers, streams, and groundwater—while improving water quality for communities that depend on these resources. It would probably support conservation efforts, help farmers and landowners implement water-friendly practices, and address pollution that affects drinking water and local ecosystems. The bill aims to benefit both rural communities that rely on clean water and agricultural areas by balancing environmental protection with land management needs.

First Island Chain Deterrence Act

This bill would likely strengthen U.S. military support and partnerships with countries in the Pacific region—particularly Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and other nations near China—to deter potential military aggression in that area. It probably includes measures like increased military aid, joint training exercises, or security agreements to help these allies defend themselves. The goal is to make any military action in the region more costly or risky for potential aggressors.

Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026

This bill would establish a space cooperation partnership between the United States and countries in the Indo-Pacific region, likely involving shared satellite technology, space research, and coordination on space activities. The partnership would aim to strengthen ties with allies in Asia and the Pacific while advancing shared interests in space exploration and satellite communications. It would affect government space agencies, international partners in the region, and potentially private space companies involved in these collaborative efforts.

Forest Resources Accountability Act

This bill would likely establish new requirements for how federal agencies manage and report on the use of forests on public lands, possibly including rules about logging, conservation, and environmental protection. The changes would affect timber companies, environmental groups, and federal land managers who oversee national forests and other public lands. The goal appears to be increasing transparency and accountability in how these forests are used and managed.

Rural Hospital Revitalization Act of 2026

This bill would provide financial support and resources to help rural hospitals stay open and improve their services in communities across America. It likely includes funding, tax breaks, or other assistance to address the challenges small hospitals face, such as staffing shortages and limited patient populations, which have forced many rural facilities to close in recent years. The legislation would affect rural communities, patients who depend on local hospitals, and healthcare workers in agricultural regions.

Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

This bill would authorize the construction and operation of a water conveyance system to transport water from Crystal Reservoir to communities and agricultural areas that need it. The project would affect water users, farmers, and municipalities in the region by potentially providing them with more reliable access to water supplies. The bill has been referred to congressional committees that oversee public lands and natural resources for further review.

Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act

This bill would require drug manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers to disclose detailed pricing information throughout the prescription drug supply chain, making it easier to see how much money each company makes from drug sales. By pulling back the curtain on these hidden markups and fees, the bill aims to help patients, insurers, and policymakers understand why prescription drugs cost so much and identify where prices are being inflated. The transparency could put pressure on companies to justify high prices and potentially help lawmakers design policies to lower drug costs.

REAL Health Providers Act

The bill would likely expand or clarify which healthcare providers can receive payment and recognition under federal health programs, possibly by changing how certain types of doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals are classified or compensated. The specific changes would affect healthcare workers, patients seeking care, and health insurance programs, though the exact details depend on what "REAL" stands for and which providers the bill targets. Once the Finance Committee reviews it, they'll determine whether these changes would impact federal healthcare spending and coverage rules.

No Taxpayer Funds for Corporate Investment in Venezuelan Oil Act

The bill would prohibit U.S. taxpayer money—including federal funds, loans, and investments—from being used to finance or support corporate investments in Venezuelan oil production and related industries. This would prevent government agencies and federally-backed financial institutions from funding American companies that want to do business in Venezuela's oil sector. The measure targets concerns about U.S. money indirectly supporting Venezuela's government and economy during periods of political tension.

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado to protect certain natural, recreational, scenic, cultural, historical, and other values of the areas. The conservation area must consist of approximately 52,872 acres of Bureau of Land Management land. The special management area must consist of approximately 15,452 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest. A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to allow for the continued use of the areas by members of Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. Additionally, Interior must manage the portions of the areas identified as Ponderosa Gorge in a manner that maintains its wilderness character, including by prohibiting (1) road construction; (2) the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport; and (3) projects undertaken for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber. Interior must also establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area Advisory Council. Finally, the bill releases segments of the Dolores River inside the areas from further study for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act

This bill would likely protect or manage certain public lands in Colorado to support outdoor recreation activities like hiking, fishing, and camping while also considering economic benefits to local communities. The legislation would probably designate specific areas for conservation or establish rules for how these lands can be used, affecting outdoor enthusiasts, tourism businesses, and potentially energy or mining companies that operate in the region. The bill is currently being reviewed by lawmakers who oversee public lands policy.

SEED Act

Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act or the SEED Act This bill expands eligibility for the above-the-line federal tax deduction for certain eligible educator expenses to include early childhood educators. (An above-the-line tax deduction is subtracted from gross income to calculate adjusted gross income.) Under current law, kindergarten through grade 12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides in schools that provide elementary or secondary education are allowed an above-the-line tax deduction of up to $300 (in 2025 and adjusted annually) for certain unreimbursed professional development and classroom expenses. (Other conditions apply.) The bill expands eligibility for the tax deduction for such educator expenses to include early childhood educators in schools that provide early childhood (pre-kindergarten) education.

Headwaters Protection Act of 2025

Headwaters Protection Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2034 and expands the Water Source Protection Program (WSPP) under which the Forest Service carries out watershed protection and restoration projects on federal land. It also requires the Forest Service's Watershed Condition Framework for National Forest System land to ensure certain activities and authorizations do not result in long-term degradation of the health of a watershed. The bill authorizes the WSPP to support projects on state, local, or private land that is adjacent to projects on National Forest System land, so long as (1) the adjacent land is within the same watershed as the project on federal land, and (2) the owner of the adjacent land supports the project. Further, the bill expands the types of end water users that may participate in the program to include (1) an acequia association (an organization that manages traditional irrigation systems found in the Southwest); (2) a public entity that manages water infrastructure, such as stormwater or wastewater resources; (3) certain land grant entities in New Mexico called land-grant mercedes; and (4) a local, regional, or other private entity that has water delivery authority. The bill requires projects under the program to (1) protect and restore watershed health, water supply and quality, a municipal or agricultural water supply system, and water-related infrastructure; (2) protect and restore forest health from insect infestation and disease or wildfire; or (3) advance any combination of those purposes. Additionally, the bill reduces the cost share for nonfederal WSPP participants.

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The bill would require the Defense Department to create a plan for working with allied countries in the Indo-Pacific region to discourage military aggression and strengthen security partnerships. This strategy would likely involve coordinating defense efforts with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia to present a united front against potential threats in that part of the world. The goal is to make military conflict less likely by showing that multiple nations are prepared to defend themselves together.

Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025

Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025 This bill authorizes payment changes under Medicare for air ambulance services based on certain collected data and requires additional reporting from providers of these services. Current law requires providers of air ambulance services to report certain information regarding general costs and utilization to the Department of Health and Human Services; private health insurers are also required to report information relating to coverage of these services. The bill authorizes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to revise payment rates under Medicare for air ambulance services based on this data, and it requires providers of air ambulance services to specifically report information relating to costs and utilization under Medicare. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the data that is collected under current law requirements and to recommend changes to Medicare payment rates accordingly.

Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act of 2025

This bill would protect a specific area around Gunnison, Colorado from certain types of development by designating it as protected public land. The protection would likely restrict mining, oil and gas drilling, and other extractive activities while allowing outdoor recreation like hiking and hunting. Local communities, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation groups would benefit from preserving the landscape, while companies interested in resource extraction in the region would face new limitations.

A resolution recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk who, in 1975, advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be married.

This resolution honors Clela Rorex, a Colorado county clerk who issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 1975, decades before such marriages became legal nationwide, recognizing her role in advancing civil rights and equality. The resolution acknowledges her courageous decision to treat all couples equally under the law despite the legal and social barriers that existed at the time. It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.

American Family Act

The American Family Act would expand the child tax credit to provide larger annual payments to families with children, making the credit fully refundable so families can receive the full benefit even if they owe little or no taxes. The bill aims to reduce child poverty and help working and middle-class families afford basic expenses like food, housing, and childcare. It would affect millions of families with dependent children by increasing the amount of money they receive from the federal government each year.

Hot Foods Act of 2025

Hot Foods Act of 2025 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to permit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption.

MATE Improvement Act

The bill aims to improve health outcomes and access to care, though the specific details aren't clear from the title alone. Based on its referral to the health committee, it likely addresses issues related to medical treatment, patient services, or healthcare delivery for affected populations. The bill is currently under review and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by Congress.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Russian Federation started the war against Ukraine by launching an unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

This resolution expresses the sense that Russia initiated the war against Ukraine by invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

Edward J. Dwight, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., the first African American astronaut candidate in the United States, in recognition of his historic service to the United States, his example of excellence during times of struggle and overt racism, and his contributions in art and Black history.

Bolts Ditch Act

Bolts Ditch Act This bill allows additional entities—the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority—to access and use the Bolts Ditch and its headgate within the Holy Cross Wilderness in Colorado for the purposes of the diversion of water and use, maintenance, and repair of such ditch and headgate.

Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act

Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act This bill reduces payments that communities within the Arkansas River Valley must pay to the Bureau of Reclamation for the construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a pipeline in Colorado for delivering water from the Pueblo Reservoir to such communities. Specifically, it removes interest payments and extends the repayment period to 100 years.

Pike National Historic Trail Study Act of 2010

Pike National Historic Trail Study Act of 2010 - Amends the National Trails System Act to require a study for the designation of Pike's Trail, a series of routes that follow the route taken by Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike during the 1806-1807 Pike expedition that began in Fort Bellefontaine, Missouri, and ended in Natchitoches, Louisiana, as a national historic trail.

Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act

Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act - (Sec. 3) Designates the Chimney Rock National Monument in Colorado to preserve, protect, and restore the cultural, historic, natural, educational, and scenic resources of Chimney Rock and adjacent land and to provide for public interpretation and recreation consistent with the protection of such resources. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make minor adjustments to the boundaries of the Monument to reflect the inclusion of significant archaeological resources discovered on adjacent National Forest System land. (Sec. 4) Sets forth provisions for the administration of the Monument. Permits only such uses of the Monument that would further the purposes specified above. Requires the Monument to be administered according to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the policy specified in the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Allows for continued use of the Monument by Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out vegetative management treatments within the Monument, with the exception of timber harvesting which shall only be used when necessary for ecosystem restoration or the control of fire, insects, or diseases. Limits the use of motor vehicles and mountain bikes in the Monument to roads and trails identified as appropriate for such use. Permits grazing in the Monument where established prior to this Act's enactment. Prohibits anything in this Act precluding upgrading an existing utility right-of-way through the Monument. Authorizes the Secretary to construct an education and interpretive center to interpret the Monument's scientific and cultural resources for the public. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to develop a management plan for the Monument in consultation with Indian tribes having a cultural or historic tie to Chimney Rock. Requires an opportunity for public comment on the plan. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to acquire, by purchase from willing sellers, donation, or exchange, land and interests within or adjacent to the Monument. (Sec. 7) Withdraws federal land in the Monument and any acquired land from: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws, except for the issuance of gas pipeline rights-of-way within existing easements. (Sec. 8) Specifies this Act's effect on: (1) valid water rights, (2) federal reserved water rights, (3) specified tribal rights, (4) fish and wildlife on public lands in Colorado, and (5) buffer zones or private property adjacent to the Monument. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.