Tom Cotton

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

The federal government would receive funding authorization for intelligence agencies and activities during 2027, including money for the CIA, various intelligence operations, and the retirement and disability benefits system for CIA employees. This bill determines how much money intelligence agencies can spend on their operations and personnel costs for that fiscal year. The measure affects intelligence workers, CIA retirees, and the overall national security operations that gather and analyze information to protect the country.

No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act

The proposal would make it harder for close family members of people designated as foreign terrorists to enter or stay in the United States by creating a new legal reason to deny them entry or immigration benefits. This would affect immigrants and visa applicants who have relatives involved in terrorist organizations, even if those family members themselves have not committed any crimes. The measure is currently being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 3 years.

The government would be allowed to continue a surveillance program that lets intelligence agencies collect communications of foreign targets without a warrant for another three years. This program, known as Section 702, is used by the FBI, NSA, and CIA to monitor phone calls, emails, and other communications of people outside the United States, though it sometimes incidentally captures communications involving Americans. The bill would extend this authority, which was set to expire, giving the government continued power to conduct this type of foreign intelligence gathering.

Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act

The legislation would strengthen federal laws that prevent people from spying for foreign countries or sharing classified national security information with enemies of the United States. The changes would update these espionage laws to better protect sensitive government secrets and make it clearer what actions are illegal. This would affect government employees, military personnel, contractors with access to classified information, and anyone else who might handle sensitive national security materials.

A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

This act extends the authorities of Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until June 12, 2026. Title VII of FISA generally addresses electronic surveillance and other methods of acquiring foreign intelligence information that are directed at targets outside the United States. Title VII includes surveillance under Section 702, which concerns acquiring communications of non-U.S. persons believed to be outside the United States to obtain foreign intelligence information. Information about U.S. persons may incidentally be acquired by this type of surveillance and subsequently queried (searched) under certain circumstances. For additional information see CRS In Focus, IF11451 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) ; and CRS Report, R48592 FISA Section 702 and the 2024 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act .

Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

Private companies that operate critical infrastructure like power plants, water treatment facilities, and communication networks would be allowed to use technology that detects and disables drones flying over their property. Currently, only the federal government and military have legal permission to use such counter-drone systems, so this bill would expand that authority to help protect important facilities from unauthorized drone activity. The measure is intended to give infrastructure owners better tools to defend against potential security threats.

Securing America’s Drug Supply from Communist China Act

The bill would require federal regulators to review and potentially restrict pharmaceutical products and ingredients coming from Chinese companies or manufacturers before they can be sold in the United States. This would give the government more oversight of drug supply chains and could affect both the medications available to patients and the companies that produce or import them. The goal appears to be ensuring the safety and security of America's drug supply by scrutinizing foreign pharmaceutical sources.

Reliable Power Act

The bill aims to strengthen the reliability and stability of the nation's electrical grid by establishing standards and requirements for power generation and distribution systems. It likely addresses how utilities maintain consistent electricity supply during peak demand periods and extreme weather events, affecting both energy companies and the households and businesses that depend on steady power. The proposal has advanced to the committee hearing stage where lawmakers are gathering information before deciding whether to move forward.

JOAN Act

This bill would improve how different federal agencies work together when reviewing applications for natural gas pipelines and related projects under the Natural Gas Act. By coordinating better between agencies, the goal is to streamline the approval process while ensuring environmental and safety standards are still met. The bill affects natural gas companies seeking permits, environmental groups monitoring projects, and communities where pipelines might be built.

ENDS Chinese Vapes Act of 2026

This bill would increase financial penalties for people and companies that illegally import or carelessly bring vaping devices and e-cigarettes into the United States, with harsher fines for repeat offenders. The penalties would get progressively steeper each time someone violates the rule, encouraging importers to follow the law or face increasingly expensive consequences. The measure targets both intentional smuggling and negligent violations by customs violators and importers.

Rx ACCESS Act

The Rx ACCESS Act would allow military service members and their families to access prescription medications more easily, likely by expanding pharmacy options or reducing costs for drugs covered under military health insurance. The bill aims to improve healthcare access for active duty personnel, retirees, and dependents who rely on military medical benefits. This could mean faster refills, more participating pharmacies, or lower out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions.

American Security Robotics Act of 2026

Based on the title and referral to the Homeland Security committee, this bill likely aims to establish rules or standards for how robots and robotic systems can be used in security and law enforcement operations across the United States. The legislation probably addresses concerns about the deployment, safety, and oversight of security robots by federal, state, and local agencies, potentially affecting both government operations and companies that manufacture or sell these technologies. Without more detailed information about the bill's specific provisions, the exact scope of regulations or requirements remains unclear.

Know Your American Customer Act

This bill would require banks and financial institutions to verify the immigration status of their customers, likely as part of their existing identity-checking procedures. The measure would affect both individuals opening accounts and the financial institutions that serve them, potentially making it harder for undocumented immigrants to access banking services.

Educational Visa Transparency Act of 2026

This bill would require the government to publicly report detailed information about student visas, including how many are issued, where students come from, what they study, and where they work after graduation. The transparency would help lawmakers, schools, and the public understand the impact of international student programs on American education and the job market. Students, universities, and immigration officials would all be affected by these new reporting requirements.

A bill to temporarily suspend the clean electricity production credit to support the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

This bill would pause a tax credit that encourages companies to produce clean electricity from sources like wind and solar, temporarily redirecting the money that would have gone to those credits toward filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (the government's emergency stockpile of oil). The suspension would affect renewable energy companies and investors who currently benefit from the tax incentive, while freeing up federal funds for oil purchases.

Naturalization Accountability Act

The bill would likely establish new requirements or oversight procedures for the naturalization process—the system by which immigrants become U.S. citizens. Based on the title's emphasis on "accountability," it probably aims to add checks, audits, or stricter verification steps to ensure the naturalization system is working properly and prevent fraud or errors. This would affect immigrants applying for citizenship and the government agencies that process their applications.

Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026

This bill would require trucking companies to disclose any connections to Chinese Communist Party entities and establish security measures to prevent foreign interference in the trucking industry. It aims to protect national security by ensuring transparency about foreign ownership or control of companies that transport goods across the United States, which could affect military supply chains and critical infrastructure.

Living Donor Protection Act of 2025

Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term insurance carriers from denying or otherwise restricting coverage for living organ donors. Specifically, carriers may not deny, cancel, vary premiums, or otherwise impose conditions on policies based on an individual's status as a living organ donor. The bill also expressly specifies that recovery from organ-donation surgery constitutes a serious health condition that entitles eligible employees to job-protected medical leave. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must update educational materials on living organ donation to include information about the benefits and risks of living organ donation and the impact of donation on insurance access, particularly with respect to the bill's changes.

Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy Act of 2026

This bill would require electric utilities to be more transparent about how they set rates and would establish protections to keep energy bills affordable for households and small businesses. It likely aims to give consumers better information about what they're paying for and prevent utilities from raising rates too quickly or unfairly. The bill has been sent to the Senate's energy committee for review.

Enforce Immigration or Lose Transportation Act

This bill would tie federal transportation funding to states' enforcement of immigration laws, potentially reducing highway and transit money for states that don't comply with federal immigration policies. The measure would affect state and local governments that receive federal transportation dollars, as well as commuters and businesses that depend on roads and public transit systems. States would face financial penalties if they don't cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026

This bill would update and strengthen the nation's defenses against biological threats by modernizing how the government detects, responds to, and prevents disease outbreaks and bioterrorism. It likely includes funding and new tools for laboratories, disease surveillance systems, and coordination between federal agencies and private companies that work on infectious disease research. The changes would affect public health officials, research institutions, and companies involved in biotechnology and medical diagnostics.

MERICA Act of 2026

The MERICA Act addresses energy policy, though the specific details are not yet publicly available since the bill has just been referred to committee. Based on the title and energy focus, it likely proposes changes to how the United States produces, distributes, or regulates energy sources, potentially affecting energy companies, consumers' utility bills, or environmental standards. The bill will be reviewed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee before any votes take place.

DATA Act of 2026

The DATA Act of 2026 would establish new requirements for collecting, standardizing, and sharing data about energy production, consumption, and infrastructure across the United States. This would help the government, energy companies, and researchers better understand how energy flows through the country and identify ways to improve efficiency and reliability. The bill affects energy utilities, power generators, and federal agencies responsible for monitoring the nation's energy systems.

National Guard Protective Zone Act

This bill would likely establish special legal protections or designated zones where the National Guard operates, possibly to shield Guard members or facilities from certain crimes or legal challenges. The measure focuses on crime and law enforcement issues, suggesting it aims to address security concerns related to National Guard operations, though the specific protections and zones would depend on the bill's detailed language. It currently awaits review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Biological Intellectual Property Protection Act of 2025

The legislation would establish protections for biological materials and genetic information developed by U.S. companies and researchers, preventing other countries from using or profiting from American biological innovations without permission or compensation. It aims to strengthen international agreements and enforcement mechanisms to stop the unauthorized use of U.S. biological intellectual property abroad, affecting pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, universities, and research institutions that develop new medicines, crops, and biological products. The bill addresses concerns that valuable biological discoveries are being stolen or copied by foreign competitors, costing American businesses money and competitive advantage.

Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025

Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025 This bill permits unrefrigerated surplus eggs originally intended for hatching to be repurposed for use in pasteurized liquid egg products intended for consumption. Under current regulations, most eggs intended for consumption must be refrigerated within 36 hours of being laid. The bill would exempt from this requirement surplus broiler hatching eggs (eggs originally intended to be hatched and raised for meat) that are repurposed for sale to an egg breaker (a facility that sells liquid egg to food manufacturers). (Broiler hatching eggs are generally held at a warmer temperature than other eggs in order to facilitate incubation. Because these eggs are not refrigerated, current regulations prohibit the sale of any surplus broiler hatching eggs to egg breakers for use in liquid egg products. Liquid egg products distributed for consumption are separately required under current law to be pasteurized, or treated to destroy bacteria.) The bill also requires the Food and Drug Administration to revise the refrigeration requirement to permit surplus broiler hatching eggs held at temperatures suitable for hatching chicks to be sold to egg breakers for processing as liquid egg products.

American Citizens First Act

Combating Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals Act of 2025

This bill aims to crack down on fake and substandard medications that enter the U.S. market from other countries, protecting patients from dangerous drugs that don't contain the promised ingredients or dosages. It likely involves working with international partners to strengthen supply chain security, improve tracking of medications, and increase penalties for those involved in distributing counterfeit drugs. The legislation would affect pharmaceutical companies, importers, healthcare providers, and ultimately patients who rely on safe, authentic medications.

Protect Our Prosecutors and Judges Act of 2025

This bill would likely increase protections and security measures for prosecutors and judges who face threats or violence because of their work. It probably includes provisions for things like security funding, threat assessment programs, or legal protections for these officials and their families. The measure aims to help law enforcement and judicial officials do their jobs safely without fear of retaliation.

No Bail Post-Jail Act

This bill would likely change bail rules for people who are released from jail, possibly by restricting when bail can be set or requiring certain conditions for those with prior convictions. The legislation would affect defendants in criminal cases and potentially impact how courts handle pretrial release decisions. The specific details of how bail would be reformed are not yet clear from the title alone, but the bill appears aimed at addressing concerns about repeat offenders being released before trial.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

This bill authorizes funding and sets policies for U.S. intelligence agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI for the 2026 fiscal year, determining how much money they can spend and what activities they can conduct. It affects intelligence workers, national security operations, and oversight of classified programs, while also establishing rules that intelligence agencies must follow. The bill has generated some disagreement, as indicated by minority views being filed alongside the committee's report.

Neonatal Care Transparency Act of 2025

The legislation would require hospitals and neonatal intensive care units to publicly report detailed information about their services, costs, and patient outcomes for newborns receiving specialized care. Parents and families would gain access to transparent data about infection rates, survival rates, and pricing at different facilities to help them make informed decisions about where to seek care for critically ill infants. The requirement aims to improve accountability among healthcare providers and help families compare quality and affordability across neonatal care centers.

Securing Energy Supply Chains Act

This bill would strengthen protections for America's energy infrastructure by establishing new rules to prevent foreign companies and hostile nations from controlling critical parts of the energy supply chain, particularly in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. It likely aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for key energy materials and equipment while ensuring that energy companies can reliably access the materials they need to produce and deliver power to homes and businesses.

SAFE FOOD Act of 2025

Study And Framework for Efficiency in Food Oversight and Organizational Design Act of 2025 or the SAFE FOOD Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on the consolidation of federal food safety agencies into a single agency. Federal agencies that currently have a role in food safety include the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which is part of the USDA, and the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which are part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Dismantling Ideological Policies for Semiconductors and Science Act

Dismantling Ideological Policies for Semiconductors and Science Act This bill repeals requirements and eliminates positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in various federal programs and offices focused on science. Each of the repealed provisions was originally included in the CHIPS and Science Act. Among other modifications, the bill repeals a provision authorizing the National Institute for Standards and Technology to conduct outreach to and develop research collaborations with historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions; eliminates the position of Chief Diversity Officer within the National Science Foundation (NSF); repeals an NSF grant program to enable institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers; and eliminates references to diversity in the purposes and responsibilities of the Office of STEM Engagement within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The bill also prohibits executive branch agencies from requiring entities seeking federal funding to have certain policies in place, unless such a requirement is imposed by a federal statute. Such policies include those related to hiring, training, and retaining a diverse workforce; providing childcare for employees; minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and local communities; and consultation with labor organizations. (On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing , which directed the termination of all federal DEI programs, offices, and positions, including Chief Diversity Officer positions.)

Chip Security Act

This bill likely aims to protect America's semiconductor industry and supply chains from foreign threats by restricting or regulating how advanced computer chips are sold, exported, or manufactured with foreign involvement. It would affect chip makers, technology companies, and potentially consumers by controlling which countries and companies can access cutting-edge semiconductor technology. The goal is probably to keep sensitive chip technology out of the hands of countries that might use it for military or surveillance purposes.

ABC Safe Drug Act

The bill aims to improve drug safety by establishing or strengthening standards for how medications are manufactured, tested, and distributed to consumers. It likely affects pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and patients by requiring additional safety measures or oversight to prevent contaminated or counterfeit drugs from reaching the market. The proposal is currently under review by the Senate Finance Committee.

RIFLE Act

The RIFLE Act addresses tax policy, though the specific details of what changes it would make are not clear from the title alone. Based on its referral to the Senate Finance Committee, the bill likely proposes modifications to federal tax law that could affect individuals, businesses, or both. Once the committee reviews it, the specific impacts on taxpayers and the economy will become clearer.

GATE Act of 2025

Based on the title and referral to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, this bill likely addresses national security concerns related to energy infrastructure, possibly involving protections for critical power systems, nuclear facilities, or other energy assets that could be vulnerable to threats. The measure probably aims to strengthen oversight, security standards, or coordination between military and energy sector officials to safeguard infrastructure essential to national defense. Without seeing the full text, the specific protections or requirements would depend on the bill's detailed provisions.

No Student Loans for Campus Criminals Act

No Student Loans for Campus Criminals Act This bill prohibits an individual who is convicted of any federal or state offense related to the individual's conduct at or during the course of a protest at an institution of higher education from receiving certain federal student loan benefits. Specifically, an individual who is convicted of such an offense shall not be eligible to have any covered loan forgiven, cancelled, waived, or modified under the Higher Education Act of 1965, under any executive order, or through any action taken by the Department of Education. Covered loans refer to Federal Family Education Loans, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and loans under the Health Education Assistance Loan Program. Additionally, an individual who is convicted of such an offense shall not be eligible to receive Federal Direct Loans.

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) assess cybersecurity threats in the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector, and (2) conduct annual crisis simulation exercises for food-related emergencies or disruptions. The agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector includes (1) any activity relating to the production, processing, distribution, storage, transportation, consumption, or disposal of agricultural or food products; and (2) any entity involved in any of these activities. Specifically, USDA, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, must conduct a risk assessment every two years on the cybersecurity threats to, and security vulnerabilities in, this sector. The risk assessment must include any recommendations for federal legislative or administrative actions to address related threats and vulnerabilities. USDA must also conduct an annual simulation exercise relating to a food-related emergency or disruption in coordination with DHS, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Among other things, the exercise must (1) involve a realistic and plausible scenario that simulates a food-related emergency or disruption that affects multiple sectors and jurisdictions, and (2) incorporate input from experts and stakeholders from various disciplines and sectors (e.g., agriculture, public health, emergency management, transportation, and energy). USDA, in consultation with DHS, HHS, and ODNI, must submit a report to Congress on each simulation exercise, including recommendations to enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector.

DEFENSE Act

Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment Act or the DEFENSE Act This bill allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deputize state or local law enforcement officers to take certain drone countermeasures to protect stadiums and other public gatherings. Specifically, DHS or DOJ may provide state or local law enforcement officers with the authority to identify, monitor, and track drones; warn drone operators; disrupt or take control of drones; or use reasonable force to disable, damage, and seize or destroy drones deemed to pose a threat. This authority applies for the purposes of protecting an event, stadium, or venue; certain large public gatherings (e.g., gatherings that are primarily outdoors with an estimated attendance of at least 100,000 people); or other public gatherings protected by specific temporary flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Prior to being deputized, a state or local law enforcement officer must complete training in the use of the drone countermeasure authority. DHS or DOJ, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the FAA, must exercise oversight over the use of this authority by deputized state or local law enforcement officers. Finally, the bill limits the equipment authorized for detecting, identifying, monitoring, or tracking drones to systems or technologies that are included on a list of authorized equipment maintained by DHS, in coordination with DOJ, the FAA, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.