Tim Kaine

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program".

Congress is considering blocking a new Department of Education rule about federal student loans, which would overturn the rule if approved. The resolution would prevent changes the Education Department made to how the Direct Loan Program operates, affecting millions of student borrowers and how they repay their loans. If passed, the rule would be canceled and the previous version would remain in effect.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.

This resolution would require the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from any military operations or conflicts involving Cuba that Congress has not specifically approved. It affects military personnel and could impact U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba by limiting the President's ability to conduct unauthorized military actions in that region. The measure is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A bill to designate the General George C. Marshall House in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

This bill would officially add General George C. Marshall's historic house in Virginia to the National Park System as an affiliated site, giving it federal recognition and protection similar to other historic landmarks. The designation would allow the site to receive support and resources from the National Park Service while preserving the home and its historical significance for future visitors. This affects history enthusiasts, educators, and local communities interested in preserving American military and diplomatic heritage.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Executive Office for Immigration Review relating to "Appellate Procedures for the Board of Immigration Appeals".

Congress is considering blocking a new rule from the immigration courts that would change how people can appeal decisions made by the Board of Immigration Appeals. If approved, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, keeping the current appeal procedures in place instead of allowing the new changes to go forward. This affects immigrants and their lawyers who use the appeals process when fighting deportation or immigration decisions.

Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2026

The bill would create programs and resources to support the mental health and well-being of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school staff members who face high stress and burnout in their jobs. It would likely fund training, counseling services, and workplace improvements to help school employees manage stress and prevent mental health crises. This affects millions of educators and school workers across the country who struggle with job-related stress and limited access to mental health support.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in support of general elections in Venezuela.

The Senate is expressing its official support for holding general elections in Venezuela as a way to address the country's political situation. This resolution reflects the Senate's position on Venezuelan democracy and governance, though it does not create any binding laws or requirements. The measure has been sent to the Foreign Relations Committee for consideration.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.

This resolution would require the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from any military operations involving Cuba that Congress has not specifically approved. It's designed to ensure that any military action against or within Cuba requires explicit congressional authorization rather than allowing the President to act unilaterally. The measure affects military personnel and reflects ongoing debate over which branch of government should decide when the U.S. engages in armed conflict.

PCTEC Act

I don't have enough information to write an accurate summary. The bill title "PCTEC Act" and the referral to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee suggest it relates to one of those policy areas, but without the bill's actual text or a description of its subjects and provisions, I cannot reliably explain what it would do or who it would affect. To provide you with an accurate summary, I would need access to the bill's full text or a detailed description of its contents.

Engineering Biology Readiness Act

The proposal would establish federal programs and funding to prepare the United States for advances in engineering biology—the science of designing and modifying living organisms for practical applications. It aims to help government agencies, researchers, and companies develop the tools, expertise, and safety standards needed to work with engineered biological systems while managing potential risks. The bill affects scientists, biotechnology companies, federal agencies, and ultimately the public by shaping how the country approaches this emerging field.

Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2026

This bill would make changes to federal gun laws, though the specific reforms are not detailed in the available information. Without knowing the exact provisions, the bill could potentially affect gun owners, manufacturers, law enforcement, or public safety depending on whether it aims to expand or restrict firearm regulations. The proposal is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Bulletin 2015-02 re: Section 8 housing choice voucher homeownership program".

Congress is considering blocking a recent decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to withdraw guidance it had previously issued about the Section 8 housing choice voucher homeownership program. If approved, this resolution would overturn the bureau's action and restore the original guidance that helped explain how the program works for low-income families trying to buy homes. The measure is currently being reviewed by the Senate Banking Committee.

Maternal Vaccinations Act

This bill would likely establish or expand programs to increase vaccination rates among pregnant women and new mothers, potentially by improving access to vaccines, providing education about vaccine safety during pregnancy, or requiring health insurance coverage for maternal vaccines. The legislation would affect pregnant women, new mothers, healthcare providers, and possibly insurance companies by ensuring that vaccines recommended during pregnancy—such as those for flu and whooping cough—are more readily available and affordable. The goal would be to protect both mothers and newborns from vaccine-preventable diseases.

State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act

This bill would require the State Department to develop and implement policies ensuring that employees and visitors with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and have equal access to department facilities and services. The legislation aims to improve how the State Department handles disability-related needs for its workforce and the public it serves, covering everything from physical accessibility to assistive technology and workplace adjustments.

Reclaim Trade Powers Act

Reclaim Trade Powers Act This bill repeals the statute that directs the President to take certain actions, such as imposing a tariff of up to 15% for up to 150 days on articles imported into the United States, when necessary to address large and serious U.S. balance-of-payments deficits or certain other situations that present fundamental international payments problems.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Cameroon's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act 1961.

Congress is asking the State Department to provide detailed information about human rights violations and abuses by the government of Cameroon, as required by a 1961 law that ties U.S. foreign aid to countries' treatment of their citizens. The report would help lawmakers decide whether the United States should continue providing military and economic assistance to Cameroon or impose conditions on that aid based on their human rights record.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Equatorial Guinea's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is requesting detailed information about human rights conditions in Equatorial Guinea to help determine whether the country should continue receiving U.S. foreign aid and military assistance. The resolution asks the State Department to report on issues like freedom of speech, fair trials, and treatment of prisoners in that African nation. This type of review can lead Congress to reduce or cut off aid if serious human rights violations are found.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Uzbekistan's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is asking the State Department to provide detailed information about human rights conditions in Uzbekistan, including any concerns about torture, unfair trials, or restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. This request is part of a law that requires the U.S. government to review human rights practices in countries that receive American foreign aid. The information would help Congress decide whether the U.S. should continue providing assistance to Uzbekistan or attach conditions to that aid.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Kosovo's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is asking the State Department to provide detailed information about how well the government of Kosovo respects human rights, including whether it protects freedoms like speech, assembly, and fair treatment under the law. This information would help Congress decide whether the United States should continue providing foreign aid to Kosovo or adjust the terms of that assistance based on their human rights record. The request is part of a law that requires the U.S. government to monitor human rights practices in countries that receive American aid.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Guatemala's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is asking the State Department to provide detailed information about how well the government of Guatemala is protecting human rights, including whether it's respecting freedoms like speech, assembly, and fair treatment under the law. This information would help Congress decide whether the United States should continue providing military and economic aid to Guatemala, since U.S. law requires the government to consider a country's human rights record before giving it assistance. The request is part of Congress's oversight responsibility to ensure American taxpayer money supports countries that meet basic standards for treating their citizens fairly.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Ghana's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is asking the State Department to provide detailed information about Ghana's human rights record, including any concerns about government treatment of citizens, freedom of speech, and other basic rights protections. This request is part of a legal requirement that the U.S. government regularly review human rights practices in countries that receive American foreign aid. The information would help Congress decide whether the U.S. should continue, reduce, or adjust its aid to Ghana based on how well the country respects human rights.

A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Honduras's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is asking the State Department to provide detailed information about how well the government of Honduras respects human rights, including whether it tortures prisoners, allows free speech, or protects citizens from violence. This information would help Congress decide whether the United States should continue providing military and economic aid to Honduras, since U.S. law requires the government to consider human rights records when deciding which countries to support. The request focuses on whether Honduras meets basic standards for treating its own people fairly.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".

This resolution recognizes and celebrates Career and Technical Education Month, which promotes vocational training programs that teach students practical job skills in fields like construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. The resolution supports efforts to raise awareness about these career pathways as valuable alternatives to traditional four-year college degrees, helping students and workers develop in-demand skills for good-paying jobs.

Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2026

This bill aims to protect ocean fish populations and fishing resources by establishing or strengthening international agreements and regulations that prevent overfishing and illegal fishing practices. It would affect commercial fishing companies, seafood consumers, and coastal communities that depend on healthy fish stocks for their livelihoods and food supply. The legislation likely includes measures to monitor fishing activities, enforce fishing limits, and coordinate with other countries to manage shared ocean resources.

Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act of 2026

This bill would remove or raise the salary cap that currently limits how much the Department of Veterans Affairs can pay therapeutic medical physicists—specialists who use radiation to treat cancer and other diseases in VA hospitals. The change would allow the VA to offer more competitive wages to attract and retain these skilled medical professionals, addressing potential staffing shortages at veterans' medical facilities. Veterans receiving cancer treatment and other radiation-based therapies at VA hospitals could benefit from having access to more experienced and stable medical physics staff.

A joint resolution redesignating the Robert E. Lee Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery as the "Arlington House National Historic Site".

This proposal would change the official name of the Robert E. Lee Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to "Arlington House National Historic Site," reflecting a shift in how the federal government designates this historic property. The change would affect how the site is officially referred to in government documents and public materials, though it would not physically alter the building or its location on the cemetery grounds. The measure is currently under review by the Senate committee responsible for federal lands and historic preservation.

Cost of Police Misconduct Act of 2026

This bill would likely establish new rules about how police misconduct cases are handled and paid for, possibly requiring departments or the government to cover costs of settlements and judgments when officers are found to have acted improperly. The measure would affect police departments, taxpayers, and people who have experienced misconduct by law enforcement. The goal appears to be increasing accountability and transparency around the financial consequences of police wrongdoing.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The joint resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.

Appalachian Trail Centennial Act

This bill would authorize funding and support for celebrations and improvements marking the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile hiking path stretching from Georgia to Maine. The legislation likely directs money toward trail maintenance, visitor facilities, and commemorative events while involving the National Park Service and other agencies that manage the trail. Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and communities along the trail corridor would benefit from the enhanced infrastructure and recognition of this historic recreational resource.

Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act

The bill would establish or improve emergency exit routes and safety measures on public lands, likely focusing on areas managed by federal agencies like national forests or public lands. This would help ensure that people using these public lands—including hikers, campers, and outdoor recreationists—have clear escape routes during emergencies like wildfires or other disasters. The changes would apply to how federal land managers design and maintain trails and access points on the lands they oversee.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.

A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose duties on articles imported from Brazil.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency that was declared by President Donald J. Trump in an executive order on July 30, 2025, that also imposed an additional 40% tariff on certain imports from Brazil based on the emergency declaration. (The executive order exempted certain products, such as civil aircraft and parts, wood pulp, precious metals, energy and energy products, and fertilizers, from this additional tariff.)

A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared with respect to energy.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency relating to energy declared by the President on January 20, 2025, in Executive Order 14156. The executive order states that the supply of and infrastructure for energy in the United States is insufficient to meet the country's needs. It defines energy as crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals. The executive order directs the heads of executive departments and agencies to use available emergency and other authorities to take certain actions to address this topic, including approving development of domestic energy resources, expediting the completion of authorized energy infrastructure (particularly in the Northeast, West Coast, and Alaska), and pursuing the use of emergency permitting provisions under certain environmental regulations. The executive order also directs the Department of Defense to conduct an assessment of its ability to acquire and transport energy resources (particularly in the Northeast and West Coast), and invokes emergency military construction authority to address any vulnerabilities identified in the assessment.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.

Auto Reenroll Act of 2025

This bill would automatically re-enroll workers in their health insurance plans each year unless they actively choose to switch, making it easier for people to maintain continuous coverage without having to remember enrollment deadlines. The measure aims to reduce the number of uninsured workers and simplify the enrollment process, particularly affecting employees who might otherwise lose coverage due to missed deadlines or administrative confusion.

Religious Workforce Protection Act

This bill would protect religious workers and organizations from certain immigration restrictions, likely allowing religious groups to hire foreign workers for religious positions with fewer barriers than standard immigration rules normally permit. The measure would affect religious institutions, their employees, and foreign nationals seeking to work in religious roles in the United States.

Military Spouse Hiring Act

The proposal would provide tax incentives to employers who hire military spouses, helping address employment challenges that military families face due to frequent relocations. By offering tax credits or deductions to companies that hire these spouses, the bill aims to improve job opportunities and economic stability for military families while encouraging businesses to recruit from this workforce.

Safe Schools Improvement Act

Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, disability, religion, or sex. Sex includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics (including intersex traits). Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.

A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared with respect to energy.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency relating to energy declared by the President on January 20, 2025, in Executive Order 14156. The executive order states that the supply of and infrastructure for energy in the United States is insufficient to meet the country's needs. It defines energy as crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals. The executive order directs the heads of executive departments and agencies to use available emergency and other authorities to take certain actions to address this topic, including approving development of domestic energy resources, expediting the completion of authorized energy infrastructure (particularly in the Northeast, West Coast, and Alaska), and pursuing the use of emergency permitting provisions under certain environmental regulations. The executive order also directs the Department of Defense to conduct an assessment of its ability to acquire and transport energy resources (particularly in the Northeast and West Coast), and invokes emergency military construction authority to address any vulnerabilities identified in the assessment.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".

This resolution expresses support for Career and Technical Education Month, which celebrates vocational training programs that teach students practical job skills in fields like construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. The resolution recognizes the importance of these educational pathways as alternatives to traditional four-year college degrees and highlights how they help workers prepare for in-demand careers. The Senate unanimously agreed to the resolution, showing broad support for promoting career and technical education opportunities.

JOBS Act of 2025

Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students Act of 2025 or the JOBS Act of 2025 This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Job Training Federal Pell Grant program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education to award a job training Pell Grant to a student who does not have a degree; attends an institution of higher education (IHE); is enrolled in a career and technical education program at an IHE that provides 150 to 600 clock hours of instructional time over a period of 8 to 15 weeks and provides training aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors (i.e., job training programs); and meets all other eligibility requirements for a Pell Grant. The bill also specifies that any period during which a student receives a job training Pell Grant counts toward that student's Pell Grant eligibility period.

Saving the Civil Service Act

Saving the Civil Service Act This bill generally prohibits changes to the classification of positions in the competitive service and excepted service unless certain conditions are met. (Competitive service positions are subject to competitive examination while excepted service positions are appointed under one of five schedules. Competitive service positions have notice and appeal requirements for adverse actions that are not applicable to most excepted positions, including those of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character under Schedule C.) On October 21, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that placed executive agency positions that are of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, and that are not normally subject to change as a result of a presidential transition, under a new Schedule F in the excepted service. The order was subsequently revoked by President Joe Biden. The bill prohibits executive agency positions in the competitive service from being placed in the excepted service, unless such positions are placed in a schedule in the excepted service as in effect on September 30, 2020. The bill also prohibits positions in the excepted service from being placed in any schedule other than the aforementioned schedules. Additionally, agencies may not (1) transfer occupied positions from the competitive or excepted service into Schedule C without the consent of the Office of Personnel Management, or (2) transfer employees in the excepted service to another schedule or transfer employees in the competitive service to the excepted service without employee consent.