Pete Ricketts

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts.

The Senate has approved a resolution to officially recognize May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to highlight the benefits of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. The resolution emphasizes how these fuels can help lower gas prices for everyday drivers, reduce dependence on foreign oil, support farmers and rural economies, and decrease pollution. This is a symbolic measure that doesn't create new laws but shows congressional support for renewable fuel industries.

MARKET Act of 2026

The federal government would be required to publish a yearly report analyzing how much American farmers depend on selling agricultural products to countries considered adversaries of the United States. This assessment would help policymakers and the public understand potential economic risks if trade relationships with these countries change or become restricted. The report would cover various farm commodities and their export patterns to identify vulnerabilities in American agriculture's reliance on hostile nations.

Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act

Federal banking regulators would be required to study why rural banks are closing and what could help bring banking services back to communities that have lost them. The study would examine the challenges rural banks face and recommend solutions to help revitalize banking in these areas. This would affect rural communities, small banks, and federal banking agencies like the Federal Reserve and the FDIC.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "National Beef Month" to recognize the important role cattle play in the United States, and to consumers.

This resolution supports the designation of May 2026 as National Beef Month.

FAIR Labels Act of 2026

The bill would require clearer labeling rules so shoppers can easily tell the difference between traditional meat and poultry products and newer lab-grown protein products when they're buying food at the store. This would help consumers make informed choices about what type of protein they want to purchase based on how it was produced. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Sound Science Act of 2026

The proposal would make the federal government's process for regulating toxic chemicals more transparent by requiring agencies to publicly share their scientific findings and coordinate better with each other when evaluating chemical safety. This would affect chemical manufacturers, environmental groups, and the general public by giving people clearer information about how the government decides which chemicals are dangerous and what rules should apply to them.

Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act

The government would restrict American companies from selling advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to certain countries, likely China and other nations considered security risks. This aims to prevent other countries from building their own cutting-edge computer chips while protecting U.S. technological advantages, though it could affect semiconductor manufacturers and exporters who lose potential sales.

PLOT Act of 2026

The bill aims to address agricultural policy issues, likely focusing on farming practices, food production, or land management. Based on its referral to the Agriculture Committee, it probably affects farmers, food producers, and potentially consumers by changing how agricultural operations are regulated or supported. Without access to the full text, the specific changes remain unclear, but the bill is in early stages of the legislative process.

A resolution expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play".

Congress is officially recognizing the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play" to encourage Americans to engage in physical activity and outdoor recreation. The resolution is a symbolic gesture intended to promote public health and wellness, particularly among children and families, by dedicating one day each year to celebrating play and exercise. This designation does not create any new laws or funding, but rather expresses Congress's support for the importance of play in maintaining healthy lifestyles.

MIND Our Veterans Act of 2025

This bill aims to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment services for veterans returning from military service. It likely expands access to counseling, therapy, and addiction treatment programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping veterans address conditions like PTSD, depression, and other challenges they may face after leaving the military. The legislation focuses on making sure veterans have better support systems in place to maintain their mental health and overall well-being.

Stop Insider Trading Act

This bill would prohibit members of Congress and federal employees from buying or selling stocks based on non-public information they learn through their government work, and would require them to disclose their stock trades more quickly to the public. The law would apply stricter penalties to government officials who violate insider trading rules compared to regular citizens. The goal is to prevent politicians and bureaucrats from profiting unfairly off confidential information they access while serving in office.

CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025

This bill would expand and improve healthcare services available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs, likely addressing gaps in mental health treatment, medical facilities, or access to care for service-connected conditions. The changes would affect millions of veterans and their families who rely on VA healthcare, potentially making it easier or faster to get appointments and treatment. The bill has been approved by the Veterans' Affairs Committee and is moving forward in Congress.

ELEVATE Act of 2026

The bill aims to strengthen the financial sector by likely expanding access to banking services, improving financial literacy, or creating new opportunities for underserved communities to participate in the economy. Based on its referral to the Banking Committee, it probably addresses issues like small business lending, consumer protections, or ways to help people build wealth and financial stability. The changes would affect banks, borrowers, and everyday people trying to access credit or financial services.

Improving Housing Access Act

This bill aims to make it easier for people to find and afford housing by likely addressing barriers in the rental or home-buying process, expanding access to affordable housing programs, or improving how housing assistance is delivered to low- and moderate-income families. The legislation would affect renters, homebuyers, housing developers, and local communities working to address housing shortages. The specific details of what changes would be made are still being developed in the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.

Housing for America’s Middle Class Act of 2026

This bill aims to make housing more affordable and accessible for middle-class Americans by likely expanding programs that help people buy homes, increasing the supply of affordable housing, or providing financial assistance to homebuyers and renters. The legislation would affect middle-income families struggling with rising housing costs, as well as developers and local communities working to build new housing. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Banking Committee to determine its specific provisions and costs.

Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act

This bill would reduce federal regulations and paperwork requirements for housing development in rural areas, making it easier and cheaper for builders and developers to construct homes outside cities. The changes would likely speed up the approval process for rural housing projects while potentially loosening environmental and safety standards that apply in urban areas. Rural homebuyers, developers, and local communities would be the main groups affected by these regulatory changes.

Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026

This bill aims to strengthen Taiwan's energy independence and protect it from potential Chinese economic pressure by authorizing U.S. support for Taiwan's energy infrastructure, including renewable energy projects and liquefied natural gas supplies. The legislation would help Taiwan reduce its reliance on energy imports that could be cut off during a conflict or embargo, while also deepening U.S.-Taiwan economic ties. The measure affects energy companies, Taiwan's government, and U.S. foreign policy toward the region.

A resolution expressing unwavering support for the United States-Japan alliance in response to political, economic and military pressure by the People's Republic of China.

This resolution expresses Congress's support for maintaining and strengthening the military and economic partnership between the United States and Japan, particularly in response to concerns about China's growing political and military influence in the region. The measure signals to Japan and other allies that the U.S. remains committed to the alliance, while also sending a message to China about American resolve in East Asia. The resolution is largely symbolic and does not create new laws or spending, but reflects congressional sentiment on foreign policy priorities.

PORCUPINE Act

The bill's vague title doesn't clearly indicate its specific purpose, but based on its classification under International Affairs, it likely addresses some aspect of U.S. foreign policy, diplomatic relations, or international trade. Without access to the bill's actual text or more detailed subject information, the exact policy changes and affected parties cannot be determined from the title alone. The bill is currently in early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been formally considered by a committee.

Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act of 2025

The bill would establish standardized ways to measure loneliness and social isolation in the United States, likely requiring federal health agencies to develop consistent definitions and assessment tools that researchers and healthcare providers could use. This would help doctors, public health officials, and researchers better understand how widespread these problems are and track whether interventions to reduce loneliness are actually working. The effort aims to treat loneliness and isolation as measurable public health issues similar to other health conditions that the government monitors.

HALOS Act of 2025

The HALOS Act would establish new financial regulations or oversight mechanisms in the banking and housing sectors, though the specific details are not yet publicly available. Based on its referral to the Banking Committee, the bill likely aims to address issues affecting banks, lenders, homebuyers, or financial institutions. Once the full text is released, it will be clearer who benefits and what concrete changes would take effect.

AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025

This bill would strengthen the AUKUS defense partnership between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia by improving how these countries coordinate military technology sharing, joint military exercises, and defense research projects. The legislation aims to streamline bureaucratic processes and increase cooperation on advanced weapons systems and cybersecurity, affecting military personnel, defense contractors, and government agencies in all three allied nations.

Nitazene Sanctions Act

This bill would likely impose economic sanctions and restrictions on countries or entities involved in the production or trafficking of nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids that have become increasingly dangerous street drugs. The measures would probably target foreign manufacturers and suppliers to disrupt the supply chain and discourage international involvement in the nitazene trade, affecting pharmaceutical companies, importers, and countries engaged in drug trafficking. The goal is to reduce the availability of these drugs in the United States and combat a growing public health threat.

Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

The proposal would require ocean-going ships to use renewable fuels instead of traditional petroleum-based fuels, similar to how some vehicles are shifting toward cleaner energy sources. This would affect shipping companies and the maritime industry by pushing them to adopt alternative fuels like biofuels or hydrogen to reduce pollution from international cargo and passenger vessels. The measure aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions from one of the world's largest transportation sectors.

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2025

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and revises the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). This Department of Agriculture program provides loans and grants to eligible microenterprise development organizations to (1) capitalize revolving loan funds that provide loans to qualified rural microenterprises (i.e., sole proprietorships located in rural areas or business entities with not more than 10 full-time employees located in a rural area), and (2) provide related training and technical assistance. The bill increases the amount a rural microenterprise may borrow to up to $75,000 (from up to $50,000). The bill also increases the maximum allowable federal cost share to 100% (from 75%). The bill further specifies that a RMAP project loan may not be used to cover more than 50% of any demolition, construction, or related costs of real estate improvements.

PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act of 2025

PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act of 2025 This bill prohibits U.S. persons from investing in securities issued by certain sanctioned and otherwise restricted entities, including Chinese military companies and Chinese entities sanctioned for human rights abuses or corruption. The bill establishes divestment deadlines and criminal and civil penalties for violations of the bill.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "National Beef Month" to recognize the important role cattle play in the United States, and to consumers.

This resolution supports the designation of May 2025 as National Beef Month.

Business Owners Protection Act of 2025

The proposal would provide financial protections and regulatory relief for small business owners and entrepreneurs, likely including measures related to lending, liability, or compliance requirements. The specific protections would affect business owners, lenders, and potentially their employees by changing how financial institutions and government agencies interact with companies. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Banking Committee to determine its final details and whether it will move forward for a vote.

Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to evaluate the procurement activities of federal agencies to determine whether provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation related to the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process have created any national security risk and report to Congress.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries.

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to highlight how biofuels and other renewable energy sources help reduce pollution, keep fuel costs down for drivers, support farmers and rural economies, and decrease dependence on hostile foreign countries for energy. The resolution is largely symbolic and doesn't create new laws or programs, but serves as a statement of support for renewable fuel industries and their benefits. It's currently being reviewed by the Senate's energy committee.

Organic Imports Verification Act of 2025

This bill would strengthen the rules for checking that imported organic food products actually meet U.S. organic standards before they enter the country, likely giving federal inspectors more authority to verify foreign farms and suppliers. The measure aims to prevent fraudulent or mislabeled products from being sold as organic in American markets, protecting both consumers who pay premium prices for organic goods and domestic farmers who compete with imports. It would primarily affect food importers, foreign agricultural producers, and the USDA inspectors responsible for organic certification.

Securing American Agriculture Act

Securing American Agriculture Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assess, on an annual basis, U.S. dependency on critical agricultural products or inputs that could be exploited in the event that China weaponizes such a dependency. USDA must submit a report to Congress on the assessment, which must include recommendations to reduce U.S. dependency on China to supply critical agricultural products or inputs. Under the bill, critical inputs include all farm management, agronomic, and field-applied production inputs (e.g., agricultural equipment, fertilizers, veterinary drugs, and seed). The bill specifies that, in conducting the assessment, USDA may not require a private entity to provide information to USDA. Further, the bill requires USDA to comply with certain confidentiality requirements and restricts disclosures of the information.

A resolution calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).

The resolution urges the E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) to invoke the snapback of United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 before the option expires on October 18, 2025. This resolution also (1) recognizes that Iran's possession of a nuclear weapon would threaten U.S. and global security, (2) condemns Iran's repeated violations of certain international commitments related to nuclear weapons, and (3) reaffirms that the United States maintains the right to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.