Roger F. Wicker

PLAN for Broadband Act

Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act or the PLAN for Broadband Act This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop and implement a national strategy to improve the coordination and management of federal broadband programs and agency consideration of applications to build or maintain broadband infrastructure on federal property. The NTIA must also develop and publish for public comment a plan for the implementation of the national strategy. Among other requirements, the implementation plan must establish, for federal broadband programs that are not technologically neutral (i.e., programs that involve a preference for certain broadband technologies), a ceiling on the amount of funding that may be awarded to support the provision of broadband service to a single location. The bill also requires executive branch agencies to identify and address factors that contribute to delays in their review of applications for easements, rights-of-way, or leases related to communications infrastructure projects on federal property. (Under current law, agencies are generally required to act on such applications within 270 days.) Agencies must also establish methods to alert employees when the agency is at risk of failing to meet the 270-day deadline with respect to a particular application. Finally, the bill lowers the cost threshold for certain broadband infrastructure projects to qualify as covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act from $200 million to $5 million. Such projects qualify for expedited federal environmental review.

Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill renews and updates the federal program that operates a network of sensors, buoys, and monitoring stations to track ocean conditions, weather patterns, and coastal hazards across U.S. waters. The reauthorization would provide funding and authority for scientists and agencies to continue collecting data on ocean temperature, currents, and storms that helps predict hurricanes, protect marine ecosystems, and support fishing and shipping industries. Coastal communities, fishermen, weather forecasters, and environmental researchers would all benefit from the continued operation of this ocean monitoring system.

A resolution designating the week of April 13 through April 19, 2026, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week".

This resolution would officially recognize the week of April 13-19, 2026, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" to raise awareness about osteopathic doctors and their approach to treating patients. Osteopathic physicians are licensed medical doctors who receive additional training in manipulating the body's muscles and bones as part of their treatment methods. The designation is largely symbolic and doesn't change any laws or regulations, but it gives the medical profession a designated week for public recognition and education.

Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026

This bill would extend and update federal funding and support for regional ocean partnerships—groups that work on coastal management, marine conservation, and ocean-related issues in different parts of the country. The legislation would help these partnerships continue their work on protecting marine ecosystems, managing fishing resources, and addressing ocean health challenges that affect coastal communities, fishermen, and businesses that depend on healthy oceans.

A bill to make technical corrections to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

This bill fixes errors and clarifies language in the main defense spending law for 2026, addressing technical issues that may have been overlooked in the original version. The corrections likely involve things like outdated references, inconsistent wording, or administrative details that don't change the law's overall intent but need to be accurate for proper implementation. Congress has already approved it in the Senate and it's now waiting for final processing.

A bill to waive the 60-day notice requirement for the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork, United States Army.

This act allows for the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork to the rank of major in the Army without the required 60-day notice to Congress.

Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act of 2026

This bill would require courts and the federal government to study how artificial intelligence is being used in the legal system and establish oversight rules to ensure AI tools are fair and accurate. It would affect judges, lawyers, defendants, and anyone involved in court cases by potentially creating new standards for when and how AI can be used to make legal decisions or recommendations. The goal is to prevent AI bias from unfairly influencing court outcomes while allowing the legal system to benefit from helpful technology.

A concurrent resolution celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Army Nurse Corps.

This resolution honors the 125-year history of the Army Nurse Corps, recognizing the contributions of military nurses who have provided medical care to soldiers in combat and peacetime. The measure celebrates the professional achievements and sacrifices of Army nurses throughout the organization's existence and acknowledges their important role in military healthcare.

USMMA Athletics Act of 2025

This bill would authorize funding and support for athletic programs at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, which trains future maritime officers and sailors. The legislation aims to improve facilities, equipment, and resources for student-athletes at the academy while maintaining the school's mission to prepare graduates for careers in the merchant marine and related maritime industries.

SUCCESS for BEAD Act

This bill aims to improve the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which provides funding to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas across the country. The legislation likely seeks to streamline how states and communities receive and use these grants to build broadband infrastructure, potentially making it easier for rural and low-income areas to get connected to reliable internet service. The changes would affect broadband providers, state governments, and millions of Americans currently lacking adequate internet access.

Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025

This bill would make it easier for people with certain medical conditions to access specialized medical foods and formulas by potentially adjusting how insurance covers these products or how they're regulated. The change would likely help patients with conditions like phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, and other disorders that require specific nutritional products to manage their health. Insurance companies and healthcare providers would need to follow new rules about covering these medically necessary items.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2026. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation. Among other elements, the bill authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles; authorizes active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels; authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; requires DOD to develop a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies; requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve the material condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards; extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2026; and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD. For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , and In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process .

Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025

This bill would strengthen military and diplomatic partnerships between the United States and countries on Europe's eastern border, likely including Poland, the Baltic states, and other NATO allies concerned about Russian aggression. The legislation probably authorizes increased defense spending, military exercises, weapons support, and coordination with these nations to deter potential threats. It would affect military personnel, defense contractors, and U.S. foreign policy toward Eastern Europe and Russia.

Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act

This bill would adjust the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi to include additional land related to Civil War history. The changes would allow the park to expand its protected area and potentially add historically significant sites to the park's management and preservation efforts.