STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

On 2026-04-29, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered a floor speech titled "STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS" in the Senate. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, education. It referenced legislation including S2130, S2132, S4431, among other bills.

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2130-S2132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. Budd, Ms. Lummis, and Mr. Curtis): S. 4431. A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for comprehensive student achievement information; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 4431 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Time for Completion Act''. SEC. 2. CONSUMER INFORMATION ABOUT COMPLETION OR GRADUATION TIMES. (a) Transparency in College Tuition for Consumers.-- Subparagraph (J) of section 132(i)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015a(i)(1)(J)) is amended to read as follows: ``(J)(i) For programs of study 4 years of length or longer-- ``(I) the percentages of first-time, full-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (III) of clause (iii); ``(II) the percentages of first-time, part-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (III) of clause (iii); ``(III) the percentages of non-first time, full-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (III) of clause (iii); and ``(IV) the percentages of non-first-time, part-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (III) of clause (iii). ``(ii) For programs of study less than 4 years-- ``(I) the percentages of first-time, full-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of clause (iii); ``(II) the percentages of first-time, part-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of clause (iii); ``(III) the percentages of non-first-time, full-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of clause (iii); and ``(IV) the percentages of non-first-time, part-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within each of the times for completion or graduation described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of clause (iii). [[Page S2131]] ``(iii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the times for completion or graduation are as follows: ``(I) The normal time for completion of, or graduation from, the student's program. ``(II) 150 percent of the normal time for completion of, or graduation from, the student's program. ``(III) 200 percent of the normal time for completion of, or graduation from, the student's program. ``(IV) 300 percent of the normal time for completion of, or graduation from, the student's program. ``(iv) In making publicly available the percentages described in this subparagraph, the Secretary shall display each percentage in a consistent manner and with equal visibility.''. (b) Institutional and Financial Assistance Information for Students.--Section 485(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (L) and inserting the following: ``(L) each completion or graduation rate for each type of student and program described in clauses (i) and (ii) of section 132(i)(1)(J);''; and (2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), by striking ``within 150 percent of the normal time for completion of or graduation from the program'' and inserting ``within the time for completion or graduation described in section 132(i)(1)(J) applicable to such student and such program''. ______ By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Schiff, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Alsobrooks, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Booker, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Warner, Mr. Coons, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Wyden, and Ms. Rosen): S. 4437. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to establish additional requirements for dealers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 4437 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Puppy Protection Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALERS. (a) Humane Treatment of Dogs by Dealers.--Section 13(a) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(9) In addition to the requirements under paragraph (2), the standards described in paragraph (1) shall, with respect to dealers, include requirements-- ``(A) that the dealer provide adequate housing for dogs that includes-- ``(i) completely solid flooring; ``(ii) indoor space sufficient to allow the tallest dog in an enclosure to stand on his or her hind legs without touching the roof of the enclosure; ``(iii) with respect to dogs over 8 weeks in age, primary enclosures that, with the length of the dog measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, provide at least-- ``(I) 12 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog measuring not more than 25 inches long; ``(II) 20 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog measuring more than 25 but less than 35 inches long; and ``(III) 30 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog measuring not less than 35 inches long; ``(iv) enclosures that are not stacked or otherwise placed on top of or below another enclosure; and ``(v) temperature control that-- ``(I) is appropriate for the age, breed, and condition of each dog in the enclosure; and ``(II) is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, when dogs are present in the enclosure; ``(B) that appropriate and nutritious food be provided to each dog at least twice per day, in an amount sufficient to maintain the good health and physical condition of each dog; ``(C) that each dog has continuous access to potable water that is not frozen and is free of feces, algae, and other contaminants; ``(D) that each dog has adequate exercise, including, for each dog over the age of 12 weeks-- ``(i) except as provided in clause (ii), unrestricted access from the primary enclosure of the dog during daylight hours to an outdoor exercise area that-- ``(I) is at ground-level; ``(II) is a solid surface; ``(III) is enclosed by a fence or other structure; ``(IV) is properly controlled for the safety of the dog; and ``(V) allows the dog to extend to full stride, play, and engage in other types of mentally stimulating and social behaviors; or ``(ii) if the dealer obtains a certification from the attending veterinarian stating that a dog should not have unrestricted access to an outdoor exercise area for a specific medical reason, an alternative exercise plan prescribed by the veterinarian for the dog that meets the applicable requirements under section 3.8 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); ``(E) that each dog has meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day that-- ``(i) includes positive interaction with a human such as petting, stroking, grooming, feeding, playing with, exercising, or other touching of the dog that is beneficial to the well-being of the dog; and ``(ii) does not include time spent in veterinary care; ``(F) that each dog receives adequate veterinary care, including-- ``(i) prompt treatment of any disease, illness, or injury by a licensed veterinarian; ``(ii) a thorough, hands-on examination by a licensed veterinarian at least once each year, which shall include a dental exam; ``(iii) core vaccinations recommended by the latest version of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccination Guidelines; and ``(iv) medications to prevent intestinal parasites, heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks that are approved by a licensed veterinarian for canine use; ``(G) with respect to safe breeding practices for dogs, including-- ``(i) a screening program for known prevalent inheritable diseases that may be disabling or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of the mother or the offspring; ``(ii) prohibiting breeding, unless each dog bred-- ``(I) has been screened by a licensed veterinarian prior to each attempt to breed; and ``(II) is found in the screening under subclause (I) to be free from health conditions that may be disabling to, or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of, the mother or the offspring; ``(iii) prohibiti

Referenced legislation: S4431, S4431, S4437, S4438