Senate

Florida is third state to pass proof-of-citizenship voting laws this year as red states enact provisions of federal billGovernor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed legislation Wednesday to require documented proof of citizenship to register to vote and to begin a process that will eventually unenroll voters who have not provided citizenship documentation.Florida is now the third state to pass proof-of-citizenship laws for voting this year, after South Dakota and Utah’s governors each signed proof of citizenship bills into law in March. Continue reading...

• Republican-sponsored Alabama Senate Bill 376 was introduced on March 31, 2026, reaching 25% progression in the regular session. • The partisan bill awaits further action after pending third reading, details focus on state policy adjustments. • Tracks with ongoing 2026 legislative efforts across Southern states.

• In late March 2026, the South Carolina Senate passed heavily amended H. 3924, regulating rather than banning hemp-derived THC products like drinks and gummies. • The bill restricts sales to those 21 and older, tightening safety standards to close 2018 Farm Bill loopholes on high-potency THC. • Legislation now returns to the House for concurrence before the May 7, 2026, deadline.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson agreed with the Freedom Caucus to introduce a 60-day continuing resolution providing full DHS funding for ICE and CBP as a counter-proposal to the Senate-approved legislation. • The Freedom Caucus demanded the inclusion of voter ID requirements, border patrol funding, and resources for investigations into child sex trafficking before supporting any DHS funding measure. • The House proposal would require Senate reconsideration and further extend the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has persisted for more than five weeks, with leadership uncertain whether to attempt passage today.

• The Senate voted early Friday morning to approve a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and portions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ending weeks of stalled negotiations. • Republicans indicated they plan to fund immigration enforcement agencies through a separate reconciliation bill in fiscal 2027, bypassing the normal appropriations process and relying solely on GOP votes. • The Senate-passed measure faces significant obstacles in the House, where hardline conservatives have already signaled opposition, threatening to extend the DHS shutdown beyond its current five-week duration.

Bill passes by 213 to 203 votes in move prolonging weeks-long budget standoff that has disrupted travelUS House Republicans rejected a bipartisan Senate deal to temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security and instead passed their own funding measure late Friday, extending a weeks-long budget standoff that has disrupted travel.The stopgap bill, which proposes funding the DHS in full for eight weeks, passed by 213 to 203 votes after Republicans in the lower chamber refused to take up a Senate-passed deal that excluded money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Continue reading...

• House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed Homeland Security funding bill Friday that would have reopened most DHS operations, extending the partial government shutdown into its 42nd day. • The Senate measure would fund the TSA and most of the Department of Homeland Security except ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection, according to reporting on the congressional impasse. • Democratic leadership including Senate Minority Leader Jeffries urged immediate passage of the bipartisan bill at a press conference, stating "This could end, and should end, today."

• The U.S. Senate approved a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA operations, but excluding ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection. • The measure addresses impacts from the partial government shutdown, where over 480 TSA officers quit and absences hit 40% at some airports. • President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order for immediate TSA agent payments, separate from the Senate bill.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to commit Friday to passing the Senate-approved DHS funding bill, which excludes ICE and CBP funding amid ongoing agency shutdown. • Conservative Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris opposes the deal, demanding restoration of immigration enforcement funds and attachment of SAVE America Act voter ID legislation before returning to Senate. • Johnson faces challenges passing via party-line rule or two-thirds suspension vote, risking backlash from hard-liners and Democrats.

• Senate Resolution SR665 designates April 2026 as National Native Plant Month to promote conservation awareness. • Resolution highlights ecological benefits of native plants for biodiversity and environmental health. • Part of 119th Congress efforts to recognize environmental observances amid policy debates.