Senate Resumes Consideration of FY2026 NDAA; Passes Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Extension, Child Trafficking, and FDA Modernization Bills by Unanimous Consent; Rejects Russia State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation
The Senate convened to resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 1071), with several motions and amendments pending. While no final action was taken on the NDAA, the chamber successfully passed a significant package of bipartisan legislation by unanimous consent, including measures to extend land allotments for Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans, strengthen protections against child trafficking, and modernize FDA regulations for nonclinical testing methods. A unanimous consent request to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism was objected to, leading to a debate on the floor. Senators also delivered various speeches on topics ranging from the economy and healthcare to the First Step Act and recent natural disasters.
The day's proceedings were significant due to the continued consideration of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, a critical piece of legislation for national security and military policy. The passage of multiple bipartisan bills by unanimous consent demonstrated legislative productivity on issues such as veteran benefits, child protection, and regulatory reform. The debate and objection to designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism highlighted deep divisions on foreign policy and the approach to international aggression, underscoring the high stakes of ongoing global conflicts and diplomatic efforts.
Designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
S. 2978Question before the chamber
A unanimous consent request to immediately consider and pass S. 2978, a bill that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law.
The case for
Senator Graham argued that Russia's actions, particularly the kidnapping of nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children and their placement in reeducation camps, constitute terrorism and warrant the designation. He asserted that such a designation would make Russia's economy 'radioactive,' cripple its war machine, and send a clear message that the world will not tolerate such conduct. He also linked appeasement of aggression to further conflict, citing historical examples.
The case against
Senator Paul contended that designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism is a 'colossally bad idea,' a 'dangerous provocation,' and would undermine President Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He argued it would destroy U.S.-Russia bilateral relations, make peace talks futile, and potentially lead to an escalation of conflict, including kinetic strikes on Russian targets, without proper congressional authorization for war. He questioned the effectiveness of further sanctions given the 16,000 already imposed.
Disposition
Unanimous consent request denied · without objection
Immediate consideration of S. 2978 was blocked due to an objection.
Who is affected
- Ukrainian children and families: The bill aims to address the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia, with proponents arguing it would increase pressure for their return and accountability for war crimes.
- Russian economy and international relations: Proponents believe the designation would make Russia 'radioactive' for business, crippling its war machine, while opponents fear it would destroy bilateral relations and impede peace efforts.
- U.S. foreign policy and military engagement: Opponents argue the designation could be used to justify military strikes without congressional authorization, escalating U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025
H.R. 410Question before the chamber
A unanimous consent request to pass H.R. 410, a bill to extend the Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans land allotment program.
The case for
Senator Sullivan highlighted the historical injustice where Alaska Native veterans, serving overseas during the Vietnam era, missed the deadline to apply for land allotments they were entitled to. He emphasized that Alaska Natives serve in the military at higher rates than any other ethnic group and that the program's extension from 5 to 10 years is crucial to allow these 'special patriots' to claim their rightful land, especially after delays under a previous Interior Secretary.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
H.R. 410 was passed by the Senate.
Who is affected
- Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans: The extension provides a longer window for these veterans to apply for and receive land allotments, rectifying a historical administrative oversight and honoring their service.
- Families of Alaska Native veterans: The land allotments can provide economic and cultural benefits to the families and descendants of these veterans.
Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park and America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Establishment
S. 3490Question before the chamber
A unanimous consent request to pass S. 3490, a bill to establish the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park and designate the America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark.
The case for
Senator Gillibrand emphasized that Fort Ontario was the only U.S. refugee shelter for people fleeing the Holocaust during WWII, offering hope and a chance to rebuild lives for 982 refugees. She stated that establishing it as a National Historical Park ensures its preservation and allows future generations to learn its history of compassion and resilience. Senator Hawley detailed the significance of America's National Churchill Museum, located at Westminster College in Fulton, MO, where Winston Churchill delivered his 'Iron Curtain' speech in 1946. He highlighted the symbolism of rebuilding the destroyed St. Mary Aldermanbury church from London at the site, representing the enduring principles of liberty and conscience.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
S. 3490 was passed by the Senate.
Who is affected
- Holocaust survivors and their descendants: The establishment of the Fort Ontario National Historical Park honors the experiences of Holocaust refugees and preserves a site of refuge and hope.
- General public and future generations: Both designations ensure the preservation and interpretation of nationally significant historical sites, providing educational opportunities about World War II, the Holocaust, and the Cold War.
Enhancing Necessary Federal Offenses Regarding Child Exploitation Act
S. 3021Question before the chamber
A unanimous consent request to pass S. 3021, a bill to enhance enforcement with respect to material depicting obscene child sexual abuse or constituting child pornography.
The case for
Senator Cornyn and Senator Blumenthal highlighted that the bill, the ENFORCE Act, addresses the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). They argued that current law does not adequately penalize those who use AI to create such material, and the bill clarifies the definition of modified or computer-generated CSAM to ensure these offenders face the same severe penalties as those who create other forms of child pornography. They stressed the devastating harm of AI-generated CSAM and the need for updated legal frameworks to protect children.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
S. 3021 was passed by the Senate.
Who is affected
- Children and victims of sexual abuse: The bill aims to provide stronger legal protections and accountability for those who create and distribute child sexual abuse material, especially through new technologies like AI.
- Law enforcement and prosecutors: The legislation clarifies the legal framework, enabling more effective investigation and prosecution of crimes involving AI-generated CSAM.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Remains Pending
highThe Senate resumed consideration of the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Several Thune motions and amendments related to the enactment date were pending. Majority Leader Thune delivered remarks outlining key provisions of the bill, including investments in the Navy fleet, missile defense, munitions production, next-generation aircraft like the B-21 Raider, and a 3.8-percent pay raise for troops, along with reforms to Pentagon operations. No final vote or disposition on the NDAA occurred during this session.
Unanimous Consent Request to Designate Russia as State Sponsor of Terrorism Objected To
highSenator Graham made a unanimous consent request to immediately consider and pass S. 2978, a bill that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism if it fails to return abducted Ukrainian children and ceases attacks on civilian infrastructure within 60 days. Senator Paul objected to the request, arguing that such a designation would undermine peace talks, escalate tensions, and could lead to unauthorized military actions, drawing parallels to U.S. actions against Venezuelan drug cartels. This objection prevented the immediate passage of the measure.
Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act Passed
mediumThe Senate passed H.R. 410, the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act, by unanimous consent. Senator Sullivan spoke extensively on the bill's importance, highlighting the historical injustice faced by Alaska Native veterans who were serving overseas when the original land allotment program's deadline expired in 1971. The bill extends the application window for these allotments from 5 to 10 years, aiming to correct a long-standing inequity.
ENFORCE Act to Combat AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material Passed
highThe Senate unanimously passed S. 3021, the Enhancing Necessary Federal Offenses Regarding Child Exploitation Act (ENFORCE Act). Senators Cornyn and Blumenthal, co-leads on the bill, emphasized that it updates the U.S. Criminal Code to ensure that individuals who use artificial intelligence to create explicit images of minors face the same severe penalties as those who create other forms of child pornography, addressing a critical gap in existing law.
FDA Modernization Act 3.0 Passed to Update Nonclinical Testing Regulations
mediumThe Senate unanimously passed S. 355, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, with a substitute amendment. This legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish an interim final rule within one year to replace references to 'animal' tests with 'nonclinical' tests in various federal regulations, ensuring consistency with recent amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This aims to streamline the approval process for new drugs by allowing for the use of advanced non-animal testing methods.