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April 29, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextBy 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.
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).
“(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.
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) prohibiting the breeding of a female dog to
produce—
“(I) more than 2 litters in any 18-month period; or
“(II) more than 6 litters during the lifetime of the dog;
“(iv) that a female dog of any small breed (having a
maximum weight range at maturity that is less than 40 pounds)
not be bred—
“(I) before reaching the age of 18 months; or
“(II) after reaching the age of 9 years;
“(v) that a female dog of any large breed (having an
expected weight range at maturity that includes 40 or more
pounds) not be bred—
“(I) before reaching the age of 2 years; or
“(II) after reaching the age of 7 years; and
“(vi) that any canine caesarian section be performed by a
licensed veterinarian;
“(H) that dogs be housed with other dogs, unless health or
behavioral issues make group housing unsafe; and
“(I) to make all reasonable efforts to find humane
placement for retired breeding dogs—
“(i) such as with an adoptive family, rescue organization,
or other appropriate owner for that dog; and
“(ii) not including selling at auction or otherwise
placing a retired breeding dog with another breeder for
breeding purposes.”.
(b) Conforming Amendment.—Section 13(a)(2)(B) of the
Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)(2)(B)) is amended by
inserting “subject to paragraph (9),” before “for exercise
of dogs”.
(c) Regulations.—Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final
regulations establishing the standards for the care of dogs
by dealers, as required by this section and the amendments
made by this section.
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr.
Markey, Ms. Klobuchar, and Ms. Duckworth):
S. 4438. A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a program to make grants available to States to inform individuals of potential eligibility for the Lifeline program of the Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
S. 4438
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 “Promoting Access to
Broadband Act of 2026”.
SEC. 2. LIFELINE ENROLLMENT OUTREACH GRANTS.
(a) Definitions.—In this section:
(1) Commission.—The term “Commission” means the Federal
Communications Commission.
(2) Covered individual.—The term “covered individual”
means an individual who—
(A) is an eligible-but-not-enrolled individual; or
(B) has the potential to be a qualifying low-income
consumer under 54.409 of title 47, Code of Federal
Regulations, or any successor regulation, due to the
eligibility of the individual, a dependent of the individual,
or the household of the individual to receive benefits from
or participate in, as applicable, a program described in such
section 54.409.
(3) Eligible-but-not-enrolled individual.—The term
“eligible-but-not-enrolled individual” means an individual
who is a qualifying low-income consumer under section 54.409
of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
regulation, but is not enrolled in the Lifeline program.
(4) Indian tribe.—The term “Indian Tribe” has the
meaning given the term “Indian tribe” in section 4 of the
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act
of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
(5) Lifeline program.—The term “Lifeline program” means
the program set forth in subpart E of part 54 of title 47,
Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(6) Reach.—The term “reach” means, with respect to an
individual, to inform the individual of potential eligibility
for the Lifeline program and to provide the individual with
information about the Lifeline program, as described in
subsection (e).
(7) State.—The term “State” means each State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, each commonwealth,
territory, or possession of the United States, and each
Indian Tribe.
(b) Establishment.—The Commission shall establish a
competitive program to make grants available to States to
inform covered individuals of potential eligibility for the
Lifeline program.
(c) Application.—
(1) In general.—The Commission may only award a grant
under this section to a State that submits an application at
such time, in such form, and with such information and
assurances as the Commission may require.
(2) Matters required to be included.—An application
submitted by a State under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A) the number of covered individuals in the State;
(B) a plan for the activities that the State will conduct
using grant funds, including a list of each agency within the
State that will assist in carrying out those activities; and
(C) an estimate of the percentage of eligible-but-not-
enrolled individuals in the State who will be reached by
those activities.
(d) Selection.—
(1) Minimum number of states.—The Commission shall award
grants under this section to not fewer than 25 percent of the
States that submit an application under subsection (c).
(2) Factors for consideration.—In awarding grants under
this section, the Commission shall give favorable
consideration to—
(A) States that have higher numbers of covered individuals;
and
(B) States proposing, in the plans submitted under
subsection (c)(2)(B), to conduct activities that have the
potential to reach higher percentages of eligible-but-not-
enrolled individuals in those States, as determined by the
Commission, taking into consideration the estimates submitted
under subsection (c)(2)(C).
(3) Geographic diversity.—In awarding grants under this
section, the Commission shall, to the maximum extent
practicable, select States from different geographic regions
of the United States.
(e) Use of Funds.—
(1) In general.—A State that receives a grant under this
section shall use grant funds, in accordance with the plan
included in the application of the State under subsection
(c)(2)(B), to—
(A) inform covered individuals and organizations or
agencies that serve covered individuals, as the case may be
under the terms of the grant awarded to the State, of
potential eligibility for the Lifeline program;
(B) provide covered individuals with information about the
Lifeline program, including—
(i) how to apply for the Lifeline program; and
(ii) a description of the prohibition on more than 1
subscriber in each household receiving a service provided
under the Lifeline program; and
(C) partner with nonprofit and community-based
organizations that have a proven track record of working with
covered individuals in implementing digital inclusion
initiatives to provide covered individuals with—
(i) assistance applying for the Lifeline program; and
(ii) information about product and technology choices.
(2) Multiple state agencies.—A State that receives a grant
under this section may provide grant funds to 1 or more
agencies located within the State, as identified under
subsection (c)(2)(B), to carry out the activities under the
grant.
(f) Outreach to States Regarding Grant Program.—Before
accepting applications for the grant program established
under this section, the Commission shall conduct outreach to
States to ensure that States are aware of the grant program
and how to apply for a grant under the grant program.
(g) Regulations Required.—Not later than 30 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
promulgate regulations to implement this section.
(h) Enforcement.—
(1) In general.—A violation of this section or a
regulation promulgated under this section shall be treated as
a violation of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151
et seq.) or a regulation promulgated under that Act.
(2) Manner of enforcement.—The Commission shall enforce
this section and the regulations promulgated under this
section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the
same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all
applicable terms and provisions of the Communications Act of
1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) were incorporated into and made
a part of this section.
(i) Exemptions.—
(1) Certain rulemaking requirements.—Section 553 of title
5, United States Code, shall not apply to a regulation
promulgated under this section or a rulemaking proceeding to
promulgate such a regulation.
(2) Paperwork reduction act requirements.—A collection of
information conducted or sponsored under the regulations
required under this section shall not constitute a collection
of information for the purposes of subchapter I of chapter 35
of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the
“Paperwork Reduction Act”).
(j) Report to Congress.—
(1) In general.—Not later than 3 years after establishing
the grant program under this section, the Commission shall
submit to Congress a report evaluating the effectiveness of
the grant program.
(2) Contents.—The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include—
(A) the number of individuals notified of Lifeline program
eligibility by States receiving grants under this section;
(B) the number of new applicants to the Lifeline program
from States receiving grants under this section, including
the number of those applicants who enrolled in the Lifeline
program; and
(C) the cost-effectiveness of the grant program established
under this section.
(k) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this section for the first 5 full
fiscal years beginning after the establishment of the grant
program under this section.
SEC. 3. GRANTS TO STATES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL LIFELINE
ELIGIBILITY VERIFIER.
(a) Definitions.—In this section:
(1) Commission.—The term “Commission” means the Federal
Communications Commission.
(2) Eligible entity.—The term “eligible entity” means a
State that, not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, submits to the Commission an
application for a grant under this section containing such
information as the Commission may require.
(3) State.—The term “State” means each State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, each commonwealth,
territory, or possession of the United States, and each
federally recognized Indian Tribe.
(b) Establishment.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a
program to provide a grant, from amounts appropriated under
subsection (e), to each eligible entity for the purpose
described in subsection (c).
(c) Purpose.—The Commission shall make a grant to each
eligible entity for the purpose of establishing, renewing,
reestablishing, or maintaining or amending a connection
between the databases of the eligible entity that contain
information concerning the receipt by a household, or a
member of a household, of benefits under a program
administered by the eligible entity (including any benefit
provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program
under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et
seq.)) and the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier so that
the receipt by a household, or a member of a household, of
benefits under the benefits program—
(1) is reflected in the National Lifeline Eligibility
Verifier; and
(2) can be used to verify eligibility for the Lifeline
program set forth in subpart E, part 54, of title 47, Code of
Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(d) Disbursement of Grant Funds.—Not later than 120 days
after the date on which the Commission establishes the
program under subsection (b), funds provided under each grant
made under that subsection shall be disbursed to the eligible
entity receiving the grant.
(e) Authorization of Appropriation.—There is authorized to
be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
this section.