Tom Cotton

What they've actually done about it

Each commitment below is something this senator has publicly said they would pursue, followed by the concrete record on it: bills they authored or cosponsored, floor speeches they gave. We describe the record — we don't grade it.

• Economy

  Promote Reliable Energy

  Advocate for policies ensuring reliable domestic energy production and affordability for consumers, including suspending certain tax credits to support the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton sponsored the Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy Act of 2026 and the Reliable Power Act, both of which are pending in the current Congress and relate to reliable energy.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredRatepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy Act of 2026Latest action 2026-02-11
  • Bill authoredReliable Power ActLatest action 2026-04-15
  • Bill authoredDATA Act of 2026Latest action 2026-01-07
  • Bill cosponsoredSecuring Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2024Latest action 2024-06-05
  • Bill authoredA bill to restart oil and gas leasing and permitting on Federal land, and for other purposes.Latest action 2022-03-02
  • Bill cosponsoredAmerican Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026Latest action 2026-06-24
  • Bill cosponsoredFEAT ActLatest action 2026-06-15
  • Bill cosponsoredStrengthening American Nuclear Energy Act of 2026Latest action 2026-03-26
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “economy promote reliable energy”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Immigration

  Reform Immigration Enforcement

  Support stricter immigration policies, including measures to accelerate deportations, prevent welfare fraud, and prioritize American citizens and students.

  Where it stands: No matching sponsorships or votes related to 'Reform Immigration Enforcement' were found for Senator Cotton, and no active legislative vehicle exists to advance this promise.

  On the record: 5 bills

  See the 5 records behind this

  • Bill authoredAsylum Reform and Loophole Closure ActLatest action 2025-12-16
  • Bill authoredPut American Students First ActLatest action 2025-12-16
  • Bill authoredVisa Cap Enforcement ActLatest action 2025-09-30
  • Bill authoredDeportation Acceleration ActLatest action 2026-01-14
  • Bill authoredWelfare Fraud Deterrence and Recovery Act of 2026Latest action 2026-01-15
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “immigration reform immigration enforcement”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Defense

  Protect Critical Infrastructure

  Introduce measures to protect critical infrastructure, including airspace defense and securing trucking operations from foreign influence.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton sponsored the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act (S.XXX) and the Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026 (S.XXX), both of which are currently pending in committees.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredCritical Infrastructure Airspace Defense ActLatest action 2026-04-22
  • Bill authoredTrucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026Latest action 2026-03-12
  • Bill authoredDEFENSE ActLatest action 2025-02-20
  • Bill cosponsoredWilliam S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization ActLatest action 2025-04-30
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution honoring the pilots, maintainers, analysts, sailors, support aircraft, and families, among various other essential groups involved in the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.Latest action 2025-10-06
  • Bill authoredSocial Security Disability Insurance Return to Work ActLatest action 2021-07-30
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution recognizing the 250th birthday of the United States Navy.Latest action 2025-10-09
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution expressing support for the designation of November 16, 2025, as "National Warrior Call Day" and recognizing the importance of connecting members of the Armed Forces and veterans in the United States to support structures necessary to transition from the battlefield, especially peer-to-peer connection.Latest action 2025-09-16
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “defense protect critical infrastructure”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Justice

  Deter Biosecurity Smuggling

  Sponsor legislation aimed at deterring biosecurity smuggling and enhancing modernization in biosecurity and innovation.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton sponsored S.4385, the Biosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026, which was introduced on 2026-06-10 and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredBiosecurity Smuggling Deterrence Act of 2026Latest action 2026-06-10
  • Bill authoredBiosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026Latest action 2026-01-29
  • Bill cosponsoredInnovate to De-Escalate Modernization ActLatest action 2025-04-03
  • Bill authoredCampus Free Speech Restoration ActLatest action 2023-05-10
  • Bill cosponsoredGUARD ActLatest action 2026-05-11
  • Bill cosponsoredProtecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023Latest action 2023-05-18
  • Bill cosponsoredCredit Union Board Modernization ActLatest action 2025-02-11
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution designating the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week".Latest action 2025-05-13
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “justice deter biosecurity smuggling”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• International Affairs

  Combat CCP Threats

  Introduce legislation to counter economic and health-related threats from the Chinese Communist Party, including securing the drug supply and preventing economic espionage.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton has sponsored the Securing America’s Drug Supply from Communist China Act and cosponsored the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, which is pending committee action, directly addressing health-related threats and economic espionage from the CCP.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredChina Trade Relations Act of 2023Latest action 2023-01-26
  • Bill cosponsoredBlocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026Latest action 2026-05-20
  • Bill cosponsoredConnected Vehicle Security Act of 2026Latest action 2026-07-22
  • Bill authoredChip Security ActLatest action 2025-05-08
  • Bill authoredSecuring America’s Drug Supply from Communist China ActLatest action 2026-04-16
  • Bill authoredTrucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026Latest action 2026-03-12
  • Bill cosponsoredRemote Access Security ActLatest action 2025-12-17
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution honoring the pilots, maintainers, analysts, sailors, support aircraft, and families, among various other essential groups involved in the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.Latest action 2025-10-06
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “international affairs combat ccp threats”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Defense

  Extend FISA Section 702

  Commitment to extending and strengthening the authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for national security purposes.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton sponsored a bill that became Public Law No: 119-87, extending the authorities of Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.Latest action 2026-04-30
  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.Latest action 2026-06-11
  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.Latest action 2026-06-11
  • Bill cosponsoredA bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 18 months.Latest action 2026-04-16
  • Bill authoredA bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 3 years.Latest action 2026-05-13
  • Bill authoredIntelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027Latest action 2026-08-05
  • Bill authoredIntelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026Latest action 2025-07-29
  • Bill cosponsoredBlocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026Latest action 2026-05-20
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “defense extend fisa section 702”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Economy

  Support Adults with Disabilities

  Champion legislation to restore employment choices for adults with disabilities, ensuring greater opportunities in the workforce.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton sponsored S.4690, the 'Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act,' on 2026-07-15, which directly addresses the promise and is currently pending in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredRestoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities ActLatest action 2026-07-15
  • Bill authoredAmerican Workforce ActLatest action 2025-10-08
  • Bill authoredAmerican Workforce ActLatest action 2024-05-08
  • Bill authoredAmerican Workforce ActLatest action 2022-09-08
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees".Latest action 2024-06-13
  • Bill authoredHEALING Mothers and Fathers ActLatest action 2021-11-18
  • Bill authoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".Latest action 2022-12-01
  • Bill authoredHEALING Mothers and Fathers ActLatest action 2023-01-31
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “economy adults disabilities”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Immigration

  Cut legal immigration levels in half

  Promised to enact the RAISE Act framework.

  Where it stands: The provided congressional record does not show any legislation sponsored by Senator Cotton related to the RAISE Act or comprehensive immigration reform to cut legal immigration.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredA bill to ensure the integrity of laws enacted to prevent the use of financial instruments for funding or operating online casinos are not undermined by legal opinions not carrying the force of law issued by Federal Government lawyers.Latest action 2016-09-21
  • Bill authoredNaturalization Accountability ActLatest action 2026-03-17
  • Bill authoredEnforce Immigration or Lose Transportation ActLatest action 2026-02-04
  • Bill authoredWelfare Fraud Deterrence and Recovery Act of 2026Latest action 2026-01-15
  • Bill authoredAsylum Reform and Loophole Closure ActLatest action 2025-12-16
  • Bill authoredPut American Students First ActLatest action 2025-12-16
  • Bill authoredAmerican Citizens First ActLatest action 2025-12-03
  • Bill cosponsoredProtect Our Communities from DUIs ActLatest action 2025-07-30
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “immigration cut legal immigration levels”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Foreign Policy

  Restrict US investment in Chinese military firms

  Promised legislation limiting outbound investment.

  Where it stands: No matching sponsorships or votes by Senator Cotton have been found for legislation limiting outbound investment in Chinese military firms.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill cosponsoredProtecting Military Installations and Ranges Act of 2025Latest action 2025-01-22
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution commending the United States military action in Venezuela.Latest action 2026-01-08
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.Latest action 2025-01-23
  • Bill authoredBan Chinese Communist Party Access to U.S. Military Students Act of 2024Latest action 2024-03-21
  • Bill authoredENDS Chinese Vapes Act of 2026Latest action 2026-04-15
  • Bill authoredExpel Illegal Chinese Police Act of 2024Latest action 2024-12-03
  • Bill authoredExpel Illegal Chinese Police Act of 2025Latest action 2025-01-09
  • Bill authoredNeither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations ActLatest action 2024-09-25
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “foreign policy restrict investment chinese”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov
• Justice

  Block sentencing reduction legislation

  Promised to oppose reductions in mandatory minimums.

  Where it stands: Senator Cotton consistently voted against sentencing reform bills that included reductions in mandatory minimums, such as the First Step Act, and publicly opposed such measures.

  On the record: 7 bills

  See the 7 records behind this

  • Bill authoredFair Sentencing ActLatest action 2025-10-14
  • Bill authoredJustice for 9/11 ActLatest action 2025-01-08
  • Bill authoredJustice for 9/11 ActLatest action 2024-08-01
  • Bill cosponsoredMandatory E-Verify Act of 2024Latest action 2024-06-13
  • Bill cosponsoredMandatory E-Verify Act of 2026Latest action 2026-05-21
  • Bill cosponsoredBlocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026Latest action 2026-05-20
  • Bill cosponsoredProtecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025Latest action 2025-02-04
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “justice block sentencing reduction legislation”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on cotton.senate.gov

Everything here is sourced from public records — Congress.gov, the Congressional Record, and the member's own statements. Nothing is scored or ranked. How we research these profiles.