The America's Living Library Act establishes a 10-year pilot program within the Department of the Interior to collect and sequence the whole genomes of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes found in up to 25 National Park System units. This program aims to create a publicly available genomic database for scientific research and to store physical samples long-term at the Smithsonian Institution and Department of Agriculture. The bill mandates interagency coordination, Tribal consultation, and includes provisions for expedited data access for U.S.-based artificial intelligence development, while strictly prohibiting the transfer or export of physical samples outside the United States. Significant funding is authorized for these activities from fiscal years 2027 to 2031, directly affecting federal agencies involved in conservation, research, and data management.
This bill, the PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026, requires most health insurance plans to cover HIV prevention medication without charging patients any out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects people with private insurance, government health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, military health care, and the Indian Health Service. The law mandates that insurance companies cannot require pre-approval for these medications, cannot charge deductibles or copayments for them, and cannot deny or charge higher premiums for life, disability, or long-term care insurance based on someone taking HIV prevention medication. The bill also creates a new public education campaign to increase awareness about HIV prevention options and provides federal funding to states and community organizations to expand access to these services.
This bill requires hospitals receiving Medicare funding to create discharge plans for pregnant patients who are expected to leave the hospital before delivery, ensuring they have safe transportation and access to backup care if needed. The discharge plans must include clinical justification for early discharge, assessment of travel logistics, identification of alternative delivery facilities, and confirmation that patients understand the information in their primary language. Additionally, the bill expands rural maternal health training grants to include racial bias training, establishes performance milestones for grant recipients, and creates a new initiative to evaluate different training models for healthcare professionals. The legislation also mandates the development of a public dashboard tracking maternal health outcomes and federal investments in maternal health research.
This bill, known as the Farm Equipment Safety Act, would remove certain agricultural machinery from federal emission standards under the Clean Air Act. It directly affects farmers and manufacturers of nonroad engines and vehicles used for farming purposes. The key provision adds a specific exemption to Section 213 of the Clean Air Act, allowing agricultural equipment to operate without meeting the emission limits that apply to other nonroad vehicles. The legislation does not change existing rules for other types of engines or vehicles, nor does it alter the overall structure of the Clean Air Act.
This bill establishes the Red Star Service Banner as an officially recognized symbol to honor U.S. service members and veterans who died by suicide, as well as first responders who died by suicide. The banner features a white field with a blue border and a single red star, and it may be displayed at private residences, workplaces, public buildings, community spaces, and other appropriate locations to recognize the sacrifice of those who died and support their families. The legislation clarifies that displaying the banner does not create new eligibility for benefits, requires VA approval for individual display, or establish any legal status beyond recognition. It also allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promote awareness of the banner in coordination with the Department of Defense without requiring additional funding.
This bill, known as the No Free Rides Act of 2026, would prohibit federal public transportation funding recipients from offering universal free fare policies that allow all riders to use transit services without paying. The law would still permit targeted fare policies that provide free or reduced-cost rides for specific groups such as seniors, low-income riders, students, or employees with employer-paid agreements. Additionally, the Secretary of Transportation could grant waivers if a transit agency can demonstrate a dedicated non-federal revenue source to support universal free fare programs. The measure directly affects public transportation agencies that receive federal assistance under Title 49 of the United States Code.
This bill, known as the Halo Act, creates a new federal crime for intentionally approaching or staying within 25 feet of immigration enforcement officers after receiving a verbal warning, if the person intends to interfere with their work, threaten them, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who may attempt to block or disrupt immigration officers performing their duties, such as during arrests or investigations. The law defines harassment as conduct that causes substantial emotional distress to an officer and serves no legitimate purpose, and it carries penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both. This provision adds to existing Title 18 United States Code by establishing specific boundaries for behavior near federal immigration officials.
This resolution designates March 6, 2026, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" to recognize the value of speech and debate programs in schools. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages educational institutions, businesses, and communities to celebrate and promote these programs. The resolution highlights how speech and debate education develops communication, critical thinking, and civic skills for students. It directly affects schools, teachers, and students participating in these programs by raising awareness of their importance. The Senate formally designates the date and urges nationwide participation in honoring this educational focus.
HRES 1106 is a non-binding House resolution honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a prominent civil rights leader and activist. The resolution recognizes his lifelong work in advancing equality through organizations like Operation PUSH, his leadership in the anti-apartheid movement, and his historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. It expresses condolences to his family and calls on all Americans to continue his legacy of promoting civil rights and unity. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.
The DISCLOSE Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency in election spending and prevent foreign influence. It expands the ban on foreign money to cover federal, state, and local elections, including ballot initiatives and judicial nominations, and criminalizes using corporations to conceal these funds. The bill mandates that organizations spending over $10,000 on campaign-related activities, such as independent expenditures or judicial nomination advocacy, disclose their beneficial owners and top donors. Additionally, it establishes new "Stand By Every Ad" disclaimers for political communications, requiring the highest-ranking official to approve the message and, for certain ads, list their top funders. These provisions directly affect non-candidate organizations, individuals involved in political and judicial nomination spending, and foreign nationals.
This bill reauthorizes and modernizes Trade Adjustment Assistance programs to help workers, firms, communities, and farmers affected by trade-related job losses. It extends program funding through 2033 and expands eligibility to include teleworkers, staffed workers, and public agency employees. Key provisions increase financial benefits, add new allowances for childcare and job search, require inflation adjustments to benefit amounts, and establish new outreach requirements to ensure underserved communities receive adequate support. The legislation also creates a new community assistance program providing grants for strategic economic development planning and expands technical assistance for businesses seeking adjustment support.
HRES 1097 is a procedural resolution requesting federal agencies to provide specific documents to the House of Representatives. It directs the Treasury and Homeland Security Secretaries to share records about how they implement an existing agreement (the "Memorandum of Understanding") for sharing taxpayer information related to non-tax criminal enforcement. The resolution specifically asks for documents concerning access to IRS systems containing taxpayer data, policies for handling such information, and any violations of privacy rules. This request does not create new law but seeks transparency about current agency practices involving sensitive taxpayer information.
