The GUARD Act requires companies providing AI chatbots to verify users' ages using reliable methods (like government IDs, not just self-reported birth dates) and prohibits minors under 18 from accessing "AI companions" designed for emotional interaction. It mandates clear disclosures that chatbots are not human and cannot falsely claim to be licensed professionals (e.g., therapists), while banning features that solicit minors for explicit content or promote violence. Covered entities must implement secure age verification processes for all accounts, including periodic checks, and face civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation for noncompliance. The law directly affects tech companies operating AI chatbots in the U.S. and aims to reduce minors' exposure to harmful AI interactions.
This resolution expresses support for designating July 15, 2026, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day to raise public awareness about this aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. The bill honors patients and caregivers while encouraging greater understanding of the urgent medical needs associated with the disease, which currently has a low survival rate and limited treatment options. It also calls for increased collaboration among government, private, and nonprofit organizations to advance research and develop better therapies for those affected.
This bill, known as the STOP Resolution, mandates that all Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives who access classified information complete specific counterintelligence and security training each Congress. The House Administration Committee will establish rules requiring this training within 90 days of the resolution's adoption, with exemptions for individuals who already completed similar training during their initial orientation. As a direct consequence of non-compliance, Members will be denied access to classified materials until they finish the course, while officers and employees will face an additional 180-day waiting period before receiving such access.
This act extends the authorities of Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until June 12, 2026. Title VII of FISA generally addresses electronic surveillance and other methods of acquiring foreign intelligence information that are directed at targets outside the United States. Title VII includes surveillance under Section 702, which concerns acquiring communications of non-U.S. persons believed to be outside the United States to obtain foreign intelligence information. Information about U.S. persons may incidentally be acquired by this type of surveillance and subsequently queried (searched) under certain circumstances. For additional information see CRS In Focus, IF11451 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) ; and CRS Report, R48592 FISA Section 702 and the 2024 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act .
The Visual Protection of Strategic Assets Act strengthens federal laws to prevent espionage by targeting individuals from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It requires the Department of Defense to create and publicly update lists of high-value military assets and critical installations, which must be marked with signs prohibiting photography and surveillance. The bill expands criminal penalties for taking photos or videos of these sites, introducing stricter rules for digital imagery and artificial intelligence enhancements, and mandates longer prison sentences and visa revocations for citizens of the listed nations who commit violations.
The AI OVERWATCH Act establishes new export controls on advanced integrated circuits destined for specific countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. It requires companies to obtain a specific license for each export of high-performance chips, prohibiting the use of general licenses and mandating detailed certifications to Congress regarding national security and defense impacts. The bill defines these restricted chips by their technical processing power and creates a "trusted United States person" program that allows certain domestic entities to bypass licensing requirements if they meet strict security and ownership standards. Additionally, the legislation requires the government to develop an "American Artificial Intelligence Victory Strategy" outlining how to maintain U.S. leadership in AI against foreign competitors.
This Senate resolution formally commends the "Donut Dollies" and the earlier "Doughnut Lassies" for their support of U.S. servicemembers during various wars, including World War II and the Vietnam War. The bill recognizes the volunteers' contributions to morale and well-being in combat zones and urges that their story be preserved and shared. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official acknowledgment of their historical service.
This Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.
This bill directs the Commander of the United States Space Command to submit a feasibility report to Congress within one year regarding the potential expansion of the Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender to include allies like Japan and South Korea. The report must detail current efforts, identify necessary policy or funding changes for these nations to join, and assess how such an expansion would impact U.S. national security interests. Additionally, the legislation requires an evaluation of whether inviting these countries to the force is practical and aligns with American national interests, while also outlining any new resources needed from government branches to facilitate this move.
This bill establishes a new Office of Novel Therapeutics within the Veterans Health Administration to prepare for the implementation of emerging mental health treatments, such as psychedelic-assisted therapies, that are currently under FDA review. The office will develop national clinical standards, create training programs for staff, and designate specific medical centers as centers of excellence to lead research and implementation efforts. It also requires the VA to submit an annual report to Congress on research activities, clinical outcomes, and workforce readiness, while coordinating with other federal agencies on regulatory and reimbursement issues. The legislation focuses on ensuring patient safety, maintaining evidence-based practices, and providing integrated care for veterans with conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help state veterans agencies expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs. These grants, with a minimum of $200,000 per state, can be used to develop outdoor activities, partner with local providers, reduce costs for veterans, and coordinate with federal land management agencies. States must submit applications outlining their plans and report annually on participation numbers, veteran demographics, and observed well-being outcomes. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually in funding to support these initiatives aimed at improving physical and mental health through nature-based activities.
The National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 requires the President to establish measurable metrics for veteran well-being - covering health, employment, education, and social engagement - and develop a national strategy every four years to align federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private sector efforts toward improving veteran outcomes. This strategy must be developed with input from veterans, government agencies, and stakeholders like veterans' organizations and businesses, and it will guide how benefits and services are delivered to address gaps in veteran success. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress tracking progress, spending, and barriers, with a requirement for the President to update the strategy every four years based on public input and evaluation. It directly affects all veterans by creating a coordinated framework for service delivery, though specific benefits or programs are not defined by the bill itself.
