The CHARLIE Act modifies federal funding rules for American history and civics education to restrict how grants can be awarded and used. It directly affects schools and organizations receiving these funds by prohibiting the use of money for what the bill defines as "discriminatory equity ideology" or "gender ideology." Additionally, the law prevents the government from giving priority to applicants based on factors such as race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status. By referencing specific executive orders, the bill establishes clear definitions for these prohibited concepts within the context of K-12 schooling.
This bill, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026, aims to create more predictable payment adjustments for physicians and other healthcare providers under the Medicare program. It directly affects medical practices and providers who receive reimbursement for services through the physician fee schedule. The legislation increases a threshold for certain budget neutrality calculations from $20 million to $54.3 million in 2027, with automatic increases every five years thereafter. It also requires the government to correct payment estimates when actual service usage differs significantly from projections, mandates regular updates to cost calculations for practice expenses, and limits how much Medicare payment rates can change from year to year to a maximum of 2.5 percent.
This bill would add pharmacist services to Medicare Part B coverage for beneficiaries, specifically covering pharmacist-led testing and treatment for illnesses like flu, COVID-19, or strep throat during public health emergencies. It defines covered services as those performed under state law, often requiring collaboration with a physician, and sets payment at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of physician payment rates. Pharmacists would be prohibited from balance billing for these services, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries pay only their standard copayment. The changes would take effect January 1, 2026.
The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a competitive federal grant program to fund projects improving recycling access in underserved communities. It authorizes $30 million annually (2025-2029) for grants to states, local governments, tribes, or public-private partnerships to build infrastructure like transfer stations, expand curbside collection, or reduce transport costs. Grants must be $500,000-$15 million, with 70% reserved for projects in communities lacking a materials recovery facility within 75 miles. The program requires grantees to report on implementation and outcomes, excluding funding for recycling education.
Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act This bill revises federal policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Indians. Among other elements, the bill requires the Department of Justice to (1) establish a grant program for specified entities (e.g., tribes) to implement changes to enhance their responses to missing person cases and death investigations of interest to tribes, and (2) work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that federal training resources and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers. The Department of the Interior must establish a five-year demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the BIA. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct specified studies, including a study on the evidence collection, handling, response times, and processing procedures and practices of federal law enforcement agencies.
This concurrent resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from active hostilities with Iran. The measure relies on the War Powers Resolution, requiring the President to end combat operations unless the forces are needed to defend the United States or its allies from an immediate attack. Any continued use of troops in such defensive scenarios must still follow specific reporting and notification rules, and full military engagement is only permitted if Congress explicitly authorizes it through a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for force.
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from any hostilities within or against Cuba that have not been explicitly authorized by Congress. The bill relies on the War Powers Resolution to assert that military actions like blockades or quarantines require either a formal declaration of war or specific statutory approval. It includes a provision allowing the United States to continue defending itself against armed attacks or conducting lawful counternarcotics operations. The measure is intended to enforce the constitutional principle that Congress holds the sole power to declare war.
This resolution designates May 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Month to raise awareness about wildfire risks and promote safety measures. The bill directly affects communities across the United States, including federal, state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as nongovernmental organizations. It encourages educational initiatives and community programming focused on preventative actions like home hardening, vegetation management, evacuation planning, and reducing human-caused ignitions. The measure aims to increase knowledge of lifesaving practices and support resources that help residents prepare for wildfire hazards and mitigate their impact.
The Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed on or after the date the law takes effect. It directly affects individuals currently facing or serving federal death sentences by requiring that all such cases be resentenced to a penalty other than death. This legislation removes the death penalty as a sentencing option for federal offenses and mandates a review for those already sentenced to die before the bill becomes law.
The Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program to prevent, monitor, and control the invasive golden mussel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and other affected U.S. waters. This initiative involves collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, port authorities, and academic institutions to research the mussel's biology, develop eradication methods, and create early warning systems for new infestations. The bill also creates a competitive grant program to fund technology development for removing mussels from infrastructure like water intakes and boat hulls, while authorizing $15 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to support these efforts. Additionally, the legislation requires the Task Force to develop control guidelines within a year of enactment and to share technical information with regional partners to coordinate response strategies.
The Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026 creates a five-year pilot program to provide grants to school districts that prepare meals using unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients. To receive funding, schools must apply and prioritize those serving low-income students and those committed to self-operation or collective bargaining agreements. The grants cover costs for staff training, kitchen equipment, employee wages, and technology, while recipients must work with a technical assistance center to create implementation plans. Schools receiving the money will report on their progress by tracking the percentage of whole ingredients used and the number of scratch-cooked menu items served. The program is authorized to receive $20 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
The Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act of 2026 authorizes competitive grants to help partnerships create or expand training programs for early childhood education careers. These grants are intended for groups that include colleges, child care providers, and local businesses to work together on education and training initiatives. The funds can be used to develop educational materials, support student recruitment and retention, provide work-based learning experiences, and offer professional development for teachers and staff. Priority is given to applicants serving rural and urban areas, particularly those addressing documented shortages of child care providers and focusing on infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Recipients must submit detailed applications and annual reports to demonstrate how the programs benefit students and improve outcomes in the workforce.
