The CHILE Act of 2026 creates a new federal program to provide emergency financial assistance to producers of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, when they face adverse events like economic crises or market disruptions. Under this framework, the Secretary of Agriculture would calculate payments based on the producer's recent sales history and a specific payment factor designed to cover losses, while also accounting for the higher input costs and diverse business structures common in this sector. The legislation sets a total funding limit of $5 billion for fiscal year 2027, with higher payment caps for large-scale farming operations that derive at least 75 percent of their income from agriculture.
The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by doubling the maximum Federal Pell Grant award to $10,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, with amounts rising annually to reach $15,000 by 2031-2032. The bill also changes the funding structure so that Pell Grants become a mandatory program that automatically adjusts for inflation rather than relying on annual congressional appropriations. Additional provisions expand eligibility to include students with negative financial aid indexes, provide special rules for recipients of means-tested benefits, and allow Dreamer students who become citizens or permanent residents to qualify for aid. The legislation further restores the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and modifies how institutions determine satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students struggling with course requirements.
The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by raising the maximum Pell Grant amount to $15,000 by the 2031-2032 award year and ensuring the program is fully funded through mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. The bill also expands eligibility for students who receive means-tested government benefits by automatically assigning them a lower financial need score, while simultaneously allowing Dreamer students - undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria such as graduating high school or serving in the military - to qualify for federal aid. Additional provisions restore the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and adjust the rules for satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students who struggle to meet grade requirements. Finally, the legislation restores Pell Grant eligibility for some students who previously received outside scholarships and sets the law's effective date for July 1, 2026.
The SPIRIT Act creates a new tax credit for small distilleries that use at least 90% of their ingredients from domestic sources. To qualify for a $2.35 reduction per proof gallon in their taxes, a distiller must produce no more than 100,000 proof gallons annually and ensure their production is primarily based on U.S.-harvested materials. The law also includes a recapture provision that requires distilleries to pay back the credit if they are found to be ineligible after receiving it. These financial incentives are designed to support smaller producers who rely on American agricultural ingredients, and the changes will take effect for spirits produced after December 31, 2025.
The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure individuals with long-term service and support needs have a federally protected right to live in their communities rather than institutions. It requires states and insurance providers to offer community-based services that allow people to maintain independence, control their own care, and access affordable, integrated housing. The bill mandates that public entities and insurers create enforceable transition plans to move people out of institutions, conduct self-evaluations to identify barriers, and establish clear grievance procedures for resolving complaints. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Justice, which can investigate violations, while individuals may also file civil lawsuits to seek damages or court orders preventing institutionalization.
The VA Emergency Transportation Act expands the types of care the Department of Veterans Affairs can reimburse for veterans by formally including emergency transportation alongside emergency treatment. Specifically, the bill allows the VA to pay for ambulance or air ambulance rides provided by non-VA providers that transport a veteran to a facility for emergency care or from a non-VA facility to a VA or other federal facility. This change updates existing laws to ensure that transportation costs are covered when they are part of the necessary emergency services furnished to a veteran.
This Senate resolution commemorates the anniversary of a violent antisemitic attack that occurred on June 1, 2025, during a peaceful walk in Boulder, Colorado. The bill honors the memory of Karen Diamond, who died from injuries sustained in the attack, and expresses condolences to the survivors and their families. It also acknowledges the swift response of local leaders and first responders while reaffirming the Senate's commitment to combating hate-motivated violence.
This House resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting refugees and displaced persons by calling for the restoration of the Refugee Admissions Program and asylum protections. It urges federal officials to lift current bans on refugee entry, resume vetting for approved applicants, and increase humanitarian aid to host countries. The measure highlights the economic contributions of refugees and emphasizes the need for fair, humane policies that align with international obligations and domestic law.
This resolution expresses support for designating June 21, 2026, as National ASK Day to promote the safe storage of firearms in homes. The bill encourages parents to ask visitors if there are guns in their house and, if so, whether those guns are locked and unloaded. It also urges medical and public health professionals to discuss gun safety and secure storage with their patients and parents. This symbolic measure aims to raise awareness about preventing accidental shootings and suicides among children by ensuring guns are stored safely.
The Protect Our Polls Act establishes a strict notification and approval process before federal troops or armed men can be deployed to election sites to repel armed enemies. Under this bill, the head of the agency sending troops must submit a detailed report to congressional leaders at least 48 hours in advance, including intelligence on the threat and justification for why local forces cannot handle the situation. If Congress is not in session, the Speaker and Senate President pro tempore must request a special session to review the report, and no deployment can occur until Congress passes a joint resolution authorizing the action. The legislation also amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to prohibit federal funds from being used to allow military personnel to access election records, while explicitly preserving the right of service members to vote. These provisions are set to expire on January 20, 2029.
The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create grant programs that help develop and train firefighters on using protective gear free from PFAS chemicals. Under this law, eligible nonprofit and educational organizations can receive funding to research next-generation turnout gear that maintains safety standards without relying on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation allocates up to $25 million between 2027 and 2031 for research grants and $2 million between 2028 and 2032 for training initiatives, ensuring that new gear designs are tested and that first responders learn proper care and decontamination methods. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of enactment to track the implementation of these safety improvements.
This bill directs the Secretary of Education to create and share evidence-based model plans for mental health and suicide prevention specifically for colleges and universities. In partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the government will provide technical assistance to schools that wish to adopt these models, while also considering existing state efforts and collaborating with various community and student groups. The legislation requires regular updates to these model plans every five years and mandates periodic reports to Congress on the program's progress. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these measures are voluntary guidelines and do not impose new legal requirements on higher education institutions.
