HRES 64 is a non-binding House resolution affirming the U.S.-South Korea alliance. It highlights historical ties (dating to 1882), economic partnerships (including 2023 trade data), and security cooperation (like the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty), while celebrating Korean American contributions to U.S. society. The resolution formally supports strengthening security, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations and notes the 2025 anniversary of Korean liberation. It does not create new laws or funding, but serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support for the alliance.
S 1555, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025, increases loan limits for qualifying small manufacturers under two federal programs. It defines a "small manufacturer" as a business primarily in U.S. manufacturing sectors 31-33 (like automotive or electronics) with all facilities located in the United States. The bill doubles the maximum loan amount under the Small Business Act's Section 7(a) from $3.75 million to $7.5 million for these manufacturers, and raises the Small Business Investment Act's limit from $5.5 million to $10 million. These changes directly affect U.S.-based small manufacturing businesses seeking expanded access to federal loans for operations and growth.
This bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.
This concurrent resolution expresses Congress's appreciation for the Federal Protective Service and its law enforcement officers. It formally recognizes the dedication of these officers who protect over 8,500 federal facilities and honors those who have died in the line of duty. The resolution encourages continued collaboration between the service and the communities it serves to strengthen public safety and trust.
The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act directs the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services to expand research, education, and clinical training focused on menopause and mid-life women’s health. It authorizes funding to create Centers of Excellence, launch public awareness campaigns, and develop training programs for health care providers to better diagnose and treat menopausal symptoms. The bill also requires the government to collect data on health disparities and report progress annually to Congress, with a specific focus on improving care for women in rural and underserved areas.
The ALERT Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a five-year program that expands the National Healthcare Safety Network to provide real-time infectious disease monitoring specifically for nursing homes. To achieve this, the bill authorizes the CDC to contract with eligible U.S.-based technology firms that are not electronic medical records companies and hold specific security certifications to build and operate the necessary surveillance infrastructure. The funded system must be capable of immediately detecting outbreaks, integrating with existing reporting tools, and notifying health authorities while strictly protecting patient privacy and prohibiting the use of collected data for regulatory enforcement. Additionally, the legislation requires a final report to Congress evaluating the system's effectiveness on patient outcomes and recommends whether to continue or expand the program through fiscal year 2031.
The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.
The Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 mandates that all children enrolled in participating schools receive free breakfasts and lunches, removing previous eligibility requirements based on family income. Under this legislation, schools are prohibited from collecting unpaid meal debts from parents or guardians and are forbidden from using tactics like special tokens or public lists to identify students who owe money. The bill also establishes specific reimbursement rates for free meals, introduces incentives for using locally sourced farm products, and extends free meal access to summer and afterschool programs. Additionally, the act requires a report to Congress within two years to evaluate the program's impact on student academic outcomes and access to nutrition.
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act establishes new federal standards to protect the health and rights of pregnant women held in Bureau of Prisons facilities, immigration detention centers, and refugee shelters. It mandates comprehensive medical care, including mandatory pregnancy testing, access to contraception, and specialized dietary and housing accommodations tailored to pregnancy needs. A central provision prohibits the use of restrictive housing and physical restraints during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum recovery period, with limited exceptions only for immediate safety threats. The legislation also requires facilities to provide nursery programs allowing mothers and infants to remain together, offers education on parental rights, and mandates regular reporting on health outcomes and the use of restrictive measures.
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to honor the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States, acknowledging their role in supporting millions of jobs. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal statement of appreciation from the House of Representatives.
The Main Street BRIDGE Act requires the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency to work together within 180 days to better support small businesses. These two agencies must collaborate on consultations, educational events, and outreach efforts to help small business owners. Two years after the law passes, they must submit a report to Congress detailing the results of this cooperation, including the number of businesses served, jobs created, and financial assistance provided. The bill also defines key terms to ensure both agencies understand their specific roles in this partnership.
This bill prohibits the U.S. government from spending money on military actions against Iran between its enactment and December 31, 2026, unless Congress explicitly approves the use of force. It allows for military action only if Congress declares war, passes a specific authorization, or if the action is necessary to defend the United States or its allies from an imminent attack while following reporting requirements. The law directly restricts the President's ability to deploy troops without legislative approval during the specified timeframe.
