Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act. The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device. The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.
This procedural resolution (HCONRES 74) schedules a joint session of Congress for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9 p.m. in the House of Representatives Hall. It provides the formal mechanism for both chambers to convene and receive a communication from the President of the United States. The resolution does not alter any laws or policies; it solely sets a specific date and time for this routine congressional procedure.
This bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce two types of commemorative $2.50 coins for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: a circulating coin for everyday use and a numismatic (collector) coin. Both would feature designs based on the 1926 Sesquicentennial coin - showing allegorical liberty holding the Declaration on one side and Independence Hall on the other - with "1776-2026" inscriptions. The bill requires the Mint to issue these coins by July 4, 2026, if technically and economically feasible, but does not mandate their production or affect any specific groups beyond the public who may purchase them.
This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to define "critical energy resources" as those essential to U.S. energy systems with vulnerable supply chains. It directs the Energy Secretary to assess supply chain risks, diversify sources, boost domestic production of these resources, develop alternatives, and improve recycling. The law specifically requires evaluating reliance on imports, adversarial nation tactics (like price manipulation), and impacts on energy technology development. The Department of Energy and energy sector stakeholders will implement these measures, directly affecting how the federal government manages energy security. The bill focuses on concrete policy actions, not outcomes or political advocacy.
The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 prohibits the National Marine Sanctuaries Act from requiring additional authorizations for undersea fiber optic cables that already have federal or state permits. It directly affects cable operators who have obtained licenses, leases, or permits from any federal or state agency for cable installation or maintenance in national marine sanctuaries. The bill prevents the Secretary from blocking or demanding new permits for these cables once they have valid existing authorization. This simplifies regulatory processes by eliminating redundant federal oversight for cables already approved by other agencies.
HR 3190, the BRAVE Burma Act, extends sanctions authority for Burma by 10 years and requires annual reports on whether specific Burmese entities - like state-owned enterprises, Myanma Economic Bank, and jet fuel sector operators - meet sanctions criteria. It also limits Burma's potential increase in International Monetary Fund shareholding if the military-led State Administration Council remains in power. The bill creates a U.S. Special Envoy for Burma to coordinate all diplomatic and sanctions policy, develop multilateral sanctions strategies, and work with international partners on issues like arms embargoes and support for Burmese civil society. These provisions directly affect Burmese military entities, Burma's IMF representation, and U.S. diplomatic efforts toward Burma.
The No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act requires the U.S. State Department to identify foreign countries and organizations receiving U.S. foreign aid that have provided financial or material support to the Taliban, including the amounts of aid they receive and the support they give to the Taliban. It mandates a strategy to use U.S. aid to discourage such support, with initial and follow-up reports to Congress on the strategy and its implementation. The bill also demands detailed reports on U.S. cash assistance programs in Afghanistan and the Afghan Fund, explaining how funds are transferred (including traditional money transfer systems) and how safeguards prevent Taliban access.
HR 1458, the VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, amends VA education benefits rules to ensure veterans using these benefits for independent study courses receive meaningful instruction. It requires that such courses include regular, substantive interaction between students and instructors, and limits eligibility to programs at institutions approved for federal student aid under the Higher Education Act. This directly affects veterans pursuing online or self-paced courses using VA education benefits. The changes apply to courses starting August 1, 2025, and aim to standardize benefit access for qualifying educational programs.
SRES 591 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18E1 Super Hornet from Lambert Field in St. Louis (November 29, 1995) and honoring 30 years of service to the U.S. Navy and allied forces. It does not create new laws or affect any specific individuals or groups; instead, it formally acknowledges the aircraft's historical significance and contributions to national security. The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to send a copy to the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, where the original F/A-18E1 is displayed. This is purely symbolic, with no policy changes or funding impacts.
HR 6945 clarifies that states may use federal grants under Section 403 of the Social Security Act to support pregnancy centers meeting specific criteria. These centers must promote protecting both mother and unborn child life while providing services like counseling, pregnancy testing, and material support (e.g., diapers, baby clothes). The bill explicitly prohibits interpreting existing law as barring such funding for eligible centers. It does not create new funding but defines which pregnancy resource organizations qualify for existing grants.
This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to annually analyze risks across all loans guaranteed under its 504 program, which provides long-term financing for small business real estate and equipment purchases. The SBA must submit detailed reports to Congress by December 1 each year, including risk analyses by industry, loan size, borrower type (e.g., new businesses), loan age, and default management. Reports must also include public data on development companies handling loans, loan defaults, and enforcement actions. The bill directly affects the SBA’s oversight of the 504 program and the development companies administering these loans.
The VSAFE Act of 2025 establishes a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent and address fraud targeting veterans. This officer will develop communication plans, training, and reporting systems for veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to identify and avoid scams, while coordinating with agencies like the IRS, DOJ, and Social Security Administration. The bill also modifies a home loan fee deadline in the VA loan program, changing a date from June 9, 2034, to June 23, 2034. It does not create new full-time positions or alter existing Inspector General authority.
