This bill designates tax return preparers as official voter registration agencies, allowing them to distribute voter registration forms to clients. It requires in-person tax preparers to display registration forms visibly in their offices and online preparers to provide a prominent hyperlink to registration forms during their services. The law applies to professional tax preparers who handle at least 100 individual tax returns annually and to certified volunteer tax preparers receiving federal funding. Tax preparers are exempt from certain administrative duties like accepting completed forms or submitting them to election officials, and the Secretary of the Treasury must provide guidance and update volunteer tax site requirements to support these new responsibilities.
This bill, titled the "End Polluter Welfare for Enhanced Oil Recovery Act of 2026," eliminates federal tax credits related to enhanced oil recovery (EOR). It directly affects oil and gas companies that utilize or plan to utilize EOR methods. Specifically, the bill strikes Section 43 of the Internal Revenue Code, thereby ending the existing Enhanced Oil Recovery Credit. Furthermore, for new facilities constructed after the bill's enactment, it removes eligibility for the carbon capture tax credit (Section 45Q) when captured carbon oxide is used for enhanced oil recovery. These changes discontinue tax incentives that support specific oil extraction techniques.
This resolution recognizes the importance of fully funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The resolution also (1) cautions that Americans are at greater risk each day DHS is subject to a lapse in appropriations, and (2) expresses gratitude to DHS employees for their commitment to protect the United States.
HRES 971 is a non-binding resolution condemning China's economic and military actions against Japan following Japanese officials' comments about Taiwan. It specifically addresses China's travel advisory (causing $1.2 billion in tourism losses), a ban on Japanese seafood imports, and military drills near Japanese territory. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for the U.S.-Japan alliance under their mutual security treaty and calls on China to cease coercion. It emphasizes U.S. commitment to upholding a "free and open Indo-Pacific" based on international law. This resolution directly affects Japan's economy and security, with no new legal obligations but serving as a formal U.S. policy statement.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship, a valid U.S. passport, or a valid government-issued photo identification card that shows the applicant's place of birth was in the United States. Further, the bill (1) requires states to accept and process a voter registration application in the event of a name discrepancy in the applicant's documentation, as long as the applicant provides additional documentation; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Within 30 days of the bill's enactment, each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Further, each state must submit its complete official list of eligible voters to the Department of Homeland Security for comparison with the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system, which is used to verify immigration status. Individuals who are identified as noncitizens must be given the opportunity to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. The bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid physical photo identification. An individual who does not present the required identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. Further, an election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters or individuals provided the right to vote other than in person under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act. State and local government officials must provide, to the extent practicable, public access to a digital imaging device for the purpose of allowing individuals to use the device at no cost to make a copy of their valid photo identification.
HR 7669, the "Rejecting the Erasure of Afghan Women and Girls Act," requires the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a report within 180 days of enactment. The report must detail Taliban-imposed restrictions on Afghan women and girls since August 2021 and determine whether these restrictions constitute crimes against humanity, torture under the Convention against Torture, or gross human rights violations under U.S. law. This bill directly addresses the situation of Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule by mandating a formal U.S. government assessment of those restrictions. The legislation focuses on establishing a factual basis for potential policy responses through this required report.
HR 7674 requires the U.S. Secretary of State to develop and submit a comprehensive strategy within 180 days of enactment to support democratic progress in Venezuela. The strategy must include diplomatic efforts, plans to secure the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, actions to counter foreign authoritarian influence (specifically from Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China), plans for U.S. foreign assistance to Venezuelans, and support for civil society groups. The Secretary must also submit annual reports on implementation progress to Congress for two years and consult regularly with relevant congressional committees. This bill mandates a structured U.S. government approach to Venezuela but does not directly alter existing policies or provide new funding.
This bill requires the State Department to create a strategy within 180 days of enactment to address risks posed by certain Chinese entities to U.S. interests through European academic institutions. The strategy must identify, evaluate, and mitigate relationships between covered European institutions (universities/research centers in Europe) and specific Chinese entities of concern - such as those linked to military-civil fusion, defense industries, Confucius Institutes, or activities involving Uyghur detention. It mandates a country-by-country assessment of these entities’ scale and activities, evaluation of security threats to the U.S. and allies, and recommendations for diplomatic engagement. The plan must be submitted unclassified to congressional foreign affairs committees, with a classified annex permitted.
This bill requires the U.S. State Department to produce annual reports assessing national security risks posed by foreign adversaries using generative AI for malicious purposes. Within 180 days of enactment (and annually for three years), the Secretary of State must submit unclassified reports to Congress detailing specific incidents - such as disinformation campaigns, weapons development support, cyber attacks, or surveillance enhancements - and emerging trends. The reports must include recommendations to counter these threats and will be posted publicly online. This directly affects the State Department’s reporting obligations and informs congressional oversight on international AI security risks.
This bill amends the Americans with Disabilities Act to require a 30-day notice period before lawsuits can be filed over inaccessible public accommodations. It mandates that individuals denied access due to architectural barriers must first provide businesses with specific written notice identifying the exact barrier. Businesses then have 30 days to either provide a written plan for removal or make substantial progress on fixing the barrier. This directly affects disabled individuals seeking access and businesses operating public spaces like restaurants or stores. The change delays legal action until after this notice-and-cure period, aiming to encourage voluntary compliance before litigation.
HR 6194, the Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025, prevents U.S. persons (individuals or businesses) from facing civil lawsuits in U.S. courts related to complying with U.S. sanctions or export controls. It blocks the enforcement of foreign court judgments or arbitral awards where the claim arose from actions taken to comply with U.S. sanctions, or where foreign courts based jurisdiction on those sanctions. The law requires federal or state courts to dismiss such cases and applies broadly to all U.S. sanctions, not just those targeting Russia. Exceptions include lawsuits related to terrorism, torture, or contractual disputes resolved under U.S. courts or arbitration.
HR 3447, the Chip Security Act, requires manufacturers to equip specific advanced integrated circuits (classified under export control numbers like 3A090) with security mechanisms before exporting them. These mechanisms must verify location and prevent unauthorized access, diversion, or tampering. The law mandates this for covered chips within 180 days of enactment, with a follow-up assessment within one year to develop additional security requirements. It directly affects U.S. chip exporters and importers of these high-tech products, aiming to strengthen export control compliance and national security.
