The Hands Off Elections Act of 2026 prohibits federal employees from participating in or directing others to participate in the administration of federal elections, unless they are already authorized by existing laws such as the Help America Vote Act. This restriction applies to all executive agencies except the United States Postal Service, but it explicitly allows federal workers to assist with cybersecurity measures to protect voting systems. If a state law enforcement officer believes a federal employee has violated these rules, they can file a lawsuit in federal court to stop the behavior. The bill aims to separate federal agency staff from election management duties while preserving their ability to safeguard election technology.
The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
This bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a comprehensive study on various broadband internet technologies, including fiber-optic cables, satellite systems, and mobile wireless networks. The study will examine specific factors such as workforce needs, deployment costs, internet speed and latency, equipment lifespan, and monthly subscription prices for consumers. The findings will be compiled into a report submitted to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment to inform future policy decisions regarding broadband infrastructure.
This bill creates a new tax incentive to encourage the construction and renovation of affordable housing near public transportation hubs. It directly affects developers and investors by increasing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for buildings located within half a mile of rail, bus, harbor, or waterway stations in high-density zones. The credit amount is boosted to 150% of the standard value, rising to 155% for projects in Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories, with limits on how many areas can be designated in each region. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to study geographic cost-of-living differences and propose changes to how tax credit funds are distributed among states.
This resolution formally recognizes the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities to honor the legacy of the poet Luís Vaz de Camões and celebrate Portuguese heritage. It acknowledges the contributions of the approximately 1.3 million Portuguese Americans living in the United States and highlights the long-standing diplomatic friendship between the two nations. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to reaffirm the partnership between the U.S. and Portugal, particularly noting Portugal's role in the America250 celebration.
HR 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requires employers to begin negotiating a first contract with a newly certified union within 10 days of written request. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, the parties must seek mediation, and if unresolved after 30 days of mediation, the dispute moves to binding arbitration by a three-member panel. The arbitration decision, based on factors like employer finances, industry standards, and cost of living, becomes binding for two years. This bill directly affects newly certified unions and their employers during initial contract negotiations, aiming to reduce delays that currently average 465 days.
The TSP Modernization Act allows individuals to electronically transfer money from their Thrift Savings Fund accounts to qualified retirement plans at brokerage firms, a change that takes effect one year after the law is passed. To initiate this transfer, account holders must provide the necessary information to the Federal Retirement Thrith Investment Board. Additionally, the bill requires the board to submit a report to Congress one year after enactment detailing how the electronic transfer process was implemented.
The BLANCHE Act of 2026 prohibits the United States government from entering into settlement agreements with the President that result in the President or a third party receiving any payment, including cash, goods, or legal fees. This rule applies to claims filed by the President or individuals who assumed office while a claim was pending, ensuring no such agreements are valid unless a federal court explicitly approves them. To gain court approval, the agreement must be proven to be between adverse parties, not collusive or fraudulent, and in the interest of justice, requiring a formal hearing with evidence presented by both sides. The law also mandates that the President file the proposed terms with the court if no separate civil action has already been initiated. These provisions aim to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in any legal settlements involving the highest office in the land.
This bill mandates an interagency review by the Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veterans Affairs secretaries to accelerate research on lung cancer in women and underserved populations (including those eligible for screening per USPSTF guidelines). It requires evaluating existing research gaps, identifying collaborative opportunities for innovative studies (like environmental/genomic factors), developing a national screening strategy, and creating public education campaigns focused on early detection. The review must produce a comprehensive report to Congress within two years of enactment. The bill directly affects women and underserved groups at higher risk for lung cancer by targeting research, screening access, and awareness.
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.
The DOMINANCE Act aims to reduce U.S. reliance on strategic competitors like China for critical minerals by building international partnerships to secure diversified supply chains. It establishes a Minerals Security Partnership to coordinate diplomatic, development, and financial support for critical mineral projects with allies, creates a new Office of Energy Security Compacts to develop multi-year agreements with partner countries, and sets up a new Assistant Secretary position for Energy Security at the State Department. The bill also includes education programs like the Critical Mineral Mining Fellowship Program to build U.S. workforce capacity in mining. These measures are designed to enhance U.S. national security and economic competitiveness by ensuring reliable access to critical minerals needed for defense, technology, and energy systems.
This bill authorizes U.S. sanctions against foreign individuals, entities, and vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing), particularly targeting China as the primary perpetrator. It requires freezing assets and denying visas to those who own, captain, or operate vessels engaged in IUU fishing, while mandating annual reports on sanctions implementation. Exceptions include humanitarian aid, national security activities, and compliance with international agreements. The policy aims to protect global fisheries, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems from harmful fishing practices.
