The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act places xylazine - a veterinary sedative increasingly found in illicit drug mixtures - into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, subjecting it to federal regulation as a controlled substance. It specifically allows veterinary use without requiring registration of the ultimate user (e.g., pet owners or veterinarians) if xylazine is dispensed by a registered veterinarian or pharmacy with a vet prescription and used for animals owned by the user, under their care, or in authorized animal programs. The bill provides a one-year delay for labeling and packaging requirements and a 60-day delay for registration and recordkeeping for veterinary use to ease implementation. Additionally, it adds xylazine to the Arcos tracking system for controlled substances and mandates two congressional reports on illicit use prevalence within 18 months and 4 years of enactment.
The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 ensures that revenue from the 9/11 Security Fee (paid by airline passengers) is used exclusively for aviation security, ending its diversion to other government purposes by 2027. It creates two dedicated funds: the Aviation Security Capital Fund (receiving $250 million annually through 2025, then $500 million annually starting in 2026) for general security improvements, and the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (receiving $250 million annually starting in 2026) specifically for security screening technology like baggage scanners and exit lanes. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to collect sufficient fees to fund these amounts and allows retroactive grants for security technology projects implemented since 2023. This directly affects TSA operations, airports, and passenger fees, with no new taxes or fees imposed.
The Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act seeks to prevent countries of concern, such as China, from obtaining advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. It directs U.S. agencies to identify critical semiconductor manufacturing technology and facilities in these countries and immediately engage allied nations to adopt equivalent export controls, including denying licenses for exports and servicing to targeted facilities. The bill mandates the U.S. to implement its own countrywide controls on relevant U.S.-produced equipment and comprehensive restrictions on identified foreign facilities within 150 days. If an allied country fails to implement comparable controls after diplomatic efforts are exhausted, the U.S. will extend its jurisdiction to control the export and servicing of covered equipment originating from that allied nation. This legislation primarily affects U.S. and allied semiconductor manufacturing equipment producers, as well as specific foreign entities and facilities in countries of concern.
This bill, titled the Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, provides funding for the Department of Homeland Security and extends certain continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026. It allocates money for various DHS components including border security, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, disaster relief, and law enforcement training. The bill also includes the SAVE America Act, which requires states to verify voter citizenship through documentary proof and mandates photo identification for voting in federal elections. Additionally, it establishes reporting requirements for DHS budgeting and oversight, and prohibits certain border crossing fees.
This resolution expresses support for the United Nations designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. It recognizes the economic, social, and ecological importance of rangelands and the ranchers, farmers, and land managers who steward them. The measure encourages federal agencies, universities, and organizations to promote education, research, and outreach related to rangeland management during this designated year.
This bill, titled the Bonneville Power Leadership Recruitment Act, adjusts the pay scale for the Administrator and employees of the Bonneville Power Administration to match compensation levels at consumer-owned utilities in the Western Interconnection. It requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct an annual survey of utility compensation and set pay rates accordingly, with considerations for recruitment, retention, and the agency's budget and mission goals. The changes apply to the Administrator's basic pay and to Senior Executive Service employees, aiming to make their total compensation competitive with similar private utility positions in the region.
This bill amends the Social Security Act to allow states to use federal grants to support pregnancy centers. It defines pregnancy centers as organizations that protect the lives of mothers and unborn children while offering services like counseling, education, and material support to families. The change removes previous restrictions that prevented states from using these funds for such centers. The legislation directly affects state governments managing federal grants and the organizations that provide pregnancy-related resources.
The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 aims to update and improve federal housing programs for Indian tribes, tribally designated housing entities, and Native Hawaiian communities. The bill streamlines environmental reviews, increases flexibility for these entities in managing housing funds, and raises income limits for certain homeownership assistance. It also establishes new pilot programs to address homelessness among Native Americans
The FARM Stability Act proposes changes to wage requirements for H-2A temporary agricultural workers in the United States. It would require the Secretary of Labor to establish a two-tiered wage system based on skill levels, with higher pay for workers who have formal training or significant experience compared to entry-level workers. The bill also mandates that wages account for housing costs by calculating an hourly adjustment factor based on average fair market rent for four-bedroom units, limited to 30 percent of the base wage rate. These provisions would directly affect employers hiring H-2A workers and the workers themselves by modifying how minimum wages are determined and adjusted annually.
The WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act of 2026 extends economic assistance payments to the state of New Mexico and the local community affected by the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant beyond the original 14-year limit. This change modifies existing law to allow payments to continue through the fiscal year when transuranic waste shipments to or from the facility are terminated. The bill directly impacts the state of New Mexico and communities near the WIPP site by ensuring ongoing financial support for economic development and community assistance. The provision removes the previous time restriction on these payments, allowing them to last as long as waste shipments occur at the facility.
This bill, titled the Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act of 2026, establishes rules for how religious organizations are treated under federal tax law and financial assistance programs. It directs the IRS to determine whether an organization's purpose is religious without considering its specific beliefs about marriage, sexuality, or gender identity, even if those beliefs conflict with current laws. The legislation also prohibits federal agencies from discriminating against religious employers that receive federal funding if those employers hire staff based on their religious standards. These protections apply to religious corporations, associations, educational institutions, and societies, ensuring they can maintain employment practices aligned with their faith when receiving government support.
The COMPETE Act amends the Public Health Service Act to formally define short-term limited duration insurance as health coverage contracts lasting no more than 12 months from their original effective date. This legislation allows these policies to include renewal options that let policyholders purchase future coverage at premiums not reflecting additional underwriting. The bill directly affects health insurance issuers and consumers who purchase short-term limited duration health plans. By establishing this specific definition, the law clarifies the scope and characteristics of these temporary health insurance products.
