The Disabled Access Credit Modernization Act updates the tax credit available to small businesses that make their facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. It allows these businesses to claim the credit for a broader range of expenses, including equipment and services that go beyond the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act or are needed even if the business is not currently subject to those rules. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions of disability and reasonable accommodation within the tax code. The legislation also requires the Treasury Department to issue guidance and conduct public outreach to help eligible businesses understand the updated credit, with a report to Congress due two years after enactment. These changes will take effect for expenses incurred after December 31, 2026.
The No Corporate Crooks Act bars individuals from working in the federal executive branch if they have been convicted of specific crimes committed while serving as a chief executive officer of a public or private non-federal entity. This ban applies to offenses such as bribery, fraud, cybercrime, embezzlement, insider trading, wage theft, and tax evasion, as well as comparable state-level crimes. Additionally, the law requires that any current federal executive branch employee who would be ineligible under these new rules must be removed from their position.
This resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the workers who maintain the nation's electrical grid. The bill specifically recognizes the dangerous conditions these employees face, such as working at heights near live power lines and responding to disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. It also commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while performing his duties. Ultimately, the measure encourages the public to observe this day with reflection on the contributions of lineworkers.
The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats Act authorizes $20 million annually to fund grants that help build and construction trade pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs are designed to prepare individuals from underrepresented groups, such as women, racial minorities, and veterans, for entry into registered apprenticeships by providing industry-aligned training and curriculum. Funding is awarded to nonprofit partnerships that include employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions, with a requirement that the training leads directly to available apprenticeship positions. The Department of Labor must evaluate the effectiveness of these projects based on participant success rates, and grants may be extended only if satisfactory performance is demonstrated.
The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act aims to address the national shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel by creating two new pilot programs within the Department of Homeland Security. The first initiative establishes an apprenticeship program that hires up to 25 individuals annually to gain on-the-job training and related education, with the goal of placing them in permanent federal cyber workforce positions after completion. The second program offers free cybersecurity training to veterans and military spouses, providing virtual and hands-on learning opportunities that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials. Both pilots include provisions for recruiting underrepresented communities and require regular reporting to Congress on participant demographics, completion rates, and employment outcomes. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for a federal cybersecurity workforce assessment from 2022 to 2028 to better track staffing needs.
The Young Farmer Success Act expands student loan forgiveness to include individuals working full-time as employees or managers on farms and ranches. To qualify, these agricultural operations must generate at least $35,000 in gross revenue from selling agricultural products in 2026, with the required income increasing annually based on inflation adjustments. This change directly affects young people seeking loan relief who are currently employed in the farming and ranching sectors but were previously ineligible for this specific provision.
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Agriculture
The LEARN AI Act expresses Congress's preference for integrating artificial intelligence training into registered apprenticeship programs to better prepare workers for the technology. It directs the Department of Labor to encourage AI instruction, share best practices for responsible AI use, and offer technical help to employers and training sponsors. The bill allows the Department of Labor to support these efforts but does not force any specific program to include AI training or change existing rules. Ultimately, the legislation aims to assist in adapting the workforce to technological changes without mandating specific curriculum updates.
The Social Security 2100 Act proposes significant changes to the U.S. retirement system, aiming to strengthen benefits, consolidate the trust fund, and improve service delivery. To directly affect current and future beneficiaries, the bill increases monthly payments for low earners, adjusts cost-of-living calculations to better reflect inflation, and extends eligibility for children in college. It also introduces new credits for caregivers, removes waiting periods for some disability claims, and allows higher earnings to count toward future benefits. To fund these enhancements, the legislation repeals the cap on taxable wages for Social Security taxes and creates a single, unified Social Security Trust Fund. Finally, the act mandates stricter data privacy protections, prohibits the wrongful invalidation of Social Security numbers, and requires the agency to maintain a robust workforce and keep field offices open.
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2026 modifies how public safety officers can claim federal benefits related to line-of-duty injuries. It simplifies the claims process by removing a requirement that injuries must be caused by factors other than pre-existing cardiovascular risks and extends the time limit for reporting certain incidents from 24 to 72 hours. These changes apply to any benefit claims that are pending or filed after the law is enacted. The bill directly affects public safety officers seeking compensation for work-related injuries.
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Public Safety
The Educators for America Act amends the Higher Education Act to update how teacher residency programs select participants. It requires these programs to establish specific criteria for eligibility and to prioritize recruiting individuals who are underrepresented in the teaching profession, including men. This change directly affects federal funding for teacher residency programs and the demographic composition of new teachers. The bill focuses on modifying selection rules rather than creating new programs or changing funding amounts.
