This bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.
The ABLE Tomorrow Act expands and strengthens the ABLE program, which allows people with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without risking their eligibility for essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Key changes include removing limits on transferring funds from 529 college savings plans into ABLE accounts and creating exceptions to annual contribution caps for specific lump-sum payments. The bill also permits employers to contribute directly to an employee's ABLE account as part of a retirement plan and requires various federal agencies to inform beneficiaries about these savings opportunities. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $50 million in grants over five years to help states and tribes promote ABLE accounts and increase participation among eligible individuals.
This bill clarifies that individuals are legally permitted to use direct deposit to make contributions to ABLE accounts, which are savings plans designed to help people with disabilities save for qualified expenses. By explicitly stating that no existing law prohibits this method of payment, the legislation removes potential confusion or barriers for donors and financial institutions. The change does not alter the core rules of ABLE programs but simply confirms a practical way for people to fund these accounts.
This bill creates a new federal tax credit that matches contributions to ABLE savings accounts, which are designed to help people with disabilities save for qualified expenses. The government will contribute up to 100% of an individual's annual contributions, capped at $2,000, provided the taxpayer's income falls below specific thresholds that phase out the benefit. To receive the match, individuals must file a tax return claiming the credit, and the funds are typically deposited directly into their ABLE account. The legislation also requires state programs to report demographic data about account holders and authorizes $5 million in annual grants to help states promote these savings accounts.
The Respect Tribal IDs Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to create and enforce annual training for immigration officers on how to properly identify and accept Native American tribal documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. This legislation directly affects federal immigration officials by mandating that they complete specific curricula developed in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian tribes. Key provisions include establishing a database of tribal document examples, incorporating scenario-based exercises, and ensuring officers understand the historical trust responsibility between the U.S. government and American Indians. Additionally, the bill defines which tribal documents, such as enrollment cards and certificates of degree of Indian blood, are considered valid proof of citizenship.
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2026. The act requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as "National Small Business Week." It aims to honor the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States, acknowledging their role in supporting millions of jobs. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal statement of appreciation from the House of Representatives.
The MISSION Rx Act ensures that military beneficiaries and veterans pay no more for specific negotiated drugs than Medicare Part D beneficiaries do. It achieves this by capping the out-of-pocket costs for TRICARE-covered servicemembers and copayments for veterans at the same levels established under the federal drug price negotiation program. Additionally, the bill requires federal agencies to limit the maximum prices they agree to pay pharmaceutical manufacturers for these same negotiated drugs. These changes apply to existing contracts and new agreements involving drugs selected for federal price negotiation.
This bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House of Representatives' sentiment to honor public servants for their dedication to the United States. It specifically acknowledges the work of federal, state, and local government employees, as well as uniformed service members, who deliver essential services and support the economy. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Public Service Recognition Week with ceremonies and activities that recognize these contributions. Because it is a symbolic expression of the House's feelings rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not create new policies or mandate specific actions.
The FORGE Act establishes a new program within the Department of State called FIRST to support the international deployment of small modular nuclear reactors. Managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, this program aims to promote U.S. nuclear technology abroad by facilitating diplomatic efforts, offering safety and regulatory guidance, and providing early-stage project support to help American businesses compete fairly with state-backed rivals. The legislation requires the program to submit regular reports and briefings to Congress detailing its activities, partners, and funding, and it is set to expire in 2034.
This bill requires federal agencies to analyze indirect economic costs on small businesses when creating new rules, including costs affecting businesses that interact with regulated entities (like suppliers or partners). It creates a new process allowing small businesses to petition the Small Business Administration's Chief Counsel to review agency certifications claiming a rule won't significantly impact them. Agencies must then provide detailed cost analyses, publish guidance online for small business feedback, and face penalties if they fail to cooperate with reviews. The bill does not change existing regulations but adds new review steps for small business input.
