Maryland Congressional Bills

in committee · Maryland · House May 7, 2026

HR 8707: No Funds for Iran War Act

This bill prohibits the U.S. government from spending money on military actions against Iran between its enactment and December 31, 2026, unless Congress explicitly approves the use of force. It allows for military action only if Congress declares war, passes a specific authorization, or if the action is necessary to defend the United States or its allies from an imminent attack while following reporting requirements. The law directly restricts the President's ability to deploy troops without legislative approval during the specified timeframe.

Patrick Ryan (D) · 61 co-sponsors

in committee · Maryland · House May 7, 2026

HR 8704: STABLE DRC Act

The STABLE DRC Act authorizes the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals or entities that violate the 2025 peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda or undermine regional stability. These penalties include blocking financial assets within the United States and revoking or denying visas to targeted aliens, while excluding humanitarian aid and essential medical supplies from restrictions. The legislation is designed to enforce the peace accord by holding parties accountable for hostile acts, such as those committed by the Rwandan Defense Forces or the FDLR, and the sanctions authority will expire seven years after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Maryland · House May 7, 2026

HR 8693: Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act

This bill establishes a task force to identify Chinese military and non-military entities that could support actions against Taiwan, such as blockades or territorial seizures. The task force, led by the State Department and Treasury, will develop strategies for potential sanctions while coordinating with allies to minimize economic impacts on the United States. Importantly, the legislation does not change existing U.S. policy on Taiwan and requires explicit future laws to actually impose any penalties.

in committee · Maryland · House May 7, 2026

HR 8691: Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

This bill, titled the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, updates federal definitions to classify nursing degrees as professional degrees. It directly affects students pursuing nursing education and the federal financial aid programs that support them. The legislation amends the Higher Education Act to explicitly list nursing degrees, such as the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, alongside other advanced fields like medicine and law. By making this change, the bill ensures that nursing programs are recognized at the same level as other established professional disciplines within the federal student aid system.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Maryland · House May 7, 2026

HR 8676: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to State educational agencies to carry out wellness programs for school personnel, and for other purposes.

This bill authorizes federal grants to help states and local school districts create wellness programs specifically designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of school staff, including teachers, administrators, and support personnel. The funding, available for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, would be distributed competitively to states, which must then provide subgrants to local agencies that prioritize schools serving high-need student populations. Recipients are required to develop initiatives addressing stress management, workplace conditions, and job satisfaction while reporting annually on program effectiveness and staff retention rates. Additionally, the legislation updates the authorization period for these funds and adjusts the structure of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to include this new category of support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Maryland · House May 7, 2026

HR 8666: Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026

The Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026 directly affects the federal government by nullifying Executive Order 14399, which previously required citizenship verification in federal elections. This legislation prohibits any federal agency from enforcing the order or using taxpayer funds to carry out its activities. By repealing the executive order, the bill removes the mandate for agencies to verify citizenship as a condition for voting in federal elections.

Stephen F. Lynch (D) · 46 co-sponsors

in committee · Maryland · House May 4, 2026

HJRES 174: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for term limits for justices of the Supreme Court.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the tenure of Supreme Court justices to a maximum of 18 years. It would apply to all current justices, terminating their terms if they have already served 18 years or more, and would require the Chief Justice to be replaced according to existing laws if their term ends. The amendment aims to address concerns about judicial longevity by establishing a fixed term for all justices on the nation's highest court.

in committee · Maryland · House May 4, 2026

HRES 1255: Supporting the designation of the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week".

This resolution formally recognizes the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" to honor the work of public school educators. It highlights the importance of teachers in the education system and notes that a majority of them support various policies, including protections for students and funding for public schools. The document also expresses the view that teachers should have a direct role in education policymaking at federal, state, and local levels. By issuing this designation, the House of Representatives aims to acknowledge the value of teachers and encourage government leaders to engage with them on issues affecting the classroom.

Topics ✓ Education

Jahana Hayes (D) · 63 co-sponsors

in committee · Maryland · House May 4, 2026

HRES 1253: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States, including their commitment to defending the Constitution and delivering essential services to United States citizens, and in doing so, supporting the United States economy, during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year.

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.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Maryland · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SJRES 191: A joint resolution to direct removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities in Iran that lack explicit congressional authorization. The bill relies on the War Powers Resolution, asserting that the 60-day period for these unauthorized operations has expired and that no war declaration or specific statutory approval exists for the conflict. While ordering a troop withdrawal, the measure allows the United States to continue defending against attacks on its personnel, sharing intelligence, assisting allied nations, and evacuating American citizens. It is a legislative action intended to enforce constitutional limits on the use of military force without a formal declaration of war.

passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SRES 720: A resolution recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor the contributions of these communities to United States history. The document highlights the diversity of the population, cites historical milestones such as the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the passage of immigration laws, and acknowledges specific achievements of individuals like Daniel K. Inouye and Patsy Mink. It also notes the ongoing challenges faced by these groups, including a rise in hate crimes, while celebrating their growing presence in government and society. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic statement of appreciation rather than establishing new legal requirements or funding.

Mazie K. Hirono (D) · 29 co-sponsors

in committee · Maryland · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SRES 715: A resolution recognizing escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, including increasing harm to journalists reporting in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of "World Press Freedom Day" on May 3, 2026.

This Senate resolution commemorates World Press Freedom Day by formally recognizing the growing global dangers journalists face, including attacks in conflict zones and under repressive regimes. The bill highlights the essential role of a free press in supporting democracy and human rights while citing specific instances where American and international reporters have been killed, detained, or injured. It calls on the President and Secretary of State to investigate attacks against journalists, ensure the release of wrongfully detained media workers, and maintain U.S. leadership in protecting press freedom worldwide.

Maryland Congressional Bills

Bill results