The FLEETS Now Act aims to strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding industry by creating new government roles, establishing international partnerships with allies, and investigating unfair practices by Chinese state-owned shipbuilding companies. It creates a new Assistant Secretary position at the State Department to oversee maritime and space affairs, designates a lead official for international shipbuilding investment, and sets up an exchange program for shipbuilding experts between the U.S. and other countries. The bill also requires regular reports on Chinese shipbuilding entities, establishes a framework for allied countries to collaborate on ship production, and directs U.S. diplomats to advocate for changes at the International Maritime Organization regarding environmental regulations and leadership positions.
The Safe Water in Schools Act of 2026 directs federal funding to help schools and child care programs install point-of-use water filtration systems. These filters are intended to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water before testing occurs or to clean up existing contamination. The bill authorizes specific annual funding amounts, increasing from $60 million in 2026 to $72 million in 2030, to support these efforts. Local educational agencies will receive grants to implement the filtration systems at facilities under their jurisdiction. This legislation amends the existing Safe Drinking Water Act to formalize these requirements and funding levels.
The Reward Work Act prohibits companies from buying back their own stock on public exchanges while requiring at least one-third of corporate board members to be elected by employees. Under this bill, corporations would need to hold one-employee-one-vote elections to select these worker representatives, with the Securities and Exchange Commission tasked with creating rules to ensure fair and democratic processes. The legislation specifically targets publicly traded companies and their boards of directors, aiming to increase worker influence in corporate governance through direct election mechanisms.
The Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to consolidate its vehicle technology programs and fund research aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions across all vehicle types. This legislation authorizes over $1.7 billion in appropriations from 2027 to 2031 to support domestic development of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas systems, and improved manufacturing processes. The bill mandates that these activities be conducted through partnerships with private industry, universities, and state governments, while requiring annual reports to Congress on progress and commercial adoption. Additionally, the act establishes specific programs to test heavy-duty truck technologies, explore secondary uses for vehicle batteries, and update existing federal authorities related to energy efficiency.
The CHARTER Act aims to ensure that public funds for charter schools are not used to generate profits for for-profit companies. It directly affects charter schools receiving federal money by prohibiting them from contracting with for-profit entities to run, manage, or oversee their daily operations. While the bill allows schools to hire for-profit vendors for specific services like food, supplies, and transportation, it strictly bans contracts where a for-profit company controls the school or takes a cut of its revenue. These rules will only apply to new or renewed contracts made after the law is passed, with full enforcement beginning three years later.
This bill establishes a new federal entity called the Language Access Board to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency can access government programs and services. The Board will be composed of 32 members, including public appointees and heads of federal agencies, who will develop standards for public-facing resources like websites and forms. Federal departments must comply with these accessibility standards, and the Board has the authority to investigate complaints and issue orders of compliance. Additionally, the Board will review existing language access laws and submit regular reports to Congress on progress and enforcement actions.
The FAIR Labels Act of 2026 establishes new labeling requirements for cell-cultivated protein products and plant-based alternatives designed to look like meat or poultry. It mandates that labels for these products prominently display the terms "cell-cultivated" or "plant-based alternative protein product" and include clear disclaimers stating the items are not derived from live animals or birds. Additionally, the bill updates regulatory oversight by requiring the USDA and FDA to revise their agreement, assigning the USDA primary responsibility for regulating cell-cultivated meat and poultry while the FDA oversees production safety and facility compliance. The legislation also directs these agencies to create common standards of identity for these products within 180 days of enactment.
The No WAR Act prohibits Congress from using budget reconciliation procedures to fund military hostilities against Iran unless such actions are explicitly authorized by a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. This legislation directly affects the legislative process by establishing a point of order that blocks any reconciliation bill attempting to provide budget authority for offensive military operations, strikes, or covert actions targeting Iranian military forces, territory, or government institutions. The bill also defines proxy forces as any foreign military or irregular groups operating with U.S. direction or material support, ensuring these entities are included in the restrictions on unauthorized funding. By amending the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, the measure aims to prevent the use of budgetary shortcuts to bypass the constitutional requirement for congressional approval before engaging in armed conflict with Iran.
This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It recognizes the role of motorcycles in transportation and highlights the importance of rider safety education, proper licensing, and wearing protective gear. The bill also encourages all road users to share the road safely with motorcyclists.
This resolution designates April 29, 2026, as Denim Day to honor survivors of sexual assault and raise awareness against victim-blaming. It encourages people to wear denim as a symbol that clothing or behavior never constitutes consent and calls for stronger support for survivors. The bill also urges federal, state, and local governments to improve policies and funding for prevention and survivor services, while allowing members of Congress to wear denim on the House floor.
This resolution directs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to take legal action in federal court to enforce a subpoena issued to Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The specific goal is to obtain a court order requiring Bondi to provide deposition testimony and documents related to the government's handling of sex trafficking cases and the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The House Office of General Counsel is authorized to represent the committee in these proceedings and may hire additional private lawyers to assist. If the committee initiates or intervenes in the lawsuit, it must report its actions to the full House of Representatives as soon as possible.
The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 amends the Animal Welfare Act to impose stricter housing and care standards on dog dealers. It requires dealers to provide dogs with solid flooring, sufficient indoor space based on size, and temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill also mandates daily nutritious food, unrestricted outdoor exercise for most dogs over 12 weeks, and at least 30 minutes of daily social interaction with humans. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters a female dog can produce and requiring health screenings before breeding. These new requirements must be implemented through final regulations issued by the Secretary within 18 months of the law's enactment.
