This bill extends the timeframe for funding middle-mile broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas under the Rural Electrification Act. It amends Section 602(g) by changing the period from 2018-2023 to 2026-2031, allowing rural communities more time to access and deploy this critical internet backbone infrastructure. Middle-mile infrastructure connects local networks to the broader internet, directly benefiting rural residents and businesses lacking reliable high-speed internet access. The change is a simple extension of an existing program's timeline without creating new funding or requirements.
The ACE Agriculture Act of 2026 amends USDA research programs to expand their focus on water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, and resilience against climate impacts like drought and pests. It increases annual funding for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) from $50 million to $100 million (2027-2031) and requires the program to prioritize water conservation, emissions mitigation, and protection from diseases and pests. The bill redesignates a former "Pilot" program as a permanent initiative, clarifies the Director’s role to work directly with the Chief Scientist (without reporting to other USDA program heads), and allows use of unobligated funds for implementation. This primarily affects USDA research operations and agricultural producers adopting new technologies for sustainability and climate adaptation.
HR 7060, the "No Political Enemies Act," prohibits federal officials from targeting individuals or domestic entities for exercising constitutionally protected speech or assembly. It creates an affirmative defense for defendants who show government enforcement actions were "substantially motivated" by such protected activity (Section 4), allows civil lawsuits for injunctions against politically motivated actions (Section 6), and enables damage claims if officials knowingly targeted protected speech (Section 7). The bill also requires the Justice Department to submit quarterly reports on sensitive investigations to Congress (Section 10) and bans federal funding for enforcement actions based on protected speech (Section 9). It directly affects government officials who initiate enforcement actions and covers individuals or organizations engaging in protected expression.
This bill requires the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) to create and update a plan for collecting and analyzing data about the skilled technical workforce. Specifically, it amends existing law to mandate that NCSES develop this data collection plan within one year of the bill's enactment, with updates required biennially thereafter. The plan must focus on gathering data through surveys specifically about the skilled technical workforce, replacing previous requirements for general workforce assessments. This change directly affects how federal data on technical workforce needs is systematically collected and analyzed.
This bill requires the Department of Defense to study how it awards small-value contracts (under $25,000) to ensure small businesses receive their designated share. The study will analyze contract spending patterns, reasons small businesses aren't awarded contracts when required, and trends in non-compliant awards. Within 180 days, the Defense Secretary must submit a report to Congress detailing findings and recommendations for improving small business contract practices.
This bill modifies federal sentencing for young people under 18 who were previously trafficked, abused, or assaulted before committing violent crimes. It allows judges to sentence below mandatory minimums and suspend parts of a sentence to account for the trauma the offender experienced. The law specifically applies to those convicted of violent offenses after the bill's enactment, provided the court finds clear evidence they were victimized under specific federal trafficking or abuse laws within the prior year. It directly affects minors with documented histories of victimization who commit violent acts, giving judges discretion to consider their trauma during sentencing.
The Returning Home Act establishes a federal grant program to provide rental assistance and housing support for individuals recently released from prison, jail, juvenile facilities, or halfway houses. It allocates $100 million annually to fund 24 months of rental assistance, family stipends for household support, and services like housing counseling, case management, and help with security deposits. The program prioritizes people at risk of homelessness after incarceration, requiring grantees to use at least 60% of funds for direct rental payments and 15% for landlord incentives. It explicitly replaces "offender" language with "individual" throughout to focus on people reentering communities, not criminal labels.
HR 7051, the American Dream Act, allows individuals aged 65 or older to exclude taxable gains from selling their home to a first-time homebuyer under specific conditions. The bill applies when the home sells for $500,000 or less, the buyer is a first-time homebuyer purchasing it as their primary residence, and the buyer provides a sworn statement confirming these details. The exclusion is only available for sales occurring after December 31, 2026, and expires after December 31, 2031. This policy directly affects seniors aged 65+ selling their primary residence and first-time homebuyers purchasing it as their main home.
This bill prohibits naming any federal building, land, or asset after a sitting president and requires reverting any existing names given to such property during the current presidency back to their prior designations. It applies to all federal property, preventing the executive branch from using federal funds or authority to rename locations for personal recognition during a president's term. The law would take effect immediately upon enactment, restoring previous names for any property renamed under this practice.
The REAADI for Disasters Act aims to improve inclusion of individuals with disabilities and older adults in all phases of disaster management. It requires accessible communication (including American Sign Language, captions, and plain language), accessible shelters, and ensures these individuals are included in planning and decision-making processes. The bill establishes a Disaster Human Services Emergency Fund to rapidly respond to human services needs during disasters, and creates training centers to provide disability-inclusive emergency management expertise. It mandates compliance with disability laws and requires centers for independent living to be involved in disaster planning and response.
HR 926, the Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of Fort Pillow Historic State Park in Tennessee. The study will evaluate the site's national significance and determine if designating it as a National Battlefield Park is suitable and feasible. This bill does not change the park's current status as a state park (established 1971) or its existing National Register and National Historic Landmark designations. The study is prompted by the historical importance of the 1864 Fort Pillow Massacre, particularly its impact on U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War, as detailed in congressional findings. The bill itself is procedural, focusing solely on authorizing the study to inform potential future designation.
SJRES 84 is a joint resolution seeking to block a rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Affordable Care Act. The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2025, aimed to improve affordability and integrity in health insurance marketplaces. If approved, this resolution would invalidate the rule under a federal disapproval process, preventing its implementation. This directly affects how health insurance plans are structured and priced for consumers using ACA marketplaces.
