The Modal Parity in Permitting Act aims to streamline the acquisition of land for federally funded transit and passenger rail projects, directly affecting transit agencies and rail entities. It updates existing law by broadening the term "right-of-way" to "real property interests" for what federal transit funds can acquire. For passenger rail projects, the bill specifically allows recipients of federal aid to acquire or secure real property interests before or during environmental reviews. However, it explicitly prohibits any physical development or improvement on these properties until all required environmental reviews for the project are completed. The Federal Transit Administration is also directed to update its guidelines to reflect these changes.
The Swalwell Act aims to reform how workplace misconduct claims involving Members of Congress and senior staff are handled. It prohibits the use of federal or campaign funds to pay settlements or awards for such claims, making the individuals personally liable for the full amount. The bill mandates the creation of a public database disclosing details of these settlements and awards, including historical data, while protecting victims' identities. Additionally, it requires prompt referral of any allegations of criminal conduct by Members or senior staff to the Department of Justice, regardless of settlement agreements.
The Supporting VA Families Act grants unpaid parental leave to Department of Veterans Affairs employees. This provision allows employees to take four weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for the birth of a child or for adoption and foster care placements. The leave is designed to supplement existing leave policies rather than replace them, ensuring employees can balance family needs with their work responsibilities. The act defines eligible employees and children according to existing federal definitions found in Title 5 of the United States Code.
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act places xylazine - a veterinary sedative increasingly found in illicit drug mixtures - into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, subjecting it to federal regulation as a controlled substance. It specifically allows veterinary use without requiring registration of the ultimate user (e.g., pet owners or veterinarians) if xylazine is dispensed by a registered veterinarian or pharmacy with a vet prescription and used for animals owned by the user, under their care, or in authorized animal programs. The bill provides a one-year delay for labeling and packaging requirements and a 60-day delay for registration and recordkeeping for veterinary use to ease implementation. Additionally, it adds xylazine to the Arcos tracking system for controlled substances and mandates two congressional reports on illicit use prevalence within 18 months and 4 years of enactment.
This resolution formally recognizes April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day to honor the civil rights and labor leader's legacy. It does not create a federal holiday or change laws but expresses the House of Representatives' support for the designation. The text highlights Huerta's contributions to farm workers' rights, women's equality, and Latino political representation through a series of "whereas" clauses detailing her achievements. The resolution serves as a commemorative statement rather than a policy change, directing no new actions or funding.
The Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act mandates the Secretary of War and the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to submit annual reports to Congress for five years. These reports must assess the United States' capacity to deter and resist various threats to Taiwan, including invasion, blockades, and "gray zone tactics" (coercive actions below armed conflict). The assessments cover US military posture, operational readiness, logistical sustainability, the defense industrial base, and allied contributions, even when responding to other global conflicts. Crucially, the reports must identify any capability gaps and recommend specific budgetary, force posture, and legislative changes to enhance US ability to support Taiwan's self-defense and regional stability.
The Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026 aims to reduce food insecurity among older adults and people with disabilities by modifying and expanding federal nutrition assistance programs. It streamlines the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by extending certification periods to 36 months for these groups, creating simplified application processes, and establishing a standard medical expense deduction. The bill also expands eligibility for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to include adults with disabilities, while increasing funding and benefits for these programs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program for SNAP enrollment outreach, creates a new program to reimburse retail food stores for grocery delivery to eligible participants, and provides funding for farmers' market infrastructure and local produce procurement.
The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 ensures that revenue from the 9/11 Security Fee (paid by airline passengers) is used exclusively for aviation security, ending its diversion to other government purposes by 2027. It creates two dedicated funds: the Aviation Security Capital Fund (receiving $250 million annually through 2025, then $500 million annually starting in 2026) for general security improvements, and the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (receiving $250 million annually starting in 2026) specifically for security screening technology like baggage scanners and exit lanes. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to collect sufficient fees to fund these amounts and allows retroactive grants for security technology projects implemented since 2023. This directly affects TSA operations, airports, and passenger fees, with no new taxes or fees imposed.
This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a rule from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that would have removed a previous requirement about protecting sensitive consumer data. If passed, the resolution would keep in place the earlier rule that mandated stricter data security measures for financial institutions. The measure directly affects banks and other financial companies that handle sensitive consumer information. It uses a congressional veto process to block the agency's attempt to withdraw the data protection rule.
Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 This act permanently extends and expands judicial authority under the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016. The law allows and establishes procedures for civil claims and causes of action to recover artwork and other property lost between 1933 and 1945 because of Nazi persecution. Among the changes, the act removes the deadline for filing civil claims or causes of action. Currently, the filing deadline is December 31, 2026. (Claims must still be filed within six years of the claimant's discovery of the property in question.) The act permits courts to exercise jurisdiction over civil claims or causes of action against a foreign state without regard to the nationality or citizenship of the alleged victim. The art or property at issue must still have a connection to the foreign state's commercial activities in the United States. Additionally, the act authorizes nationwide service of process, which allows courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over defendants in any judicial district where they may be found, reside, have an agent, or transact business. Finally, the act limits the defenses that may be asserted against civil claims or causes of action, including by prohibiting defenses based on the passage of time, including equitable defenses such as laches (i.e., unreasonable delays); and discretionary bases for dismissal that are unrelated to the merits of the claim, including international comity (i.e., deference to the laws of other countries). These changes apply to pending and future civil claims or causes of action.
This bill cancels a presidential proclamation that would have imposed a temporary import surcharge on goods entering the United States. It directly affects businesses and consumers by declaring the surcharge invalid and prohibiting the government from collecting or spending money on it. The legislation also requires the President to refund any tariffs already collected under the canceled proclamation. This action effectively removes the proposed import tax and restores the previous trade policy status.
This bill prohibits the sale and delivery of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels after March 5, 2026, and bans future Treasury licenses for such transactions. It requires the President to impose sanctions within 30 days on Russian individuals and entities involved in oil and gas extraction, refinement, or maritime transportation, including blocking their U.S.-based assets and revoking their U.S. visas. The legislation includes exceptions for humanitarian goods like food and medicine, as well as intelligence and national security activities. Additionally, the bill mandates regular reports to Congress on Russian oil export volumes, revenues, and any involvement of Russian energy companies in the abduction of Ukrainian children.
