HR 7277, the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act, expands Medicare reimbursement to ambulance providers for non-transport emergency medical services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow reimbursement for on-scene care (like medical treatment at the location) provided on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of whether transport was offered. This directly affects ambulance service providers who currently may not receive payment for non-transport care. The bill requires reimbursement for these on-scene services to be comparable to transport reimbursement rates, ensuring consistent payment for similar care. The policy change takes effect in 2026, addressing a gap in coverage for emergency care delivered without patient transport.
This resolution supports the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and recognizes the critical role of women in agriculture. The resolution also encourages citizens to celebrate the impact these women have on the food systems and agricultural workforce of the United States by encouraging and empowering women to pursue careers in agriculture and cultivate leadership opportunities.
This bill prohibits the use of images of living current or former elected officials or other political figures on the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. It directly affects the National Park Service and pass designers, who create the annual entrance pass used by visitors to federal recreational lands. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly ban such political imagery on the pass, ensuring the design remains neutral and focused on park landscapes rather than political figures.
This bill closes a regulatory loophole for "industrial banks" (entities that operate like banks but avoid full banking oversight). It requires all industrial banks seeking FDIC deposit insurance to have their applications approved by September 23, 2021, with pending applications needing a 90-day public comment period, a public hearing, and a 2/3 board vote for approval. Applications not approved by September 30, 2026, will automatically be denied. The bill also extends FDIC supervision to parent companies of these industrial banks, requiring them to undergo examinations and report financial risks to the FDIC, similar to bank holding companies.
This bill requires most employers (those with 50+ employees for 20+ weeks annually) to display a clear notice about veterans' benefits in visible workplace areas. The notice, developed by the Labor and Veterans Affairs Departments, includes the Veterans Crisis Line, how to apply for benefits, and state-specific veteran resources. Employers must post the notice starting one year after the bill's enactment, with the notice updated twice yearly and made available online. A 180-day information campaign will also inform employers about the requirement.
SRES 590 designates January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to highlight ongoing challenges in maternal health care. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about preventable pregnancy-related deaths, severe maternal morbidity, and racial disparities - such as Black women facing over three times higher pregnancy-related mortality rates than White women - while encouraging federal, state, and community action. It does not create new laws or funding but calls for recognizing these issues and supporting existing initiatives like expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and maternal mortality review committees. This symbolic gesture targets broad audiences including healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to promote equitable care.
S 3717 establishes the Opportunities in Organic program to assist farmers and handlers with organic certification costs and transition to organic practices. It covers up to $1,500 annually in certification fees (with higher payments for socially disadvantaged farmers or regions with disproportionately high costs), provides technical assistance for soil health and organic management, and funds supply chain development like processing facilities. The program allocates $50 million annually for 2027-2028, increasing to $100 million by 2030, targeting socially disadvantaged farmers, farms near schools/residential areas, and under-resourced agricultural regions.
HR 7268, the CLEAN-UP Act, streamlines the removal or remediation of contaminated sediment in waterways by requiring the Army Corps of Engineers (as "Secretary") to develop a joint plan with local partners. This plan must protect human health and the environment, detail work methods, disposal locations, roles, and funding sources, and undergo public review. The bill shields the Corps from liability under federal environmental law for cleanup activities conducted under this approved plan. It maintains existing requirements for the government to seek cost recovery from polluters responsible for the contamination. The law directly affects federal and local agencies managing sediment cleanup projects under existing water resources programs.
HR 7263, the Safe Intersections for Buses and Pedestrians Act, requires new motorcoaches (buses) sold in the U.S. to have a minimally obstructed forward view for drivers. The bill mandates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish safety standards within one year of enactment, ensuring drivers can clearly see ahead without obstructions. Manufacturers may use camera systems meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101 as an alternative to physical visibility improvements. This directly affects new bus manufacturers and NHTSA, aiming to improve driver visibility and safety for bus passengers and pedestrians.
HJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 31, 2025, which addressed "Reproductive Health Services" (90 Fed. Reg. 61310). This resolution directs Congress to disapprove the VA rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, meaning the rule would have no legal effect if passed. The bill directly affects the VA's implementation of reproductive health services for veterans, as it seeks to nullify the agency's existing policy. This is a procedural measure, not a substantive policy change, aimed solely at blocking the VA's rule through congressional action.
HRES 1022 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for Catholic schools and celebrating the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week (January 25-31, 2026). It recognizes Catholic schools' contributions to education, noting their role in serving 1.7 million students across diverse backgrounds, with high graduation rates and community-focused values. The resolution specifically supports the week's goals, highlights the National Catholic Educational Association and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' partnership, and applauds the 2026 theme "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community." It does not create new policies, allocate funding, or impose obligations.
The FOCUS Act requires all federal law enforcement officers (including private contractors) engaged in immigration enforcement to wear body cameras during such activities. It mandates that footage be retained for one year (or three years if requested for evidence/exculpatory value in specific situations like use-of-force incidents or complaints). The bill establishes public access procedures for footage via standard government record requests and requires annual reports to Congress on compliance, including documented violations and disciplinary actions. It also sets strict accountability measures, including mandatory training, documentation of equipment failures, and potential termination for intentionally disabling cameras.
