The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by raising the maximum Pell Grant amount to $15,000 by the 2031-2032 award year and ensuring the program is fully funded through mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. The bill also expands eligibility for students who receive means-tested government benefits by automatically assigning them a lower financial need score, while simultaneously allowing Dreamer students - undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria such as graduating high school or serving in the military - to qualify for federal aid. Additional provisions restore the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and adjust the rules for satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students who struggle to meet grade requirements. Finally, the legislation restores Pell Grant eligibility for some students who previously received outside scholarships and sets the law's effective date for July 1, 2026.
The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure individuals with long-term service and support needs have a federally protected right to live in their communities rather than institutions. It requires states and insurance providers to offer community-based services that allow people to maintain independence, control their own care, and access affordable, integrated housing. The bill mandates that public entities and insurers create enforceable transition plans to move people out of institutions, conduct self-evaluations to identify barriers, and establish clear grievance procedures for resolving complaints. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Justice, which can investigate violations, while individuals may also file civil lawsuits to seek damages or court orders preventing institutionalization.
This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to American individuals and organizations that rescued Jews and other refugees from Nazi persecution between 1933 and 1945. The legislation directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the creation and presentation of a single gold medal, which will be given to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for display and research. Additionally, the bill permits the Secretary of the Treasury to produce duplicate bronze versions of the medal for sale, with the proceeds funding the mint's public enterprise fund.
The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens protections for veterans by imposing stricter penalties on individuals who charge unauthorized fees for helping with benefits claims and requiring that only accredited representatives or those under their supervision provide such assistance. Key provisions include creating an online searchable list of recognized and suspended agents, mandating warnings on Department websites about potential predatory practices, and adding questions to claim forms to identify anyone who charged fees for coaching or filing assistance. The bill also updates federal laws to prohibit the use of automated telephone equipment for making repeated calls to federal agencies and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a more accessible digital system for recognizing representatives and processing complaints. Additionally, the Department must conduct a review of its current regulations regarding representation and report its findings to Congress within 180 days of the law's enactment.
The Summer for All Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide competitive grants to organizations and state agencies for creating affordable, high-quality summer programs for youth aged 5 to 22. These grants prioritize serving low-income, rural, and underserved populations, including English learners, students with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness, by offering free programming that includes academic enrichment, health activities, and social support. The legislation allocates $4 billion over four years, with the majority of funds designated for direct community programs and a smaller portion for state-level planning to expand access and improve program quality. Recipients must use the funds to provide safe, supervised environments during the summer months and are required to submit annual reports detailing how the money was spent and how many youth were served.
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating June 19, 2026, as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day to raise public knowledge about sickle cell disease. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead encourages the government and the public to hold events and promote awareness of the condition's impact on patients worldwide. It specifically calls on federal agencies to work together to ensure equitable access to new treatments and newborn screening programs for affected communities. Additionally, the resolution urges the formation of an interagency group to address barriers in healthcare systems and reduce biases faced by populations most affected by sickle cell disease.
This Senate resolution honors the significant contributions of Black people to American musical history and formally designates June 2026 as Black Music Month. The bill highlights the diverse genres created by Black artists, from spirituals and jazz to hip-hop and rock, while acknowledging the obstacles these pioneers overcame to gain recognition. Additionally, the resolution addresses disparities in music education by noting that Black and low-income students often have less access to culturally relevant programs and lower participation rates in school music activities. By recognizing these achievements and educational gaps, the Senate aims to encourage greater inclusion and support for music education among Black students.
This House resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting refugees and displaced persons by calling for the restoration of the Refugee Admissions Program and asylum protections. It urges federal officials to lift current bans on refugee entry, resume vetting for approved applicants, and increase humanitarian aid to host countries. The measure highlights the economic contributions of refugees and emphasizes the need for fair, humane policies that align with international obligations and domestic law.
This resolution expresses support for designating June 21, 2026, as National ASK Day to promote the safe storage of firearms in homes. The bill encourages parents to ask visitors if there are guns in their house and, if so, whether those guns are locked and unloaded. It also urges medical and public health professionals to discuss gun safety and secure storage with their patients and parents. This symbolic measure aims to raise awareness about preventing accidental shootings and suicides among children by ensuring guns are stored safely.
The Protect Our Polls Act establishes a strict notification and approval process before federal troops or armed men can be deployed to election sites to repel armed enemies. Under this bill, the head of the agency sending troops must submit a detailed report to congressional leaders at least 48 hours in advance, including intelligence on the threat and justification for why local forces cannot handle the situation. If Congress is not in session, the Speaker and Senate President pro tempore must request a special session to review the report, and no deployment can occur until Congress passes a joint resolution authorizing the action. The legislation also amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to prohibit federal funds from being used to allow military personnel to access election records, while explicitly preserving the right of service members to vote. These provisions are set to expire on January 20, 2029.
The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create grant programs that help develop and train firefighters on using protective gear free from PFAS chemicals. Under this law, eligible nonprofit and educational organizations can receive funding to research next-generation turnout gear that maintains safety standards without relying on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation allocates up to $25 million between 2027 and 2031 for research grants and $2 million between 2028 and 2032 for training initiatives, ensuring that new gear designs are tested and that first responders learn proper care and decontamination methods. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of enactment to track the implementation of these safety improvements.
This bill, the District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act, changes how judges are appointed to D.C. courts by requiring the President to appoint judges directly from a list provided by the Judicial Nomination Commission, removing the need for Senate confirmation. It also grants Congress the power to block these appointments by passing a joint resolution of disapproval within 30 days of the appointment notice being sent to congressional leaders. The legislation applies to all future judge appointments and includes specific rules for handling candidates who were already nominated before the bill becomes law.
