The Open Books, Open Doors Act (S. 4028) establishes a new federal grant program to improve access to literacy materials and programs, particularly in underserved communities. The bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to organizations serving 'book deserts' - areas where children have limited access to books and reading resources - with at least 70% of funds going to partners in low-income neighborhoods, including community centers, libraries, and local businesses. Grants can support activities like purchasing books, establishing neighborhood libraries, eliminating library late fees, and implementing evidence-based literacy programs that involve families. The legislation also creates a Federal Clearinghouse on Book Access to share research and best practices, requires grantees to match federal funds with local contributions, and mandates regular reporting on program outcomes.
This bill would extend the time limit for prosecuting foreign bribery offenses under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act from the current standard to 10 years. It directly affects individuals and companies accused of bribing foreign officials by giving prosecutors more time to build cases. The law would apply to all such offenses committed after the bill's enactment, except those occurring within five years before the law takes effect. The provision includes a sunset clause, meaning it would expire eight years after being enacted.
This bill, titled the ICE Standards Act, mandates several reforms to how U.S. immigration officers are trained and operate. It requires annual training on use of force, de-escalation tactics, and constitutional rights, along with the use of body-worn and dashboard cameras for all officers. The legislation also requires officers to wear visible identification unless under specific safety exceptions, prohibits enforcement actions in schools, hospitals, places of worship, and polling places except in emergencies, and mandates verification of citizenship before making arrests. Additionally, it establishes a strict prohibition on deporting U.S. citizens and requires notification to local law enforcement agencies before federal immigration operations begin.
This bill would require infant formula manufacturers to conduct standardized testing for specific pathogens and microorganisms in both their facilities and finished products. It mandates that companies report positive test results to the FDA within one business day and retain records of these findings for inspections. The legislation also requires the FDA to notify congressional committees within one business day of receiving positive test results or issuing certain inspection classifications. Additionally, the bill establishes clear inspection standards that apply to all infant formula products regardless of where they are made.
This bill establishes a federal grant program to help States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations provide services to people struggling with gambling addiction. The program would fund prevention efforts, screening, treatment, and support services including training for healthcare providers, public awareness campaigns, and access to help lines and peer support groups. Grants would be awarded competitively, with priority given to programs serving vulnerable populations such as Native Americans, veterans, youth, and those in rural or underserved areas. Funding would come from a portion of the federal excise tax on gambling, with amounts adjusted annually for inflation.
This bill, titled the Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026, would prevent the Secretary of Homeland Security from using policies that set fixed dollar limits on how quickly disaster relief money can be spent. It directly affects the Federal Emergency Management Agency by stopping it from requiring additional approvals or delaying payments when spending reaches certain arbitrary amounts. The law defines monetary thresholds as any fixed dollar requirement that conditions or delays fund disbursement, ensuring disaster assistance can be released without artificial spending caps.
This concurrent resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran or any part of the Iranian government or military unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from imminent attack.
This bill directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization, specifically referencing the February 2026 "Operation Epic Fury" as an example of unauthorized action. It requires the removal unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Iran. The resolution clarifies it does not prevent defensive actions against attacks on U.S. personnel, intelligence sharing with allies attacked by Iran, or providing defensive aid to partners. It is based on constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8) and the War Powers Resolution, aiming to ensure military deployments comply with congressional oversight.
SJRES 117 is a joint resolution requiring the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization. It directs the President to withdraw military forces from Iran unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military action. The resolution includes exceptions allowing defense against attacks, intelligence sharing, assistance to allies like Israel, and evacuating U.S. citizens. This bill directly affects military operations in Iran and the executive branch's authority to conduct such operations without explicit congressional approval.
This resolution (SRES 628) is a symbolic Senate gesture supporting the designation of March 2026 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It recognizes music's cultural importance in the U.S., its historical role in education, and existing disparities in access to music programs - particularly for students in underserved urban, rural, and high-poverty schools. The resolution does not create new requirements or funding but formally expresses the Senate's support for prioritizing music education in public schools.
This resolution (HRES 1108) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating March 2026 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It recognizes music's historical role in U.S. education, its cultural importance, and the current inequities in access to music programs - particularly in schools serving urban, rural, low-income, and majority Black, Hispanic, or Native American communities. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds; it is a symbolic gesture urging greater support for music education in public schools. It highlights research linking music participation to improved student engagement, cognitive development, and social skills.
HRES 1109 is a symbolic resolution supporting National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on March 10. It recognizes the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls in the U.S., particularly women of color who face higher infection rates and barriers to care. The resolution calls for increased investment in prevention, treatment, and education programs to reduce new infections and address health disparities, while emphasizing the need for culturally responsive services and comprehensive sexual health education. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses congressional support for ongoing efforts to end the HIV epidemic among women and girls.
