The Protect Local Funding Act prohibits federal agencies from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a specific proposed rule regarding federal financial assistance scheduled for publication in May 2026. This legislation directly affects the Office of Management and Budget and other federal agencies by legally blocking them from acting on that particular regulation. By preventing the enforcement of this rule, the bill aims to stop a specific administrative action that could impact how federal funds are distributed. The measure does not alter existing funding programs but rather serves as a procedural barrier to a future regulatory change.
This bill strengthens child labor protections by expanding the definition of hazardous work for minors, particularly in dangerous industries like mining and explosives, and requires the government to update these regulations every five years. It imposes strict rules on companies with federal contracts, prohibiting them from using child labor in their supply chains and holding them jointly liable if their subcontractors violate these rules. The legislation also increases penalties for violations, including higher fines for serious injuries or deaths, allows for stop-work orders, and enables victims to seek significant compensatory and punitive damages. Additionally, the bill mandates training programs to help identify and prevent child labor abuses and requires the Department of Labor to report annually on work-related injuries and deaths.
The USDA Field Office Stability Act prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating specific county and field offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development. This restriction applies unless an office is located within 20 miles of another office in the same state or is moved for routine leasing purposes within the same county. Additionally, the bill requires these agencies to maintain sufficient staffing levels to ensure their local service centers remain open and accessible to the public during standard business hours.
This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status to nationals of Haiti. Under this provision, eligible Haitian immigrants would be allowed to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation until March 20, 2029. The legislation overrides other existing laws to ensure this designation remains in effect for the specified period.
This bill abolishes the Anti-Weaponization Fund, a financial reserve created by the Attorney General during the Trump v. Internal Revenue Service legal case. It also declares an order issued on May 19, 2026, regarding the release of certain claims as invalid and without effect. The legislation directly impacts the Department of Justice by removing this specific fund and reversing the associated administrative directive.
This bill proposes a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution to guarantee the right to vote for all citizens of legal voting age in their place of residence. It requires states to allow voters to register and cast ballots on election day and mandates that Congress set national standards for how elections are administered. The amendment permits only narrowly tailored rules to protect election integrity and gives Congress the authority to pass laws enforcing these new voting rights.
The Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 creates a competitive grant program to help colleges and universities support high-need students, such as those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college attendees, and military-connected individuals. Under this bill, the Department of Education would award funds to eligible institutions for six years to implement specific, evidence-based strategies aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates. Applicants must submit detailed plans outlining how they will use these funds for services like academic advising, career coaching, and emergency financial assistance, with a requirement to include at least one highly proven reform practice. Additionally, the law sets aside a portion of the funding specifically for Tribal Colleges and Universities and mandates an independent evaluation to measure the program's effectiveness in increasing student success.
The Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 establishes a new federal Children's Commission to advocate for the interests of all children and specifically marginalized youth, including foster care recipients and those facing systemic barriers. This 15-member commission, appointed by the Comptroller General, will conduct research, review federal regulations, and issue reports to ensure that child well-being is considered in government policies and legislation. The bill also creates a Children's Commissioner to lead the commission and requires agencies to share relevant data, while authorizing $7.5 million annually from 2027 through 2034 to fund these operations.
The Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 creates a competitive grant program to help colleges improve graduation rates for high-need students, including those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation families, and military-connected individuals. To receive funding between 2027 and 2032, eligible institutions must submit plans detailing how they will use evidence-based strategies, such as better advising, accelerated learning options, and improved transfer pathways, to support student retention and completion. The law requires that at least 20 percent of the available funds go to projects using the most rigorously tested methods and mandates that 2 percent be reserved specifically for Tribal Colleges and Universities. Additionally, the Department of Education must evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and report the results to Congress within 18 months of the bill's enactment.
The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
This bill creates two new funding accounts within the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund to support specific tribal water agreements. The first account provides $45 million annually from 2026 to 2035 to cover ongoing maintenance and repair costs for five existing settlements involving the Ak-Chin, Colorado Ute, Hualapai, and other tribes. The second account allocates $250 million annually over the same period to help complete new or continuing water rights settlements approved by Congress. These funds are managed by the Secretary of the Interior and can be transferred directly to tribal trust funds without needing additional yearly approval from Congress. Additionally, the legislation extends the expiration date for certain customs user fees from December 31, 2031, to September 30, 2035.
HR 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requires employers to begin negotiating a first contract with a newly certified union within 10 days of written request. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, the parties must seek mediation, and if unresolved after 30 days of mediation, the dispute moves to binding arbitration by a three-member panel. The arbitration decision, based on factors like employer finances, industry standards, and cost of living, becomes binding for two years. This bill directly affects newly certified unions and their employers during initial contract negotiations, aiming to reduce delays that currently average 465 days.
