The Credit Union Investment Authority Act expands the types of financial instruments that federal credit unions are permitted to purchase by amending the Federal Credit Union Act. Specifically, it allows credit unions to invest in corporate debt issued by entities not exclusively owned by or designed for credit unions, provided that investments in any single issuer do not exceed 10 percent of the credit union's paid-in capital and surplus. Additionally, the bill authorizes federal credit unions to purchase asset-backed securities as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. To ensure safety and soundness, the National Credit Union Administration Board is required to issue regulations within one year that set minimum standards for the size, aggregate sale price, and investment grade of these asset-backed securities.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 imposes comprehensive economic restrictions on the Russian Federation, including blocking assets of government officials, state-owned financial institutions, and entities supporting the defense sector. The bill prohibits new U.S. investments in Russia, bans the purchase of Russian sovereign debt, and restricts the importation of uranium and energy products from the country. Additionally, it authorizes the imposition of tariffs up to 500 percent on goods imported directly from Russia and up to 100 percent on goods from foreign nations that continue to purchase significant volumes of Russian crude oil or natural gas. The legislation also extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031 and includes a five-year sunset provision for the new measures, subject to specific humanitarian and safety exceptions.
The First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt qualified mortgage bonds from the federal government's annual volume cap on tax-exempt securities. By removing this limit, the bill allows for a greater issuance of these specific bonds, which are typically used to finance home loans for first-time buyers. This change directly affects financial markets and lenders by enabling them to issue more tax-advantaged debt without being constrained by existing statutory limits. The provision applies to all obligations issued after the date of the Act's enactment.
The 8(a) Small Business Integrity and Stability Act of 2026 extends participation in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program by one year for small businesses that were active between January 2025 and September 2026. The bill also allows specific "covered concerns" to be reinstated into the program if their participation was previously terminated due to non-compliance with a federal information request or if they voluntarily withdrew during early 2026. Additionally, it freezes the rules regarding social disadvantage determinations at their June 11, 2026 status for participants who were already classified under that category by that date.
This bill extends the funding authorization for the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act from 2026 to 2031, ensuring continued financial support for research into treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It requires the Food and Drug Administration to review clinical trial data more rigorously by assessing patient enrollment numbers and requesting interim results from drug manufacturers before renewing research grants. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that clinical trials in phase 3 include combined phase 2/3 studies and planned trials that have not yet started enrolling participants. The bill also mandates the FDA to publish a report within a year of enactment detailing its progress on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans and how it coordinates with broader disease communities. Finally, it adjusts the timeline for a Government Accountability Office report to cover a five-year period instead of four.
This bill amends the Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program to improve processing of claims for officers injured or killed in the line of duty. It establishes clear timelines for the Bureau to notify claimants about missing information (90 days) and make determinations (270 days), with automatic interim benefits issued if deadlines aren't met. The bill requires regular outreach to public safety officers and underserved agencies, mandates annual audits of backlogged claims, and strengthens subpoena authority to obtain necessary information. It also creates a pathway for expedited processing when claims are approved by the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund or World Trade Center Health Program. The bill does not change benefit amounts but aims to make the claims process more efficient and transparent for public safety officers and their families.
The Common Cents Act ends regular production of one-cent coins (pennies) by the U.S. Mint after one year, except for limited sales to numismatic collectors. It maintains all existing pennies as legal tender for all debts and transactions. The bill requires businesses to round cash payments to the nearest nickel (e.g., $0.03 rounds up to $0.05, $0.07 rounds down to $0.05), with exceptions for transactions under $0.02 and non-cash payments like credit cards. This directly affects the U.S. Mint, businesses processing cash, and consumers making cash purchases.
This bill amends the existing Northern Border Security Review Act to update reporting requirements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It mandates a threat analysis of northern border apprehensions (including sector-level data) by September 2, 2025, and every three years thereafter, and requires the DHS Secretary to update the border security strategy by September 2, 2026, and every five years, incorporating the latest analysis. The bill also adds a requirement for classified briefings to Congress within 30 days of each threat analysis submission. No new funding is authorized for these changes.
National Plan for Epilepsy Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035. Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments. Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts. Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.
This joint resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that were not authorized by Congress. The bill relies on the War Powers Resolution, asserting that military action in Iran began without a formal declaration of war or specific statutory approval and has exceeded the legal time limits for such engagement. While ordering a removal of troops, the measure allows the United States to continue defending against attacks on its own personnel, conducting intelligence activities, and providing defensive support to partner nations.
This Senate resolution commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union and recognizes the resilience of the Ukrainian people in pursuing sovereignty and democracy. The text affirms U.S. support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, specifically rejecting the annexation of Crimea, while condemning Russia’s 2022 military invasion. It encourages the U.S. government to provide strong security guarantees to facilitate a lasting peace agreement and to integrate lessons from Ukraine’s defense innovations into American military readiness. Additionally, the resolution urges Ukraine to continue implementing reforms related to anti-corruption measures, free markets, and the rule of law.
This resolution authorizes employees of Senator Elizabeth Warren's office to provide testimony in a criminal threat investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. It directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent these employees regarding the production of testimony and documents related to their official duties. The measure relies on existing Senate rules and the Ethics in Government Act to permit the release of evidence while allowing the Senate to assert privileges where appropriate.
