The Gig Is Up Act requires large companies with over $100 million in annual revenue and at least 10,000 independent contractors to withhold taxes from payments made to these workers. This provision treats the earnings of these specific contractors as wages for Social Security purposes, effectively doubling the employer's portion of the tax on their behalf. The law applies to payments made after December 31, 2026, and includes rules for grouping related businesses together to determine if they meet the size thresholds.
The CREATOR Act establishes a new federal intellectual property right that allows visual artists to control the commercial use of their distinctive visual style. This right applies specifically to works created using artificial intelligence that are intentionally designed to imitate an artist's style and marketed in a way that could mislead viewers about the work's origin. The law protects this right for the artist's lifetime and for up to 50 years after their death, while explicitly excluding general artistic influence, parody, and the mere capability of AI systems to produce similar outputs. Online platforms are granted safe harbors from liability if they remove flagged content promptly upon receiving valid notices, and the Act includes provisions to prevent abuse through penalties for false claims.
The Merit Restoration Act prohibits federal research agencies and grant recipients from using specific diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in their work. This law targets requirements that mandate employees or researchers sign statements or complete training asserting that certain races, sexes, or national origins are inherently superior or inferior. If a recipient is found to have violated these rules, the agency must freeze their funding and may require them to repay any money used during the violation. The restrictions apply to grants awarded on or after the bill becomes law, affecting scientific and medical research funded by the federal government.
This bill, titled the Deport the Terrorists Act of 2026, aims to remove from the United States any naturalized citizen convicted of specific terrorism-related crimes. It directly affects individuals who have already become U.S. citizens by automatically revoking their citizenship and declaring their naturalization certificates void upon conviction of offenses such as using weapons of mass destruction or providing material support to terrorists. The law also designates these individuals as deportable aliens and requires the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize their removal from the country. By amending existing immigration laws, the bill ensures that courts have the authority to cancel citizenship immediately following a conviction for these designated offenses.
The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women's Health Act directs the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services to expand research, education, and clinical care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Key provisions include funding grants for biomedical studies on specific health conditions, creating new research categories for menopausal symptoms, and establishing Centers of Excellence to improve professional training for healthcare providers. The bill also mandates a national public awareness program, the development of online educational resources, and the creation of a data dashboard to track health outcomes and address disparities among rural and underserved populations. These efforts are supported by authorized funding of $25 million for research and $10 million for public health promotion and training programs for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031.
This bill increases monthly disability compensation for veterans eligible for aid and attendance by adding a $833.33 supplemental payment, effective December 2026. It also creates an automatic adjustment for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payments, tying them to Social Security benefit increases plus an additional 1%, for up to five years starting December 2026. Additionally, it temporarily allows the VA to collect fees for certain housing loans from veterans with a 70% or lower disability rating (2025-2035), effective August 2026. These changes directly affect veterans receiving disability compensation, surviving family members receiving DIC, and veterans applying for VA-guaranteed housing loans.
HR 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from automatically sending veterans' personal information to the national background check system (NICS) solely because a court has appointed a fiduciary (like a guardian) to manage their benefits. This directly affects veterans who have a fiduciary appointed due to mental health or cognitive challenges but are not deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill requires a court order finding the veteran poses a danger before any such information can be shared with the NICS. It changes VA procedures to block unnecessary barriers to firearm ownership for veterans who qualify for fiduciary support without a judicial determination of danger.
This Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.
The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 automatically provides federal funding for government programs if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This mechanism supplies money for 14-day periods that can be extended as long as the shutdown continues, ensuring essential services like food assistance and loan programs keep running without interruption. To prevent political games during these shutdowns, the bill restricts official travel for government officials and limits what Congress can debate or vote on, except for passing a new budget or addressing the national debt limit.
This Senate resolution designates May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to highlight mental health issues within the farming industry. The bill aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness among the approximately 3.37 million agricultural producers and 1.6 million farmworkers in the United States. It acknowledges specific challenges faced by these workers, such as suicide rates that are significantly higher than the general population, and encourages the use of existing resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote well-being rather than enacting new laws or funding changes.
This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month to highlight the importance of mental well-being and reduce stigma. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement acknowledging the rising rates of mental illness, suicide, and disparities in care across the United States. The text cites various statistics regarding anxiety, depression, and access to treatment to underscore the need for public awareness and continued efforts by medical and community organizations. Ultimately, the bill encourages citizens and institutions to use this month to promote mental health resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
The TRUST Act prohibits the U.S. military from enlisting or appointing individuals who are nationals of countries designated as adversaries to the United States. This ban applies to new recruits and appointments starting 180 days after the law is enacted, while also requiring the Department of Defense to submit a report within one year identifying current service members from these nations who are permanent residents. The legislation aims to reduce risks related to espionage and foreign influence by strictly limiting military access for citizens of specific foreign governments.
