This bill, known as the Preventing International Surrogacy Exploitation Act, aims to stop foreign nationals from using U.S. surrogate mothers for commercial surrogacy arrangements. It would make any surrogacy contract void and unenforceable if the intended parents are foreign citizens or permanent residents, with a specific exception for married couples where at least one partner is a U.S. citizen or resident. Additionally, the law prohibits surrogacy brokers from facilitating these agreements and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and up to 10 years in prison, for those who knowingly or recklessly assist in such contracts. Children born through these invalid agreements would have their custody determined by the state where the surrogate lives, focusing on the child's best interests rather than the contract. Finally, the bill prevents foreign parents from using their U.S.-born children to gain immigration benefits or rights under U.S. immigration laws.
The Protecting Kids from Creeps Act prohibits surrogacy agencies, their employees, and sex offenders from participating in surrogacy agreements, directly affecting fertility clinics, staff, and individuals required to register as sex offenders. The bill mandates severe criminal penalties, including fines and prison sentences of at least 10 to 20 years, for knowingly or recklessly facilitating such agreements, while also stripping convicted agencies of their tax-exempt status and eligibility for federal grants. Any surrogacy agreement formed in violation of these rules is declared legally void and unenforceable, meaning it cannot be used to establish parental rights. In cases where a child is born from an illegal agreement, custody decisions will be made solely based on the best interests of the child under the laws of the state where the surrogate lives, ignoring any prior contracts. Additionally, the Attorney General can pursue civil penalties equal to the compensation received or offered for prohibited conduct.
This bill requires states to report annually to the federal government on waste, fraud, and abuse detected in home and community-based services funded by Medicaid. Starting in 2026, state agencies must submit details on any such issues they find, along with descriptions of the steps they have taken to prevent them. The law directly affects state Medicaid programs that provide care in community settings rather than institutions. By mandating these reports, the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in how these services are managed.
The Upward Mobility Act of 2026 would establish a 5-year pilot program allowing up to 5 states to consolidate multiple antipoverty programs (including nutrition assistance, housing subsidies, child care, and employment services) into a single grant. The program aims to reduce "benefit cliffs" by limiting how much direct assistance benefits decrease as people earn more, measured by a "Marginal Effective Tax Rate." States would apply for the program, and the Secretary would approve based on how well the plan would improve employment outcomes and reduce reliance on benefits. The pilot would require states to measure specific outcomes like employment rates, earnings, and reduction in per-capita direct assistance to determine effectiveness.
The Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to continue its voluntary Safer Choice program, which helps consumers and businesses identify products containing safer chemical ingredients. The bill establishes specific criteria for certification, requiring that products be safe for human health and the environment while maintaining performance, and mandates full disclosure of intentionally added ingredients. To support these evaluations, the legislation creates a framework for using independent third-party experts to review complex products while protecting confidential business information. Additionally, the act requires the EPA to publish annual reports on program progress and maintain a public database of certified products, with funding authorized through fiscal year 2034.
The Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 would allow health insurance plans starting in 2027 to operate without requiring a network of doctors and hospitals. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in qualified health plans by permitting them to see any provider that accepts the plan's payment rates, rather than being restricted to a specific list of in-network providers. To ensure consumers understand their coverage, the bill mandates that these plans clearly explain potential out-of-pocket costs and offer tools to help members find participating providers. Additionally, the legislation updates federal rules to prevent the government from penalizing plans that choose not to maintain a provider network.
This bill, known as the State Emissions Authority Act of 2026, modifies the Clean Air Act to reduce federal mandates on vehicle inspection and maintenance programs. It primarily affects state governments by removing requirements for them to maintain specific inspection schedules and by limiting the federal government's ability to credit states for emissions reductions achieved through these programs. Additionally, the legislation adjusts rules regarding how states must report their environmental plans and clarifies compliance standards for federal vehicles and installations. By striking several existing sections of the law, the bill effectively shifts more authority over vehicle inspection policies from the federal level to the states.
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 resolution designates May 2026 as American Stroke Month to raise public awareness about stroke prevention and care. It encourages individuals to learn the B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs, understand their personal risk factors, and take steps to improve community health outcomes. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic expression of support for stroke education and recovery efforts.
The HOME for Foster Youth Act expands housing assistance eligibility for former foster youth by increasing the time limit to receive support from 90 days to 180 days after leaving care. It also clarifies that funds from Education and Training Vouchers are not counted as income when determining eligibility for rental assistance. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts to modernize programs and improve access to housing and supportive services for this population.
The Celiac Safety Act of 2026 officially classifies gluten-containing grains as a major food allergen under federal law, directly impacting the food industry and individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. This change requires manufacturers to label products containing wheat, rye, barley, or their crossbred hybrids with the same prominence as other major allergens like milk. The new labeling requirements will not take effect until 18 months after the law is enacted, giving businesses time to adjust their packaging and production processes.
This bill, known as the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, restricts the construction of large triumphal arches in the Washington, D.C. area to preserve visual sightlines. It specifically bans the building of any such arches within Lady Bird Johnson Park and prohibits the use of federal funds for these structures there. Additionally, the law prevents the erection of triumphal arches taller than 50 feet on any land managed by the National Park Service unless Congress explicitly approves them. These measures aim to limit new monumental structures that could obstruct views of the Arlington National Cemetery from the capital region.
