The Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 aims to increase the involvement of local water contractors during environmental consultations for federal water projects. It directly affects federal agencies operating water supply projects and the public or quasi-municipal agencies and water user associations that contract for water from these projects.
The bill mandates that these water contractors receive routine opportunities to discuss and submit information during the development of biological assessments and draft biological opinions under the Endangered Species Act. Furthermore, it requires federal agencies to inform and engage contractors on the legal and scientific basis for proposed actions that could reduce water delivery, explaining why less impactful alternatives are inadequate, and providing details on proposed mitigation measures.
This Senate resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for a state visit where the King will address a joint session of Congress. The document highlights the long-standing diplomatic and security partnership between the two nations, noting shared values and cooperation on issues like defense and technology. It also marks the occasion as the first time a British monarch has addressed Congress since 1991, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
This resolution designates the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week to honor school counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and other allied health professionals. The bill formally recognizes the vital role these workers play in providing prevention services, mental health support, and early interventions that help students overcome barriers to learning. By commending these individuals and their organizations, the measure encourages policymakers to raise awareness about the importance of these support staff in creating safe and effective school environments.
This bill, titled the No Immunity for Glyphosate Act, allows individuals who have suffered physical injury, illness, or death due to exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides or elemental phosphorus to sue manufacturers and distributors in federal court. It removes legal protections that previously shielded these companies from liability, ensuring they cannot use federal orders or contracts as a defense against lawsuits. The legislation permits victims to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other damages while explicitly preserving the ability to file similar claims under state laws.
The Protecting America's Workers Act expands workplace safety protections by including public employees and voluntary emergency responders under federal safety laws, while also strengthening whistleblower safeguards against retaliation. Key provisions require employers to report serious work-related injuries and deaths, mandate the posting of employee rights, and establish a process for victims and families to participate in enforcement proceedings. The bill also increases civil and criminal penalties for safety violations, improves oversight of state safety plans, and authorizes additional funding for training and hazard evaluations.
The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration loans to include businesses owned by certain immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, and individuals with deferred action. To qualify, these businesses must be located in the United States and at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or nationals of the United States. The law explicitly states that businesses meeting these ownership and location requirements cannot be denied loans solely because they are owned by eligible immigrants. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not grant the SBA authority to increase the 51 percent ownership threshold for any type of loan.
The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration loans to include small businesses owned by certain non-citizens. Specifically, it allows businesses to qualify if they are at least 51 percent owned and controlled by individuals who are lawfully present in the United States and authorized to work, such as refugees, asylees, permanent residents, and specific nonimmigrant visa holders. The bill also permits businesses owned by individuals living outside the United States to apply for these loans. This change aims to broaden access to federal financial support for small enterprises by removing previous restrictions based on the citizenship or permanent residency status of the business owners.
This joint resolution (SJRES 124) directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from Cuba unless Congress has declared war or specifically authorized military action against Cuba. It applies to all current operations in Cuba, including Coast Guard enforcement activities, which the resolution defines as "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution. The bill asserts Congress holds the sole constitutional authority to authorize military force under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. It does not prevent defensive actions against imminent attacks or lawful counternarcotics operations.
This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes a declaration of war or specific military force authorization. The measure applies to active combat operations, including ground forces in combat roles or used for occupation, while allowing troops to remain for defensive purposes and self-defense against imminent attacks. It also clarifies that the resolution does not disrupt intelligence collection, analysis, or sharing activities related to threats from Iran. The bill does not authorize any new military actions and only addresses the termination of ongoing hostilities.
This bill proposes a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would establish voting as a fundamental right for all citizens of legal voting age. It requires any government denial of this right to be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest, while also repealing specific language from the 14th Amendment related to voting rights. The amendment would grant Congress the authority to pass laws enforcing these protections against any denial or abridgment of the right to vote.
This Senate resolution expresses support for library staff across public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States. It highlights the essential services libraries provide, such as equitable internet access, social support, and community resources, while calling for adequate funding at all government levels. The measure reaffirms the right of citizens to freely access information and explicitly supports the ability of library workers to unionize and collectively bargain. Additionally, it defends the civil rights of library staff against intimidation and censorship, noting recent challenges like book bans and the potential elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026 expands disaster relief assistance to individuals who lived in disaster areas but lacked formal proof of ownership or were not renting, including those who were homeless or stayed in temporary accommodations. It allows these eligible households to use federal funds to pay for obtaining property titles, such as costs for land surveys and associated taxes, by accepting a wide range of documents like utility bills, driver's licenses, and school records as evidence of their connection to the property. The bill also requires FEMA to create a simple, non-notarized form for applicants to self-certify their eligibility and mandates that the agency consult with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate temporary rental assistance programs for displaced residents. Additionally, the legislation amends existing disaster housing rules to focus on ensuring residences are habitable during long-term recovery and permits temporary housing if the President deems it a cost-effective alternative to other solutions.
