The Freedom Haulers Act extends the existing waiver period for military service members seeking a commercial driver's license from 12 to 24 months after separation. It requires states to waive specific knowledge and driving tests for current or former military personnel who held designated vehicle operator roles, such as motor transport operators or fuelers, within the last two years. To qualify, applicants must certify they have operated comparable commercial vehicles during that period and maintain a clean record with no serious traffic violations, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes. The bill also mandates waivers for specialized endorsements related to passenger transport, tank vehicles, and hazardous materials, provided the applicant meets similar service and safety criteria.
H.Res. 1497 is a House resolution that commemorates the fifth anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing, in which 13 U.S. servicemembers were killed during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The bill lists the names of the fallen soldiers and formally condemns the Biden-Harris administration for what it describes as dereliction of duty and the forfeiture of military property to the Taliban. It asserts that the withdrawal was a disastrous failure that ignored security warnings and left Americans at risk, while also criticizing the lack of accountability from officials involved in the decision-making process.
This House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.
The PEPTIDES for Veterans Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review existing federal regulations regarding peptides and submit a report within 180 days that establishes specific definitions for peptides and peptide-based therapies. Following this initial review, the Department must conduct an 18-month study on the safety and efficacy of these treatments for veterans, focusing on conditions such as chronic pain, mental health, and rehabilitation needs. If the study concludes that these therapies should be made available, the Secretary is required to launch a pilot program lasting up to five years to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world clinical settings. The bill ultimately aims to determine whether peptide-based therapies can be integrated into standard care for veterans based on the findings from the mandated research and pilot evaluation.
This resolution designates August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships faced by children of fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations; instead, it serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate and encourages the public to observe this day in support of these families. By establishing this specific date, the measure aims to raise awareness about the legacy carried by children who lost a parent in military service.
This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to individuals who fought for or with the United States in the Pacific theater during World War II and subsequently became prisoners of war. The legislation specifically recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who defended locations such as Bataan and Corregidor, including Filipino soldiers and civilians who served alongside U.S. forces. To implement this award, the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange for the creation of a gold medal by the Secretary of the Treasury, which will be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for display. The act also allows for the production of duplicate bronze medals to cover the costs of the original gold medals, with any proceeds from these sales deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
The COMPASS Act expands protections for military families under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to ensure uninterrupted schooling during permanent relocations. It allows a dependent child of a servicemember to be considered compliant with a new state's homeschooling laws if they were already following the rules of their previous state or their legal residence. This change aims to reduce administrative burdens and prevent conflicting state requirements from penalizing military families who move frequently. By aligning these rules with existing federal protections, the bill seeks to support family stability and the readiness of servicemembers during transitions.
This bill, known as the Robert Lodge Medal of Honor Act, authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Robert Lodge. It directly affects Lodge by recognizing his acts of valor as an Air Force member during the Vietnam War on May 10, 1972. The legislation specifically overrides existing time limits that usually prevent such awards decades after service. By doing so, it ensures Lodge receives the nation's highest military decoration for his bravery.
The VETRA Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to run a two-year pilot program aimed at upgrading its digital security systems to better protect veterans' benefits and reduce fraud. Under this initiative, the VA will test new multi-layered identity verification methods on up to three high-use platforms, such as those for disability claims, health care enrollment, and educational benefits. The program requires the use of commercially available, independently certified security tools that adjust verification strictness based on the risk level of each transaction. To ensure accountability, the bill mandates regular reports to Congress on performance metrics and requires an independent evaluation by the Government Accountability Office before deciding whether to expand the system nationwide.
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.
