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.
HR 5437, the *Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act*, prohibits lawsuits against manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products (like countertops) for injuries caused by silica dust exposure during third-party fabrication (e.g., cutting or grinding by fabricators). It directly affects stone slab manufacturers and sellers by shielding them from civil liability when injuries result from fabricators violating workplace safety laws. The bill’s key provision bans such lawsuits in federal or state courts and requires dismissal of pending cases. It aims to protect this industry, which employs thousands, from claims they cannot control, emphasizing that safety regulations apply to fabricators - not the original sellers.
This bill creates new grounds for deporting non-citizens who are members of or associated with criminal gangs. It defines a "criminal gang" as a group of five or more people whose primary purpose is committing serious crimes like drug offenses, violence, trafficking, or weapons violations. The Secretary of Homeland Security can designate groups as criminal gangs after consultation with the Attorney General, and these designations make gang members ineligible for asylum, temporary protected status, parole, and other immigration benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for reviewing and revoking these designations, with limited judicial review options.
This joint resolution expresses the U.S. Congress's disapproval of a specific law passed by the District of Columbia Council. The targeted law, known as the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026, was enacted in April 2026 to modify how arrest data is reported in the district. By formally rejecting this local legislation, the resolution prevents the proposed changes from taking effect or being implemented under federal oversight. The measure directly involves the relationship between the federal government and the local legislative authority of Washington, D.C.
This joint resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's disapproval of a local law passed by the District of Columbia Council regarding body-worn cameras. The specific provision being rejected is the temporary amendment that requires police officers to record and release footage of their use of force to the public. By formally disapproving this action, Congress is exercising its constitutional authority to review local legislation that affects federal interests. The measure does not change the law itself but rather records the federal government's official stance against the D.C. Council's decision.
The Election Security Partnership Act allocates $20 million in additional funding to states that agree to share their voter registration lists with the Department of Homeland Security. To receive these funds, eligible states must enter a written agreement to provide quarterly updates of their voter rolls to the SAVE system for the purpose of verifying citizenship status. This provision directly affects states participating in the 2026 election security grant program, linking financial assistance to the specific requirement of data sharing for identity verification. The bill does not alter existing election laws but creates a conditional funding mechanism based on administrative cooperation between state election officials and federal agencies.
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 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.
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 Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2026 creates a new grant program to help small businesses purchase technical assistance and services from universities and nonprofit research labs. Under this competitive program, the Small Business Administration will award grants ranging from $15,000 to $75,000 to cover between 50% and 75% of the cost for projects aimed at developing new products or services. To receive funding, small businesses must submit an application detailing their project, and selected recipients are required to report on their results and how the project impacted their business after completion. The legislation authorizes $10 million per year from 2026 through 2030 to fund these grants and covers administrative expenses with up to 5% of the total appropriation.
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.
