The Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026 allows independent musicians and small music businesses to collectively negotiate licensing terms with large online music platforms without facing antitrust lawsuits. This protection applies specifically to creators who earn less than $1 million in licensing revenue or qualify as small businesses, enabling them to form groups to discuss fair rates and refuse unfair deals. The law defines "dominant platforms" as those generating over $100 million in music distribution revenue and extends these negotiation rights to include discussions with companies developing generative artificial intelligence. By shielding these groups from legal liability, the bill aims to correct an imbalance where smaller creators currently lack the power to bargain effectively against major digital services.
This resolution congratulates students, families, educators, and leaders of public charter schools across the United States for their contributions to education and support of National Charter Schools Week in May 2026. It recognizes the growth of the charter school sector, noting that approximately 8,000 such schools serve over 3.7 million children and operate under specific accountability measures similar to traditional public schools. The Senate formally supports the ideals of the annual celebration and encourages communities to hold events to demonstrate backing for these institutions.
This resolution introduces articles of impeachment against U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor Louise Ross, targeting her for three specific allegations of misconduct. The first article charges her with engaging in an undisclosed extramarital affair with a law enforcement officer while on the job, which created a conflict of interest and violated judicial conduct codes. The second article accuses her of attending a partisan political event sponsored by a district attorney's campaign and admitting to drinking alcohol before presiding over a criminal case. The third article alleges that she knowingly made false statements to federal judges during an investigation into her behavior, thereby obstructing an official proceeding and violating federal law.
H.R. 1350 is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House of Representatives' support for creating a National Day of Honor and Respect alongside Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The bill aims to honor immigrants and diverse backgrounds while encouraging positive interactions among citizens and reducing hate and discrimination. It also affirms the importance of promoting civic education and public service across the nation.
This bill, known as the Double the Wage for Overtime Act of 2026, aims to change how overtime pay is calculated for employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. It directly affects workers who currently earn less than $23,660 annually, as it would require employers to pay them two times their regular hourly rate instead of one and a half times for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. The law takes effect 180 days after it is signed, ensuring a transition period before the new pay requirements begin. By raising the overtime multiplier, the legislation seeks to increase earnings for hourly workers who work extra hours.
This bill allows the Secretary of Defense to include specific restrictions in defense contracts valued at $100 million or more. Under these terms, contractors would be prohibited from buying back their own stock, paying dividends to shareholders, or paying executives more than $5 million annually if they fail to meet contract deadlines, exceed budgets, or produce goods too slowly. The law applies to new contracts signed after its enactment and aims to hold large defense companies accountable for performance issues by limiting certain financial rewards.
The TSP Modernization Act allows individuals to electronically transfer money from their Thrift Savings Fund accounts to qualified retirement plans at brokerage firms, a change that takes effect one year after the law is passed. To initiate this transfer, account holders must provide the necessary information to the Federal Retirement Thrith Investment Board. Additionally, the bill requires the board to submit a report to Congress one year after enactment detailing how the electronic transfer process was implemented.
This bill requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy encouraging foreign nations to jointly purchase defense equipment and services from the United States. The legislation mandates the government to identify lead buyers, address licensing challenges, and explore ways to speed up approval processes for these shared procurement efforts. Officials must submit regular reports to Congress every six months for three years, detailing the strategy's progress and any obstacles encountered. The policy aims to streamline how the U.S. sells defense articles to a lead nation who then distributes them to other allied partners under specific agreements.
This bill directs the Comptroller General of the United States to create and regularly update a "High Risk List" that identifies program areas where state and local governments face the greatest risks to the integrity of federally funded money. The list will analyze existing audit reports and public data to pinpoint specific administrative practices that lead to waste, fraud, or abuse, while also highlighting successful strategies that have improved fund management. Additionally, the report will outline available federal tools and resources to help address these vulnerabilities and offer recommendations to Congress on how to mitigate the identified risks. Ultimately, the legislation aims to enhance oversight of state-administered federal programs by providing a clear, evidence-based assessment of where the highest risks exist.
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.
This bill requires U.S. agencies to report on Russian and Chinese intelligence activities in Georgia within 180 days, including how their influence might intersect. It also mandates a 5-year U.S. strategy for Georgia relations, assessing funding priorities, Georgia’s commitment to Western trade ties, and whether the U.S. should maintain Georgia as a top aid recipient. The reports will inform U.S. policy decisions about support for Georgia, a key partner in the Caucasus region. Georgia is the direct focus as the recipient of U.S. aid and subject of the intelligence review.
The Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2025 allows federal employees to receive cash awards of up to $20,000 for identifying spending their agency's Chief Financial Officer determines is not required for its intended purpose. Employees report potential wasteful expenses to their agency's Chief Financial Officer, who verifies if the spending qualifies under the new definition (funds not needed for their original purpose). If approved, the agency head can award the employee, and agencies must publicly report on these disclosures and awards. The Office of Personnel Management will monitor compliance, and the Comptroller General will report on the program's operation every three years.
