This bill establishes a federal program to create at least two bioindustrial technology maturation facilities by 2030, which will serve as shared research and testing centers for developing biotechnology products that enhance energy security. These facilities will provide precommercial-scale testing, pilot production, and workforce training for companies and researchers working with biological systems to manufacture materials and products, with locations chosen to support diverse regional needs and supply chains. The legislation defines key terms related to biomanufacturing and waste streams, mandates collaboration with industry and academic partners, and authorizes $225.5 million in funding from 2026 through 2030 to support these efforts.
The Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (S 836) extends COPPA protections to teens aged 13-17 by requiring websites, apps, and online services to obtain verifiable consent from parents for children or from teens themselves before collecting or using their personal information for purposes beyond the service. It defines "personal information" broadly to include biometric data, voice recordings, persistent identifiers, and geolocation information, and prohibits using such information for individual-specific advertising without consent. The bill mandates clear notice about data practices and gives children and teens rights to access, correct, and delete their personal information. Additionally, it requires the FTC to conduct studies on mobile app oversight and the GAO to study teen privacy in financial technology products.
This bill, the HONOR Act (S 327), denies U.S. taxpayers a foreign tax credit for taxes paid to the Russian Federation during a specific period. It amends the tax code to block the credit for Russian taxes paid from 30 days after the bill's enactment until normal U.S. trade relations with Russia resume. The key provision directly affects U.S. individuals and businesses that pay taxes to Russia, preventing them from reducing their U.S. tax liability with those Russian payments. The rule takes effect 30 days after enactment, with a 90-day delay for the deduction limitation. The bill explicitly states it applies without regard to U.S. trade treaties with Russia.
HCONRES 78 is a symbolic resolution designating March 10, 2026, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff. It recognizes their work amid rising violence, clinic closures, and abortion restrictions following the Dobbs decision, citing threats and challenges faced by providers. The resolution expresses congressional support for providers' safety and access to abortion care, condemning policies that restrict access. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies - it solely affirms Congress’s stance through a symbolic gesture. This is a procedural resolution focused on recognition, not policy change.
This bill would require financial institutions to file reports at least 72 hours before certain currency or money instruments leave the United States if they are being transported by foreign nationals from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism or other high-risk nations. The report must include detailed personal information about the person transporting the funds, such as identity documents, taxpayer identification numbers, and contact details, as well as information about the beneficiary receiving the money. The law also requires disclosure of whether the funds originate from any U.S. government benefit programs and if the transporter has any ownership interest in the entity receiving those funds. This measure directly affects banks, money transfer services, and individuals transporting currency from specified countries.
This bill, known as the Improving Dental Administration Act of 2026, would allow certain state laws about dental benefits to override federal rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. It directly affects states that have their own regulations governing dental insurance and benefit plans for employees. The key provision creates an exemption that takes effect 18 months after the bill is enacted, permitting state laws related to dental benefit administration to apply even if they differ from federal requirements. The exemption only applies to state laws that do not conflict with existing federal laws in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
This bill, known as the Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act, would change federal labor rules to require overtime pay and minimum wage protections for certain babysitters. It specifically targets casual babysitting work that is irregular or intermittent, while excluding trained medical professionals like nurses and home health aides from these changes. The law would also allow babysitters to perform up to 20% of their work time on unrelated household tasks without losing their protected status. These amendments would apply to workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 who provide custodial care for infants or children in private homes.
This bill reorganizes the Corporation for National and Community Service into a new executive department called the AmeriCorps Administration, which would oversee national service programs. It creates a seven-member Advisory Board with representatives from different age groups and political parties to advise on program policies and priorities. The legislation increases financial support for participants by raising living allowances and educational awards, while also establishing a new National Service Foundation to accept private donations for the programs. Additionally, the bill sets a goal of serving 1 million participants annually by 2036 and creates an outreach program to notify young people aged 17-30 about service opportunities.
This bill, titled the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act, aims to revoke federal approval for the drug mifepristone (also known as RU-486) for use in terminating pregnancies. If enacted, the Food and Drug Administration's approval for mifepristone for this indication would be withdrawn within 14 days, making its introduction into interstate commerce for pregnancy termination a violation of federal law. Additionally, the bill establishes a new federal right for individuals to sue manufacturers of mifepristone if they experience bodily injury or harm to mental health attributed to its use for pregnancy termination. This legislation directly affects drug manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers, and individuals seeking or having used medication abortion.
This bill, known as the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026, makes two main changes to federal healthcare programs. First, it allows Medicaid to cover foot and ankle care services provided by podiatric physicians, ensuring patients have access to this specialized care. Second, it updates Medicare rules to clarify documentation requirements for diabetic shoes, specifying conditions under which patients can receive extra-depth or custom-molded footwear. The changes take effect on January 1, 2026, for Medicaid services and January 1, 2028, for Medicare shoe coverage.
This bill requires the Secretary of State to investigate a January 2024 attack in Gaza City that killed 5-year-old Hind Rajab and two paramedics, and to report findings to Congress within 45 days. The report must determine whether U.S.-provided weapons were used, if any perpetrators were U.S. citizens, and whether U.S.-trained soldiers were involved. If credible evidence suggests war crimes occurred, the Secretary must refer the matter to the Attorney General for potential prosecution under U.S. law. The legislation also expresses congressional support for compensation to the victims' families and establishes a policy of collecting evidence for future war crimes prosecutions.
HR 7932, the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, increases the death gratuity paid to families of service members who died in the line of duty. It raises the current $100,000 payment to $200,000 for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2026. The bill also adds an annual cost-of-living adjustment to this amount, increasing it each January 1 based on the previous year’s inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects Gold Star Families - those who have lost a service member in military service - by providing a larger initial payment and ensuring future payments keep pace with inflation.
