The Restoring Overtime Pay Act of 2026 raises the minimum salary required for certain employees to be exempt from federal overtime pay rules, starting at $45,000 per year and increasing annually until it reaches $75,000 by 2029. The bill also mandates that this threshold automatically updates each year to match the 55th percentile of weekly earnings for full-time salaried workers nationwide, with adjustments taking effect based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Additionally, the law modifies the duties test for exemption, requiring that at least 20 percent of an employee's time be spent on executive or administrative tasks rather than the current 40 percent standard. These changes directly affect employers and workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act by redefining eligibility for overtime exemptions and establishing a new mechanism for adjusting salary requirements over time.
The Next GEN Act of 2026 modifies the Drug Price Negotiation Program to include a specific category of medications called engineered cyclic peptides. This change extends the time before these drugs can be negotiated for lower prices from seven years to eleven years. The bill defines these peptides as synthetic, amino acid-based drugs that are self-administered and created using genetic library screening methods. By adjusting the timeline, the legislation directly affects pharmaceutical companies and the government agencies responsible for setting drug prices under the program.
The Federal Accountability for Felony Obstruction Act expands the legal definition of domestic terrorism to include acts that obstruct law enforcement officers or individuals seeking medical attention. By amending existing federal statutes, the bill ensures that property damage occurring during such obstructions is counted as part of the terrorist classification. This change directly affects individuals who engage in violent resistance against police or emergency responders, potentially increasing the severity of charges they face. The legislation focuses on tightening the criteria for what constitutes domestic terrorism rather than altering the underlying penalties for the acts themselves.
The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act directs the Attorney General to develop and publish voluntary guidelines for securely storing firearms in homes, vehicles, businesses, and other locations. To encourage compliance, the bill requires manufacturers and importers to include a "SAFE STORAGE SAVES LIVES" notice on every handgun, rifle, or shotgun starting in 2029. Additionally, the legislation creates a federal grant program to help states and tribes distribute locking devices that prevent unauthorized access to guns and ammunition. The act also introduces a tax credit of up to $400 for consumers who purchase these specific safe storage devices.
This Senate resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the approximately 331,747 children currently in the U.S. foster care system. The bill highlights key issues such as high rates of placement instability, educational disruptions, and the specific needs of youth aging out of care without permanent family connections. While the measure does not create new laws or funding, it formally encourages Congress to implement policies that support family reunification, prevent unnecessary entries into the system, and improve outcomes for foster youth. Additionally, the resolution establishes May 31, 2026, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day to honor the caregivers and social workers who support these children.
This Senate resolution designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifices of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers, including those who have died in the line of duty during 2025 and early 2026. By invoking existing federal authority, the bill encourages the public and government agencies to observe this week by acknowledging the essential mission of police work and supporting officer safety. The resolution also expresses condolences to the families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirms support for communities served by law enforcement.
This non-binding resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it is U.S. policy to officially recognize the ongoing displacement of Palestinians known as the Nakba and to support their right of return. The measure calls for the commemoration of this event, the denunciation of current displacement efforts, and increased funding for United Nations social services for Palestinian refugees. Additionally, it urges the U.S. government to stop providing weapons and diplomatic support to Israel for actions that contribute to the displacement of Palestinians.
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' preference for a trade policy that prioritizes American workers, consumers, independent farmers, small businesses, and the environment over corporate interests. It calls for trade agreements to include binding labor and environmental standards, fair wage guarantees, and strict rules of origin to prevent companies from moving jobs overseas. The measure also supports strengthening domestic manufacturing requirements, maintaining tariffs against unfair trade practices, and ensuring that public procurement favors American-made goods. Additionally, it urges the inclusion of provisions to protect data privacy, regulate artificial intelligence, and ensure affordable access to medicine while preventing monopolies.
This non-binding resolution expresses the House of Representatives' view that the FDA should regulate mifepristone, a medication used for abortion, based on scientific evidence rather than political pressure. It highlights over 25 years of data showing the drug is safe and effective when prescribed via telemedicine or dispensed by mail and pharmacy. The bill advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to this care, particularly for marginalized communities facing barriers due to state-level restrictions. By citing numerous studies and medical organizations, the resolution calls for transparent, science-based decisions to maintain current access methods.
The WATER for Farmers Act establishes a system to enforce the 1944 Water Treaty by requiring Mexico to deliver a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually to the United States. If Mexico fails to meet this delivery target, the bill mandates the imposition of import duties on goods from Mexico, with rates increasing for consecutive years of non-compliance. Additionally, the legislation creates a compensation fund to provide financial relief to agricultural producers in South Texas who suffer economic losses due to water shortfalls. The Act also requires federal agencies to collect and report real-time data on water deliveries and the status of compensation payments to ensure transparency.
The Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act directs the Department of Defense to submit a report detailing its efforts to disrupt criminal organizations that steal and smuggle fuel from Mexico. This legislation addresses the growing threat of fuel theft by transnational groups, noting that such activities generate billions in illicit revenue and fund violence in both Mexico and the United States. The bill defines hydrocarbon products as crude oil and related petroleum items, emphasizing that the methods used to move these goods are similar to those used for drug trafficking. By requiring the Defense Department to assess current activities and propose future strategies, the act aims to integrate counter-fuel-smuggling efforts into existing national security and counter-drug operations.
This bill, known as the BOOT Sharia Law Act, amends U.S. immigration laws to bar individuals from obtaining asylum, refugee status, or permanent residency if they support Sharia law or protest against the U.S. Constitution. It specifically excludes from refugee protections anyone who uses force or coercion to enforce Islamic values, promote conversions to Islam, or establish Islam as a state religion. The legislation also allows for the removal of permanent resident status for those who demonstrate support for designated terrorist groups or oppose American government principles.
