The STOP the SWAMP Act strengthens penalties for witnesses who refuse to answer questions during congressional investigations or are convicted of lying, adding mandatory fines, jail time, and a ban on future federal employment. It also creates a streamlined process that allows any member of Congress to quickly introduce a resolution to cut off salary funds for federal employees who appear as witnesses in these investigations. By setting strict deadlines for committee reviews and votes, the bill aims to ensure that decisions to rescind these funds happen rapidly and are subject to judicial review.
The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026 expands Medicare coverage and oversight rules to include clinical psychologists in rural and underserved areas. Starting in 2026, clinical psychologists working in designated health professional shortage areas will receive an additional 10 percent payment for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The bill also removes certain federal restrictions that previously limited the types of care clinical psychologists could provide in outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, partial hospitalization, home health, and inpatient psychiatric settings. These changes allow psychologists to supervise or provide care directly in these facilities as long as state laws permit it, while maintaining existing requirements for consultation with physicians.
The CITE Act of 2026 requires candidates for federal office and their immediate family members to divest all personal investments in publicly traded companies or place those assets into a qualified blind trust within 90 days of filing for election. This rule prohibits candidates from acquiring new stock, bonds, or similar securities while they are running for office, with limited exceptions for inheritances that must also be divested or moved into a trust. Candidates must certify compliance with these requirements to their respective ethics office, and the legislation mandates that these rules apply only to individuals who file for office after the law takes effect.
The FASTER Act of 2026 expands the list of major food allergens regulated by the FDA to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat. This change requires food manufacturers to clearly label these gluten-containing grains, helping consumers with allergies and Celiac disease identify potential triggers. The law also mandates that the FDA update its compliance guides within a year to reflect these new allergen categories. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to produce a comprehensive report on Celiac disease, covering data on prevalence, diagnostic methods, prevention strategies, and potential treatments. These provisions apply to all foods entering the market starting one year after the law is enacted.
The Recycling Infrastructure and Data Accountability Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency to study the feasibility of creating a national database to track recycling facilities, material flows, and program performance. This study will identify regions with limited access to recycling services, catalog major waste and recycling facilities, and analyze economic barriers that hinder the development of new processing centers. If the EPA determines the project is viable, it must establish and maintain a publicly accessible online database within a year of submitting its final report to Congress. The bill aims to improve transparency and planning for recycling infrastructure without mandating specific construction projects or funding allocations.
The Read for Reentry Act of 2026 directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on library services within state and federal prisons. This report will examine who currently has access to these services, how they are funded, and the demographic characteristics of incarcerated individuals who use them. The study will also analyze specific outcomes related to recidivism, parole compliance, workforce placement, and disciplinary infractions for those released from facilities offering library programs. Ultimately, the bill aims to gather data to inform Congress about the current state and impact of prison libraries.
The AI Ads Act expands existing federal election laws to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence-generated content for fraudulent purposes in political campaigns. Specifically, it requires candidates and committees to disclose when they use generative AI to create materials that misrepresent their authority or solicit donations. The bill also broadens the definition of who can be held liable for such fraud, extending protections to any political committee or organization, whether real or fictitious, rather than just candidates and their direct employees. These changes aim to prevent deceptive practices involving AI in political advertising and fundraising without altering the underlying penalties for violations.
This bill, the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2026, allows Medicare to pay for services provided by radiologist assistants under the supervision of a radiologist. It defines radiologist assistants as certified professionals who work strictly under a radiologist's direction and clarifies that they cannot independently interpret imaging results. The legislation authorizes Medicare to reimburse these assistants for services performed in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other specified settings, with the payment directed to the supervising radiologist. These changes take effect on January 1, 2027, aiming to expand access to diagnostic imaging while maintaining existing safety standards.
The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act aims to reduce intimate partner homicides by strengthening federal laws that prevent abusers from accessing firearms while restraining orders are active. It expands the definition of "intimate partner" to include dating partners and clarifies that emergency or temporary restraining orders must also trigger gun restrictions. The bill requires courts to automatically issue firearm surrender orders when a protection order is granted, mandating that abusers turn in their guns within 24 hours and prohibiting them from buying new ones for the duration of the order. Additionally, the legislation creates a new grant program to help states and local governments implement these surrender procedures and partner with domestic violence service providers.
This bill requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports examining whether the Polisario Front, a group involved in the Western Sahara conflict, has exchanged military support or intelligence with Iranian-backed terrorist organizations. If such cooperation is confirmed, the President must designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization and freeze its assets under existing sanctions laws. The legislation focuses on specific military aid like weapons, drones, and intelligence, aiming to increase transparency regarding potential links between the two groups without advocating for a specific political outcome.
The Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act prevents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from cutting staff in specific divisions during the year following a major foodborne illness outbreak. It defines a staffing reduction as removing one percent or more of employees in those disease surveillance units within a 60-day window. This measure aims to ensure that personnel levels remain stable so agencies can effectively monitor and respond to public health threats related to food safety.
The American Food for American Schools Act of 2026 requires schools to purchase domestic food products for federal nutrition programs unless a waiver is granted due to shortages or quality issues. Under this bill, school food authorities must request permission from the Department of Agriculture to buy foreign goods, with waivers limited to 5% of annual food costs. Contracts with suppliers must include clauses that require compliance with domestic sourcing rules, and any supplier who fails to comply must repay the federal funds used to purchase foreign items. Additionally, the law mandates that schools notify parents about any foreign products used and requires the government to publish a public list of waivers and instances of noncompliance. The legislation also increases funding for a procurement training program to help schools navigate these new requirements.
