United States Bills

The Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026 creates a federal program to compensate firefighters who develop specific health conditions linked to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during their service. Eligible claimants, including active or retired firefighters with at least two years of service and the estates of deceased firefighters, may receive base awards of $50,000 for non-cancer illnesses or $250,000 for cancers, with amounts multiplied by a service modifier based on total years served. The program operates on a no-fault basis, meaning claimants do not need to prove negligence, and disputes can be appealed to the United States Court of Federal Claims. Funding for these payments comes from a new PFAS Trust Fund established in the Treasury, which is financed by a 10 percent excise tax on the sale of PFAS-containing products and a separate 10 percent tax on certain PFAS litigation settlements.

The Environmental Health Restoration Act of 2026 mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency reinstate specific air quality and emissions regulations that were weakened or repealed in early 2025, including standards for power plants, vehicles, and oil and gas operations. The bill prohibits federal officials from delaying or suspending these rules without explicit congressional approval and requires the agency to base decisions on peer-reviewed science while restoring the use of a specific social cost of carbon value. Additionally, it directs the reinstatement of environmental justice programs, requires public health impact assessments for new regulations, and authorizes approximately $11 billion in annual funding to support enforcement efforts. The legislation also creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue the agency in federal court if it fails to comply with these requirements.

The Student Voter Data Protection Act amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to restrict how postsecondary institutions handle student data related to voting. It prohibits colleges from disclosing personally identifiable information, including directory information, for the purpose of measuring voter registration or turnout without obtaining prior written consent from the student. Additionally, the bill bans any postsecondary institution from selling a student's education records or directory information without explicit written permission. Institutions that violate these rules would lose access to federal funds under applicable programs.

The Visionary Intersections Modernization Act amends federal transportation law to allow funds from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program to be used for building roundabouts. This change directly affects state and local governments that manage road infrastructure by adding a new eligible project type to their funding options. The bill does not mandate the construction of specific intersections but rather expands the categories of work that can receive federal financial support under existing grant programs.

The VA Salary Cap Waiver Adjustment Act modifies federal law to extend the authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary to waive salary caps for critical health care personnel. This change directly affects VA employees in these roles by allowing them to receive compensation above standard limits for a longer period than previously authorized. The bill achieves this by removing an earlier expiration date and establishing a new deadline that is five years after the enactment of the act.

The Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act of 2026 creates a new competitive grant program that provides up to 50,000 additional housing vouchers each year from fiscal years 2027 through 2032. These vouchers are specifically designated for families with young children or those expecting a child who are currently homeless, unstably housed, living in areas of concentrated poverty, or at risk of displacement from high-opportunity neighborhoods. Public housing agencies must offer voluntary mobility services to help these families move into "opportunity areas" that provide access to high-performing schools and quality early education. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is tasked with defining what constitutes an opportunity area and establishing the minimum standards for the supportive services that agencies must provide to participating families.

The Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026 mandates that the Secretary of State impose financial sanctions on Chinese or Hong Kong officials if a political prisoner dies in custody due to abuse, neglect, or poor conditions. The bill defines "political prisoners" as individuals detained for exercising protected rights or under specific national security laws, with a legal presumption that those charged under these statutes qualify unless proven otherwise. In addition to mandatory sanctions, the legislation requires the U.S. government to coordinate with international allies, restrict visas for family members of sanctioned officials, and submit annual reports on the health and treatment of detainees like Jimmy Lai.