Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
The Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 mandates that private health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits programs cover annual glaucoma screenings for specific high-risk individuals starting in 2027. These covered individuals include adults aged 40 or older with African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, those with clinical risk factors such as diabetes or family history, and all adults aged 60 or older. The bill also directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award $10 million in grants over two years to provide free or low-cost screenings and treatment to uninsured high-risk populations, with priority given to underserved communities. Additionally, it authorizes $10 million for research into glaucoma treatments, including optic nerve regeneration and gene therapies.
The Protecting Our History Act of 2026 would prohibit the executive branch from directing the content of exhibits or conditioning federal funding on political ideology for federally supported cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution. The bill specifically designates the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) as a "mission fiduciary" of the United States, granting its governing council explicit legal standing to sue federal officials in court if they attempt to interfere with curatorial decisions or withhold appropriated funds. It establishes strict anti-retaliation policies for museum staff and requires annual reports to Congress detailing any attempts to influence institutional programming. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $90 million annually for NMAAHC operations, covering areas such as collections expansion, digitization, and legal protections for its independence.
The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act requires the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to evaluate whether the agency has enough staff, resources, and properly trained personnel to fulfill its mission. This review must cover specific areas such as securing federal systems, protecting state and local governments, managing critical infrastructure risks, and addressing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The Director is required to consult with other federal agencies, industry groups, and government officials while conducting this assessment. Within one year of the bill's enactment, a report detailing the findings and recommendations for any identified shortages or training gaps must be submitted to the relevant congressional committees.
The Justice for Ukrainian Children Act directs the U.S. government to support efforts to locate and rescue Ukrainian children forcibly transferred by Russia, while imposing mandatory sanctions on foreign individuals who facilitate these transfers. The bill authorizes at least $15 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to fund evidence collection, maintain a centralized database, and assist in the rehabilitation of affected children. It requires the President to block the assets and revoke the visas of any foreign person found to have knowingly participated in the abduction or indoctrination of Ukrainian minors, with limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and national security needs. Additionally, the legislation allocates $10 million annually to expand U.S. media broadcasting services in Ukraine and neighboring regions to counter disinformation.
The Mail Integrity and Inspector General Act requires the U.S. Postal Service's Office of Investigations to maintain staffing levels sufficient to handle its investigative workload starting in fiscal year 2027. To achieve this, the bill grants the Inspector General specific hiring authorities to improve recruitment and retention of special agents. Additionally, it mandates an annual workforce assessment report to Congress that examines vacancy rates, caseloads, and hiring progress. The legislation also permits the Office of Investigations to enter into cooperative agreements with state and local governments to assist in related law enforcement investigations.
The CLAIM Act creates a federal safe harbor that prevents government agencies from penalizing or discouraging insurers for providing coverage to businesses legally operating in the cannabis industry under state or tribal laws. The bill protects these companies, their employees, and property owners from having insurance policies canceled or facing adverse regulatory actions solely because of their connection to legal cannabis operations. It also grants immunity from federal liability for insurers who engage in this business within jurisdictions where cannabis is permitted. Additionally, the legislation requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on barriers that minority-owned and women-owned cannabis businesses face when entering the market and accessing financial services.
The SHIELD for Victims Act of 2026 directs the Attorney General to develop and publish an evidence-based lethality assessment tool within one year, designed to help law enforcement identify domestic violence victims at high risk of serious injury or death and connect them with support services. The bill requires Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to provide initial training on this tool to covered federal officers, along with mandatory refresher courses every three years. Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a report to Congress within 180 days outlining a plan to ensure federal officers are linked to local domestic violence resources when using the assessment program.
The Regional Energy Hubs Act of 2026 authorizes the Department of Energy to provide $50 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to help states and Indian tribes establish local energy hubs. These hubs are designed to improve access to energy efficiency programs, tax credits, and financial assistance for residents, with a specific focus on low-income households, rural areas, and disadvantaged communities. Each hub must be led by a community-based organization that partners with local entities such as nonprofits, utilities, and workforce development agencies to provide education, connect residents with contractors, and support job training. The bill requires hubs to submit annual reports on their activities and establishes a federal advisory committee to share best practices across different regions.
The State Energy Oversight Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program providing $50 million annually from 2027 through 2031 to help state utility commissions regulate electric and natural gas services. This funding allows states to hire specialized staff, improve data analysis capabilities, and support independent public advocates who represent residential and small business customers in rate cases. The bill also authorizes the creation of a national database of energy rates and requires states to submit annual reports on their use of funds and utility pricing structures. States that fail to meet these reporting requirements will have their future funding withheld and redistributed to other jurisdictions.
The Data Center Fairness Fee Act of 2026 imposes a $0.01 per kilowatt-hour charge on large data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities with more than 50 megawatts of installed capacity, starting in 2027. Beginning in 2028, facilities that draw electricity with an average carbon intensity greater than 0.10 will face an additional $0.05 per kilogram charge for associated greenhouse gas emissions. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish reporting rules and allocate collected funds to states and Indian tribes. These funds must be used for energy assistance programs, grid efficiency improvements, or initiatives that reduce residential utility bills and peak electricity demand.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.