Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Diversify Act expands the federal TEACH Grant program by doubling the maximum annual award to $8,000 and increasing the total grant limit to $32,000 for eligible teacher candidates. These funds can be applied directly toward a student's full cost of attendance, including tuition and fees. The bill also broadens the definition of qualifying service to include teaching in high-need early childhood education programs, not just schools with significant shortages of qualified teachers. Additionally, it prohibits the government from imposing monetary penalties if a recipient fails to complete the required teaching service and exempts the program from automatic budget cuts known as sequestration.
The Fair Fees Act requires airlines and ticket agents to provide full cash refunds when flights are cancelled, significantly delayed, or substantially changed, as well as when passengers cancel their tickets at least 48 hours before departure. A flight is considered significantly delayed if the passenger arrives more than three hours late on a domestic trip or six hours late on an international trip. Airlines may offer travel vouchers or credits instead of cash refunds, but only if they clearly inform passengers of their right to reject the offer and demand money back, and ensure the voucher never expires. The law sets strict deadlines for processing refunds, ranging from seven business days for credit card purchases to 30 days for cancellations made by the passenger, and imposes civil penalties on carriers that fail to comply with these requirements.
The FAIR Fees Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations that prohibit airlines from charging fees that are unreasonable or disproportionate to the actual costs incurred by the carrier. These rules would cover charges for flight changes, cancellations, baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding. The bill mandates that airlines allow parents to sit with children age 13 or younger at no extra cost and requires the Department of Transportation to review and update these fee standards every three years.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Disaster Relief Fairness Act of 2026 would automatically approve major disaster declarations requested by state governors or tribal leaders between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029. Under this bill, the President is required to provide federal assistance if a preliminary damage assessment meets specific cost thresholds for public aid or if a regional official determines that individual assistance is warranted. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the denial of disaster relief solely because a request was submitted after a deadline.