Budget & Taxes

HR 4719, the Freedom to Move Act, would create $5 billion in federal grants to help cities, counties, and transit agencies make public transportation free and improve service quality. Local governments applying for these grants must demonstrate how they will redesign bus routes to prioritize low-income and minority neighborhoods, eliminate criminal penalties for fare evasion, and address transit gaps in underserved communities. The grants cover lost fare revenue and fund specific improvements like safer bus stops, dedicated bus lanes, and better service frequency. This directly affects transit agencies and riders in communities currently lacking reliable, affordable transportation options.

HR 5452, the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act, modifies the existing Safe Streets and Roads for All program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It requires at least 20% of annual program funds starting in fiscal year 2024 to support projects focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety, and extends funding authorization with $5 billion allocated for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The bill directly affects local governments and communities applying for grants to improve street safety infrastructure. Key changes include mandating specific funding allocations for walkable/bikeable projects and securing long-term financial commitments for the program. This is a procedural funding amendment, not a new policy initiative.

HR 4717 creates a refundable tax credit of up to 10% of a home's purchase price (capped at $15,000) for first-time homebuyers purchasing a principal residence in the United States. The credit is subject to limitations based on modified adjusted gross income (phased out if income exceeds 150% of the area median income) and home price relative to area median purchase prices in the buyer's location. Homebuyers must meet age requirements (at least 18 years old), not have owned a home in the past three years, and purchase with a federally backed mortgage. The credit is subject to a four-year recapture period if the home is sold within that timeframe, and taxpayers may transfer the credit to their mortgage lender as a down payment or closing cost assistance.

HR 5680, the "Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act," ensures continuous pay for civilian and military workers at public shipyards during budget gaps in fiscal years 2026 or 2027. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover their pay and allowances if regular appropriations bills aren't enacted before the start of those fiscal years. The funding expires no later than January 1, 2027, or when regular appropriations are passed, whichever comes first. This bill directly affects shipyard workers whose pay would otherwise be interrupted during federal budget transitions.

The Stand Strong for Medicare Act of 2025 would expand Medicare coverage to include specific fall prevention items like grab bars, non-slip mats, shower chairs, and bed rails. It removes the requirement that these items must be provided under a physician's order, making them easier for beneficiaries to access. The bill also ensures payments for these items are exempt from automatic budget cuts under current law. This change directly benefits Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults at risk of falls, by improving access to essential safety equipment.

This bill ensures continued pay for specific Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel and Coast Guard members during government shutdowns in fiscal years 2026-2027. It directly affects DHS law enforcement officers (including those in job series like 0083, 1801, and 1811), DHS administrative and payroll staff, and Coast Guard personnel. The bill authorizes emergency funding from the Treasury to cover their pay and allowances when regular appropriations are not in place. This funding expires on January 1, 2027, or earlier if Congress passes a new appropriations bill covering these costs.

# National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 - Summary This comprehensive appropriations bill authorizes funding for U.S. diplomatic and national security programs for fiscal year 2026 with several notable funding allocations, restrictions, and policy directives. ## Key Funding Allocations - **$94 million** for global Internet freedom programs - **$160 million** for women's economic empowerment - **$40 million** for the Madeleine K. Albright Women's Leadership Program - **$200 million** for prevention of violence against women and girls - **$120 million** for women, peace, and security initiatives - **$737.6 million** for basic education (including secondary education) - **$216.8 million** for higher education - **$292.6 million** for biodiversity conservation - **$768 million** for food security and agricultural development - **$111 million** for activities to combat trafficking in persons - **$300 million** for the Countering Russian Influence Fund - **$1.7 billion** for the America First Opportunity Fund ## Major Restrictions and Prohibitions 1. **UN and International Organizations**: - Prohibits funding for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) - Prohibits funding for the UN Human Rights Council - Requires certification before funding UN entities - Withholds 25% of UN contributions if Taiwan isn't granted observer status 2. **Geopolitical Restrictions**: - Prohibits funding for the Russian Federation government - Prohibits funding for countries supporting Russian annexation of Crimea - Prohibits funding for countries recognizing independence of Russian-occupied Georgian territories 3. **Program Restrictions**: - Prohibits funding for drag queen workshops, performances, or documentaries - Prohibits funding for programs teaching concepts of systemic racism or sexism - Prohibits funding for transgender-related medical procedures for minors - Prohibits funding for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is endangered - Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology or related research 4. **Gaza and West Bank Oversight**: - Requires certification of oversight policies to prevent funds from reaching Hamas - Mandates third-party monitoring of aid to Gaza - Requires regular reporting to Congress on aid usage - Prohibits admission and resettlement of foreign nationals from Gaza ## Other Significant Provisions - **Rescissions**: $4.3 billion in unobligated balances from previous appropriations are permanently rescinded - **Spending Requirements**: Mandates specific spend plans for various programs - **Anti-DEI Restrictions**: Prohibits funding for certain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives - **Human Rights**: Requires certification that all Department of State employees will receive anti-trafficking training - **Environmental**: Prohibits funding for climate change programs that violate Executive Order 14162 This bill represents a comprehensive approach to U.S. foreign assistance with significant restrictions on funding for certain countries, programs, and activities, while emphasizing oversight for funds provided to Gaza and West Bank.

This bill increases annual funding for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program from $10 million to $12 million, effective for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It directly affects rural communities eligible for loans and grants under this program, which supports local economic development projects. The key mechanism is a specific funding amendment to Section 313B of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. This change extends and boosts financial resources for rural infrastructure and community initiatives without altering program eligibility or administration.

The Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025 automatically provides funding for most federal government programs if Congress fails to pass a full budget by the start of a new fiscal year. It sets initial funding at 94% of the previous year's level for 90 days, then reduces it by 1% every subsequent 90 days until a budget is approved. Programs like food assistance (under the Food and Nutrition Act) maintain full current funding, while other agencies face gradual cuts to prevent shutdowns. This ensures continuous government operations without requiring new legislation during budget delays.

The PILLAR Act reauthorizes the CISA State and local cybersecurity grant program through fiscal year 2035, expanding its scope to cover operational technology systems and systems using artificial intelligence. It requires grant recipients to adopt multi-factor authentication and other cybersecurity best practices, with higher federal funding rates (up to 75% for multi-entity groups) if these measures are implemented by October 2027. The bill also mandates outreach to rural and small local governments to ensure equitable access to cybersecurity resources and includes a requirement for GAO reviews of artificial intelligence adoption across funded programs.