This bill expands tax-advantaged financing options for small businesses and farmers by updating the rules for qualified small issue bonds. It allows these bonds to fund the creation of intangible property like software, alongside traditional manufacturing, and raises the borrowing limits for eligible projects from $10 million to $30 million. Additionally, the legislation increases the maximum loan amount for first-time farmers from $450,000 to $1 million and adjusts the calculation for farm size eligibility to use an average rather than a median. These changes are designed to provide more accessible funding for a broader range of agricultural and manufacturing initiatives while including automatic inflation adjustments for future years.
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Agriculture
The Cost Estimate Clarity Act requires the Congressional Budget Office to explain how its cost estimates are influenced by specific baseline assumptions. Under this bill, the CBO must provide a quantitative comparison showing the difference between its current estimates and what costs would be if those assumptions were not used. The report must also identify which specific baseline assumptions caused these differences and clarify when the baseline might underestimate actual federal spending. This change directly affects how budgetary data is presented to Congress, aiming to improve transparency in fiscal analysis.
The Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 temporarily eliminates the federal excise tax on gasoline for fuel sold between the date of enactment and January 1, 2027. To maintain funding for highway and environmental projects, the Treasury Department will transfer money from the general fund to replace the lost tax revenue. The bill also directs the Treasury to enforce measures ensuring that fuel producers and dealers pass these tax savings directly to consumers through lower prices.
This bill, titled KOMBUCHA, removes federal excise taxes on kombucha beverages that contain 1.25 percent alcohol or less. By amending the Internal Revenue Code, it ensures these drinks are no longer taxed as wine or beer, provided they are fermented using specific bacteria and yeast cultures and made from ingredients like tea, coffee, and sugar. The changes apply to producers and sellers of qualifying kombucha starting with the calendar quarter after the law is enacted.
This bill, known as the ATIIP Reauthorization and Improvement Act, extends funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program through fiscal year 2031. It authorizes $250 million annually from the Highway Trust Fund to support projects that improve walking and biking infrastructure. The funds must be used within the same administrative framework as previous years but will remain available until spent and cannot be transferred to other purposes.
The WAGES Act of 2026 introduces a new federal tax credit to encourage employers to hire and train workers through registered apprenticeship programs. This financial incentive allows eligible businesses to claim a credit equal to 50 percent of qualified wages and program expenses, with specific caps on the amount that can be claimed per quarter. The bill also modifies tax rules regarding apprenticeship awards, allowing certain items given to apprentices to be treated as non-taxable employee achievement awards rather than taxable income. These changes are designed to reduce the financial burden on companies investing in workforce development while providing a clear pathway for apprentices to gain skills and credentials.
The Supporting Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Act extends tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel through 2029 to encourage the production and use of these fuels. It prevents companies from claiming both income and excise tax credits for the same fuel by eliminating the double benefit for clean fuel production credits. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules for excise tax incentives, ensuring they apply to fuel used for taxable purposes after December 31, 2024, and before the law's enactment. These changes directly affect fuel producers, distributors, and businesses that utilize biodiesel or renewable diesel in their operations.
The Affordable Housing Credit Carryback Act allows developers of low-income housing projects to apply their tax credits to tax years up to five years prior to the current year. This change directly affects developers who may have incurred losses in earlier years and are unable to fully utilize the tax benefits generated by their projects. By amending the Internal Revenue Code, the bill enables these developers to carry back the low-income housing tax credit to offset taxes owed in those past years. This provision aims to improve the immediate financial viability of affordable housing developments without altering the total amount of tax credit available.
The American Families Gas Tax Relief Act temporarily eliminates federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel, and kerosene for a period of 120 days starting on the date of enactment. This tax break is intended to lower fuel prices for consumers, with provisions requiring producers and dealers to pass the savings directly to buyers. The President has the authority to extend this holiday by an additional 90 days if economic conditions warrant it. To maintain funding for infrastructure and environmental programs, the government will transfer the lost tax revenue from the general treasury to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.
The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 automatically provides federal funding for government programs if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This mechanism supplies money for 14-day periods that can be extended as long as the shutdown continues, ensuring essential services like food assistance and loan programs keep running without interruption. To prevent political games during these shutdowns, the bill restricts official travel for government officials and limits what Congress can debate or vote on, except for passing a new budget or addressing the national debt limit.
