Budget & Taxes

This bill restricts federal grants to states or local governments that arrest, detain, or assist in detaining foreign officials from NATO allies or designated "Major Non-NATO Allies" based on International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants. It prohibits federal grant awards for four years to any state, territory, or local entity engaging in such actions. The Attorney General may waive this penalty if the President certifies the action is essential for U.S. national security, requiring detailed justification to relevant congressional committees. The bill directly affects state/local enforcement agencies and their federal funding relationships.

This bill requires major internet companies (including social media, streaming services, and app stores) and broadband providers to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes affordable broadband in rural and high-cost areas. It exempts smaller companies that transmit less than 3% of U.S. broadband data or earn under $5 billion annually. The Federal Communications Commission must create a new support mechanism to help rural broadband providers cover costs, while ensuring contributions remain fair and predictable. The bill explicitly states it does not grant the FCC new authority over these companies.

HR 7326 (ABODE Act) creates a grant program to fund the development or rehabilitation of affordable housing. It directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to organizations building or rehabbing single- and multi-family homes for households earning 50% or less of the area median income. Projects must prioritize reducing costs, improving energy efficiency, enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities, and using resilient designs. HUD will require grantees to build a set number of homes meeting these standards before receiving full payment, and must report results to Congress within two years.

The REPAIR Infrastructure Act (S 3413) reauthorizes a federal program providing $3 billion annually (2027-2031) from the Highway Trust Fund to fund infrastructure projects that restore community connectivity and improve resilience. It allocates $750 million yearly for planning grants and $2.25 billion for capital construction grants, directly affecting state, local, and tribal governments applying for these funds. Key provisions require projects to avoid increasing highway travel lanes and prioritize affordable transportation access, community engagement, and preventing displacement in low-income areas - such as creating safe mobility options to jobs, healthcare, and housing. The program specifically targets "divisive roadway infrastructure" (e.g., highways separating neighborhoods) and mandates applicants demonstrate how projects address historic barriers and support underserved communities.

# Summary of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 This is a comprehensive federal appropriations bill that allocates funding for multiple government agencies, with significant restrictions on how those funds may be used. The bill is structured into four main titles: ## Key Components 1. **Title I: Health and Human Services Appropriations** - Contains detailed funding allocations for: - Public health programs - Social Security Administration - Medicaid and CHIP programs - Various health research and services - Specific restrictions on abortion funding (sections 506-508) 2. **Title II: Department of Education Appropriations** - Funds for: - Higher education programs - K-12 education initiatives - Career and technical education - Student financial assistance - Prohibitions on certain gender-related policies (section 312) 3. **Title III: Related Agencies** - Includes funding for: - Corporation for National and Community Service ("America First Corps") - Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled - Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service - Various other independent agencies 4. **Title IV: General Provisions** - Contains numerous restrictions on fund usage, including: ## Notable Restrictions and Prohibitions - **Abortion restrictions** (sections 506-508): Prohibits funding for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment - **Research restrictions** (section 508): Bans funding for human embryo research - **Prohibitions on Critical Race Theory** (section 534): Bans funding for programs promoting Critical Race Theory - **Restrictions on diversity initiatives** (section 535): Prohibits funding for programs teaching concepts related to systemic racism - **Executive order prohibitions** (sections 532-533): Prohibits implementation of various climate-related executive orders - **Restrictions on transgender policies** (section 311): Prohibits funds for educational institutions allowing males to participate in women's athletic programs - **Restrictions on certain international collaborations** (sections 537, 540): Prohibits funding for certain Chinese research institutions - **Prohibitions on certain technology procurement** (section 541): Bans purchasing from companies with Chinese ownership stakes The bill also includes: - Rescission of $12.8 billion from the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund (section 528) - Rescission of $183 million from various American Rescue Plan Act funds (section 529) - Specific requirements for reporting on fund usage and contract awards - Restrictions on flag display at federal facilities (section 531) This appropriations bill represents a highly restrictive approach to federal funding, with numerous specific limitations on how money can be spent across multiple government agencies.

This bill amends federal law to block Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from going to local governments that qualify as "sanctuary jurisdictions." A sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as a city or county that restricts sharing immigration status information with federal authorities or refuses to comply with certain immigration detainer requests. The law requires grant recipients to certify they are not sanctuary jurisdictions during the grant period. This directly affects cities and counties with policies limiting cooperation on immigration enforcement, potentially withholding federal funds for housing, infrastructure, and community programs. The exception for jurisdictions not sharing information when victims or witnesses of crimes come forward is included.

This bill codifies Executive Order 14249 (signed March 25, 2025) into law, making its provisions about preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in federal spending legally binding. It directly affects all federal agencies managing taxpayer funds by requiring them to implement the order's specific measures. The key mechanism is converting the executive order into permanent statutory law, ensuring its requirements have enforceable legal effect rather than relying on executive authority alone. This does not create new spending rules but formalizes existing directives for oversight of government financial operations.

The LIFT AI Act (HR 5584) provides federal funding through competitive grants to develop AI literacy programs for K-12 education. It directly affects elementary and secondary schools, teachers, and students by supporting the creation of AI-focused curricula, teacher training on responsible AI use, and hands-on learning tools. Key provisions include funding for project-based learning materials, professional development for educators, and evaluation methods to assess student AI proficiency. The bill aims to integrate practical AI skills into classrooms while ensuring content adapts to evolving technology. It does not fund direct student programs but enables schools to build foundational AI education through grant-supported resources.

This bill authorizes $15 million annually (2026-2030) for competitive grants to state agencies to build better data systems for SNAP employment and training programs. It requires states to create longitudinal databases linking SNAP data with education and workforce programs (like WIOA), while protecting participant privacy and ensuring funds supplement - not replace - existing state investments. States must use grants to improve program quality, reduce administrative burden, and enable better coordination across federal workforce initiatives. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress and a GAO study on implementation effectiveness.

HR 7497 establishes a new grant program to fund trauma-informed mental health support in schools, authorizing $50 million annually from 2027-2031. It directly affects students, teachers, school staff, and community mental health providers by requiring grantees to develop collaborative services between schools and local mental health systems. Key provisions include funding evidence-based staff training on trauma-informed practices, creating school-community partnerships, and ensuring culturally competent services for students - including those with disabilities. The bill mandates that funds supplement, not replace, existing resources and requires grantees to coordinate with agencies like child welfare and juvenile justice through formal interagency agreements.