The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act expands housing benefits for unpaid firefighters and other first responders who have served for at least two years. Under this bill, eligible volunteers can receive an $18,000 reduction in their income when applying for USDA single-family housing loans and qualify for discounted home prices through government sales programs. To access these advantages, volunteers must submit a verification letter from their employer confirming their service history and certification status. The law defines specific criteria for who counts as a qualified volunteer, requiring continuous service and adherence to minimum activity standards set by the employer.
The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act expands paid family and medical leave benefits for federal workers, including those in the Executive Office of the President, the Postal Service, and the District of Columbia courts. Key provisions increase the standard leave entitlement to 12 weeks plus any accrued annual or sick leave, while also extending coverage to include pregnancy loss, fertility issues, and failed adoptions. The bill specifically adds a new category of leave allowing employees to take time off to address the needs of family members who are victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sex trafficking. To fund this expanded coverage, the legislation requires employees to agree to work for a period equal to the time taken off, with exceptions made for death or serious health conditions.
This bill creates a new federal Department of Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence led by a Secretary appointed by the President. The department's main goal is to develop a unified national strategy for using artificial intelligence across all government agencies, including setting safety standards and managing research funding. It also aims to improve AI literacy in schools, protect workers from job displacement, and establish systems for reporting cybersecurity incidents related to AI. Additionally, the bill requires a government report within 180 days to assess current AI regulations and recommend updates to federal laws regarding privacy, safety, and misinformation.
The Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 updates federal rules to help states create flexible child care systems that offer parents more choices across different settings like homes, centers, and schools. It expands eligibility for assistance to include children of parents who are job seekers, students, or those receiving health treatment, while also raising the income limit for some families. The bill requires states to use cost-based models to set payment rates that cover provider expenses and mandates the creation of new grants to help build and expand child care facilities. Additionally, it establishes new reporting requirements to track how much families spend on care and measures progress on improving workforce quality and access.
This bill establishes federal rules to protect workers who use earned wage access services, which allow employees to receive a portion of their pay before their regular paycheck date. It requires providers to always offer a free option for accessing wages alongside any paid options and mandates clear, upfront disclosures about fees, access limits, and the voluntary nature of any tips. The legislation also prohibits providers from sharing fees with employers, using debt collection tactics to recover unpaid amounts, or discriminating against consumers based on protected characteristics. Additionally, the bill prevents providers from treating these services as credit or loans under federal law and gives the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau authority to create specific regulations within 180 days of enactment.
The Military Pension Protection Act changes federal tax rules to exclude military pensions from taxable income. This provision directly benefits active duty service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries by ensuring these payments are not counted as gross income for tax purposes. The bill achieves this by adding a new section to the Internal Revenue Code that specifically exempts government pensions earned through military service. These tax benefits will apply to any taxable year starting after the law is enacted.
This resolution acknowledges and apologizes on behalf of the United States for the decades of discrimination and wrongful termination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the military, Foreign Service, and federal civil service. It condemns historical policies that excluded or fired these individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity while reaffirming a commitment to treat all federal employees and veterans with equal respect and fairness. The bill functions as a formal statement of regret and does not create any legal claims, financial settlements, or new laws.
The National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment Act establishes a temporary commission to investigate and study workplace sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other misconduct across various industries. This independent body will gather testimony from workers, experts, and advocates to analyze causes, reporting mechanisms, and the effectiveness of current laws, with a specific focus on how factors like race, gender identity, and gig economy work affect vulnerability. Composed of eleven appointed members who serve without pay, the commission is required to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months and hold a public hearing on those findings. The commission will have access to federal resources and staff support but will cease to exist 60 days after submitting its final report.
The Equal Remedies Act of 2026 expands the types of damages available to individuals who file discrimination lawsuits. It allows victims of race discrimination to receive compensation for both financial losses and non-financial harms like emotional pain and loss of enjoyment of life. The bill also permits any party in a race discrimination case to request a jury trial. Additionally, the law extends these expanded remedies to age discrimination cases, enabling plaintiffs to seek the same broad range of relief available in sex and race discrimination suits. These changes apply to individuals bringing claims under federal civil rights laws and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 establishes new rules to protect student athletes and regulate college sports broadcasting by amending existing federal laws. It requires colleges and athletic associations to allow athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness without losing eligibility, while mandating that athletes disclose agreements worth more than $600 annually. The bill also introduces stricter health and safety standards, including independent medical authority for return-to-play decisions and expanded medical coverage for injuries sustained during competition. Additionally, it creates a new commission to study the future of college athletics and modifies broadcasting laws to ensure local market access for games and prevent large conferences from merging in ways that reduce the number of participating schools.
