Wisconsin Congressional Bills

in committee · Wisconsin · House Jul 30, 2026

HR 9983: Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act

The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act aims to reduce intimate partner homicides by strengthening federal laws that prevent abusers from accessing firearms while restraining orders are active. It expands the definition of "intimate partner" to include dating partners and clarifies that emergency or temporary restraining orders must also trigger gun restrictions. The bill requires courts to automatically issue firearm surrender orders when a protection order is granted, mandating that abusers turn in their guns within 24 hours and prohibiting them from buying new ones for the duration of the order. Additionally, the legislation creates a new grant program to help states and local governments implement these surrender procedures and partner with domestic violence service providers.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

James A. Himes (D) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Wisconsin · House Jul 30, 2026

HR 9946: Equity in STI Testing Act

The Equity in STI Testing Act requires Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover screening tests for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia without charging beneficiaries any out-of-pocket costs. The bill directly affects patients enrolled in these federal health programs by eliminating copayments and deductibles specifically for these preventive screenings. It also mandates that the Indian Health Service provide these tests to eligible Native Americans at no cost, regardless of whether the services are typically authorized under their purchased or referred care systems. These changes take effect on different timelines depending on the specific program, with some provisions applying immediately upon enactment and others starting in the following calendar year.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · Wisconsin · House Jul 30, 2026

HR 9942: House Our Heroes Act

The House Our Heroes Act expands support for veterans struggling with guaranteed housing loans by allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer educational courses on credit improvement, financial management, and loss mitigation options. Additionally, the bill permits the agency to make partial claims and modify loan terms, such as interest rates and payment schedules, for specific loans that go into default between May 1, 2025, and November 28, 2026. These measures aim to provide more flexible assistance tools to help veterans avoid foreclosure or manage their debts without strictly following previous mandatory procedures.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

in committee · Wisconsin · Senate Jul 30, 2026

SJRES 181: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from ongoing hostilities against Iran that were not authorized by Congress. The bill is based on the constitutional principle that Congress holds the sole power to declare war and notes that no formal declaration or specific authorization for force against Iran has been enacted. While the resolution mandates withdrawal from active combat operations, it allows the U.S. to continue defensive actions, intelligence gathering, and limited support for allies facing Iranian attacks. The measure is intended to enforce congressional oversight of military engagements and restore constitutional war powers to the legislative branch.

in committee · Wisconsin · House Jul 29, 2026

HR 9862: Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Veterans Act of 2026

The Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Veterans Act of 2026 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire an independent research center to evaluate artificial intelligence tools currently used or being developed for patient care within the Veterans Health Administration. This evaluation will focus on five specific high-risk systems to assess their safety, accuracy, fairness, and how well they integrate with existing medical workflows. The law mandates that the findings be reported to Congress within a year, followed by a detailed plan from the VA to address any identified risks or gaps in oversight. Additionally, a government auditor will review both the evaluation and the VA's response plan to ensure accountability, all without requesting new funding for the initiative.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology ✓ Veterans

in committee · Wisconsin · Senate Jul 28, 2026

S 5151: MRRRI Act

The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act establishes a new nonregulatory program within the Environmental Protection Agency to protect and restore the ecological health of the Mississippi River and its floodplain. This initiative directly affects federal agencies, state and local governments, Tribal organizations, and non-Federal entities by creating a dedicated National Program Office to coordinate funding and projects across ten specific states. Key provisions include setting measurable goals for improving water quality, enhancing community resilience against floods, restoring fish and wildlife habitats, and preventing the spread of invasive species. The bill authorizes grants for specific restoration actions such as removing dams, protecting wetlands, and managing stormwater, while requiring a science plan and research centers to guide these efforts. Additionally, the act mandates that at least 5 percent of funds be transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to support projects led by Tribal governments.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Wisconsin · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9959: Green New Deal for Public Schools Act

The Green New Deal for Public Schools Act directs over $700 billion in federal funding to public schools, prioritizing those serving the most vulnerable communities based on CDC social vulnerability rankings. The legislation establishes a new Office of Sustainable Schools and authorizes grants for "healthy green retrofits" that convert school buildings into zero-carbon facilities with clean air, water, and energy systems, while also providing funds to hire additional educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Additionally, the bill mandates increased federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and creates a climate resiliency program that allows schools to function as community centers during natural disasters. All grant recipients must adhere to strict labor standards, including prevailing wage requirements, Buy American provisions, and local hiring goals that prioritize residents of the surrounding community.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

Pramila Jayapal (D) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Wisconsin · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9958: Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026

The Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026 broadens eligibility for early childhood education services by including recipients of various public assistance programs, such as food stamps and Medicaid, in the definition of qualifying families. The bill authorizes $36 billion annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these expanded operations and creates a separate grant program providing $1 billion per year until 2030 for agencies to repair or upgrade aging facilities with safety hazards. Additionally, the legislation establishes a loan forgiveness program that cancels federal student loans for childcare workers who complete three years of full-time service in Head Start or Early Head Start programs. Finally, it authorizes $6.8 billion annually through 2032 to provide salary supplements to Head Start employees, with funding allocated based on local wage gaps and cost-of-living factors.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Jahana Hayes (D) · 22 co-sponsors

in committee · Wisconsin · Senate Jul 23, 2026

SRES 814: A resolution recognizing the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling to protect the right of individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities.

This Senate resolution recognizes the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their right to live in their own homes and communities. It calls on the Department of Justice to rescind a recent opinion that the Senate views as undermining the legal requirement to provide community-based services instead of institutional care. The document also urges various federal agencies to improve funding for home and community-based services, increase accessible housing and transportation, and promote competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Additionally, the resolution pledges bipartisan efforts to address barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, including those of color, and opposes cuts to the Medicaid program that could limit access to essential support services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Andy Kim (D) · 29 co-sponsors

in committee · Wisconsin · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 5126: Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act

The Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allocate at least $75 million annually toward developing new plant cultivars and animal breeds that are publicly funded and available for commercial use. This funding prioritizes research on climate-resilient crops, nutritionally improved varieties for local populations, and breeds adapted to specific regional conditions or dual-use energy systems. The bill also establishes a new coordinator role to oversee breeding research across the department and mandates that any public breed developed with federal funds must be produced substantially within the United States if sold under exclusive rights. Additionally, the legislation requires the implementation of strategic plans to assess and utilize national collections of plant and animal genetic resources, ensuring these materials remain accessible for future agricultural needs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Wisconsin · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 5124: Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act

The SHIELD Our Elections Act introduces new legal tools to protect election integrity by allowing individuals to file civil lawsuits against those who harass or intimidate voters at polling places. It extends the time limit for prosecuting election-related crimes to nine years and establishes strict rules preventing the seizure of ballots and voting equipment until all legal challenges are resolved. Additionally, the bill creates a federal grant program to help states implement systems that track and notify voters about the status of their mail-in and absentee ballots. These provisions aim to provide clearer legal recourse for election interference, ensure longer accountability periods for offenders, and increase transparency in the ballot counting process.

in committee · Wisconsin · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 5121: Supreme Court Ethics Act

This bill establishes a formal code of conduct for all federal judges and specifically requires the Supreme Court to create its own set of ethical rules for justices. It creates a new position called Ethics Investigations Counsel to enforce these rules, investigate potential violations, and publish annual public reports on the findings. Additionally, the legislation mandates that Supreme Court justices publicly explain their reasons for disqualifying themselves or denying requests for disqualification in any case.

Wisconsin Congressional Bills

Bill results