The Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026 strengthens federal laws against exploiting individuals under 18 by expanding the definition of prohibited conduct to include engaging in or soliciting commercial sex acts with minors. It removes the legal requirement to prove force, fraud, or coercion when the victim is a minor and establishes that a defendant's lack of knowledge about the victim's age is not a valid defense if they had a reasonable opportunity to observe them. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement officers posing as minors cannot use this as a defense against prosecution and increases the minimum prison sentence to 15 years for offenses involving victims under 14. These changes apply to actions taken 180 days after the law is enacted.
The BOOST American Business Act creates a new Commercial Diplomatic Service within the Department of State to support U.S. businesses in international markets. This new service will consist of specialized officers trained in business analysis, contract negotiation, and market intelligence, distinct from the generalist Foreign Service. The bill establishes a Director General to oversee both the Foreign Service and this new commercial track, while also mandating specific training on topics like intellectual property protection and supply chain resilience. By moving commercial diplomacy back under the State Department's leadership, the legislation aims to better align trade promotion with overall U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.
The PREEMPT Act directs the federal government to issue guidance and provide technical assistance to states regarding Medicaid coverage for preeclampsia screening and detection tests. This legislation aims to improve outcomes for pregnant women by promoting early detection and management of the condition, which is a leading cause of maternal and fetal deaths. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to outline best practices and determine which advanced biomarker tests can be covered under state Medicaid plans. The bill does not mandate that states cover these tests but instead establishes a framework for federal support to help states evaluate and implement such coverage.
This bill, titled the National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act, provides federal funding to expand youth programs run by the National Police Athletic/Activities League. The legislation authorizes $16 million annually from 2028 to 2032 to help the organization establish 250 new chapters in distressed areas and expand existing ones to serve more children. Grant funds must be used for after-school activities that include mentorship, academic support, sports, and training to prevent drug use and gang involvement. The program is designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and youth while offering alternatives to risky behaviors in communities with high numbers of at-risk children. Recipients of the funds are required to submit reports on their progress and ensure that local communities help design the specific activities offered.
The Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2026 directs the Small Business Administration to help small businesses create and improve training programs for their employees. This bill requires the agency to share information from the Department of Labor and other federal sources on setting up work-based learning, registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and job training initiatives. By amending the Small Business Act, the legislation aims to strengthen the workforce development resources available to small business owners.
The Celiac Safety Act of 2026 officially classifies gluten-containing grains as a major food allergen under federal law, directly impacting the food industry and individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. This change requires manufacturers to label products containing wheat, rye, barley, or their crossbred hybrids with the same prominence as other major allergens like milk. The new labeling requirements will not take effect until 18 months after the law is enacted, giving businesses time to adjust their packaging and production processes.
This bill, known as the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, restricts the construction of large triumphal arches in the Washington, D.C. area to preserve visual sightlines. It specifically bans the building of any such arches within Lady Bird Johnson Park and prohibits the use of federal funds for these structures there. Additionally, the law prevents the erection of triumphal arches taller than 50 feet on any land managed by the National Park Service unless Congress explicitly approves them. These measures aim to limit new monumental structures that could obstruct views of the Arlington National Cemetery from the capital region.
The Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to identify and review evidence-based interventions that improve the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This process includes selecting trauma-informed practices that support both child development and staff wellness while consulting with experts and the public before implementation. Following the review, the bill authorizes grants to diverse Head Start agencies across the country to adopt these proven methods and establishes a framework to evaluate their effectiveness over time. Additionally, the legislation funds up to five university centers to train future staff and provides $100 million in authorized funding for these activities from fiscal years 2027 through 2036.
This act authorizes the Capitol Police Board to increase the mandatory retirement age for a member of the Capitol Police to up to age 62 when the board determines such waiver is in the public interest. Under current law, members of the Capitol Police are generally subject to mandatory retirement at (1) age 57; or (2) upon completing 20 years of service if the member is older than 57. Previously, a waiver from the board would authorize a member to continue working until age 60. The act authorizes the board to issue a waiver specifying a retirement age between 57 and 62.
Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 This act directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice for eligible law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. The act also directs the President to establish a commission on the medal of sacrifice and appoint its members. The act sets forth responsibilities of the commission, including to advise on the design of the medal and determine how the medal will be presented. Under the act, eligible law enforcement officers and first responders include federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement officers or first responders who are not subject to an official act of wrongdoing (e.g., a determination that the officer or first responder acted outside the scope of their duties or in a manner that was not in accordance with official policies or procedures). A law enforcement officer or first responder who is subject to an official act of wrongdoing is generally not eligible for the medal of sacrifice. However, in the case of such an officer or first responder, the act requires the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer or first responder's cause of death and issue a final determination on their eligibility.
This resolution formally recognizes the 1885 Rock Springs Chinese Massacre, honoring the memory of the Chinese immigrant workers who were murdered and acknowledging the event as one of the deadliest acts of anti-Asian violence in U.S. history. The bill directs the House of Representatives to condemn the racist mob violence and the historical failure of authorities to protect the victims or hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, it encourages the documentation and preservation of the massacre site through archaeological research and federal historic programs while promoting education about this event in schools to prevent future erasure of this history.
The Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends federal funding for the Minority Fellowship Program through fiscal year 2032. This legislation directly supports the National Institutes of Health by allocating $27 million annually to the program for each of the five covered years. The bill amends existing laws to ensure continued financial resources for initiatives that train and support minority health professionals. By reauthorizing these funds, the act maintains the program's ability to operate without interruption during the specified period.
