This bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online system allowing taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. The legislation prohibits the Treasury Department from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide tax preparation or filing services, and it voids any existing contracts with such restrictions. The program would use IRS data to simplify filing, include customer support, be available in multiple languages, and allow users to file even if they are not required to. It also enables taxpayers in participating states to file state and local returns alongside their federal returns, with funding provided to states that meet certain standards.
The DISCLOSE Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency in election spending and prevent foreign influence. It expands the ban on foreign money to cover federal, state, and local elections, including ballot initiatives and judicial nominations, and criminalizes using corporations to conceal these funds. The bill mandates that organizations spending over $10,000 on campaign-related activities, such as independent expenditures or judicial nomination advocacy, disclose their beneficial owners and top donors. Additionally, it establishes new "Stand By Every Ad" disclaimers for political communications, requiring the highest-ranking official to approve the message and, for certain ads, list their top funders. These provisions directly affect non-candidate organizations, individuals involved in political and judicial nomination spending, and foreign nationals.
HR 7803, the "Save Medicare Act," renames Medicare Advantage plans to "Alternative Private Health Plan" for all federal references, including in the Social Security Act. It requires health plans to stop using "Medicare" in their titles after enactment, imposing a $100,000 civil penalty per violation. The change applies to all Part C Medicare plans and mandates a full transition by October 15, 2023, with a temporary period allowing both terms to be used during the switch. This bill directly affects private health insurers offering Medicare Part C plans and federal agencies managing Medicare programs. The policy change is solely about terminology, not benefits or coverage.
This bill increases FHA loan limits for manufactured home purchases, home improvements, and accessory dwelling units under the National Housing Act. It raises the maximum loan amount for single-section manufactured home purchases to $106,405 and multi-section homes to $195,322, while setting a $75,000 cap for home improvements. The bill also requires annual adjustments to these limits based on HUD's methodology and mandates a HUD study comparing off-site construction (including manufactured/modular homes) to site-built housing on cost, quality, maintenance, and applications like accessory dwelling units. It directly affects borrowers seeking FHA financing for these housing types.
This bill reauthorizes and modernizes Trade Adjustment Assistance programs to help workers, firms, communities, and farmers affected by trade-related job losses. It extends program funding through 2033 and expands eligibility to include teleworkers, staffed workers, and public agency employees. Key provisions increase financial benefits, add new allowances for childcare and job search, require inflation adjustments to benefit amounts, and establish new outreach requirements to ensure underserved communities receive adequate support. The legislation also creates a new community assistance program providing grants for strategic economic development planning and expands technical assistance for businesses seeking adjustment support.
HRES 1097 is a procedural resolution requesting federal agencies to provide specific documents to the House of Representatives. It directs the Treasury and Homeland Security Secretaries to share records about how they implement an existing agreement (the "Memorandum of Understanding") for sharing taxpayer information related to non-tax criminal enforcement. The resolution specifically asks for documents concerning access to IRS systems containing taxpayer data, policies for handling such information, and any violations of privacy rules. This request does not create new law but seeks transparency about current agency practices involving sensitive taxpayer information.
SRES 624 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week of March 2-6, 2026, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It recognizes the role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in supporting students' academic success, well-being, and long-term outcomes, citing research on SEL's benefits. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages federal agencies to advance SEL initiatives. It directly affects no specific group, as it is a non-binding expression of support. The resolution was introduced by Senators Durbin, Kaine, Van Hollen, and others.
The Smarter Sentencing Act of 2026 reduces mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain federal drug offenses involving couriers who only transport or store drugs or money. Under the bill, couriers face reduced minimum sentences of 5 years instead of 10 years for major drug offenses, and 2 years instead of 5 years for lesser offenses, while maintaining longer sentences for repeat offenders or those with serious prior convictions. The law applies to cases sentenced after enactment and allows courts to reduce sentences for past cases upon motion. The bill also directs the Sentencing Commission to update sentencing guidelines within 120 days and requires the Attorney General to report on how cost savings from reduced sentences will be used to address prison overcrowding and improve law enforcement spending.
This bill would transition Puerto Rico from its current nutrition assistance block grant system to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aligning it with how other U.S. states receive food aid. The legislation requires Puerto Rico to submit an operational plan within 180 days, with the Department of Agriculture providing technical assistance and approval or feedback on the plan. During a five-year transition period, Puerto Rico would continue receiving consolidated block grant funds while gradually shifting to SNAP, with annual reports tracking funding adjustments needed for the change. Once the transition is complete, Puerto Rico would be formally recognized as a state for SNAP purposes and would receive funding based on the same cost-of-living adjustments applied to other states.
HRES 1086 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Clotilda as the last known ship to illegally bring enslaved Africans to the U.S. in 1860 (carrying 110 people) and condemning the U.S. government's historical role in enabling the transatlantic slave trade. It acknowledges the lasting harm of slavery on African Americans, specifically honoring the descendants who established Africatown in Alabama and maintaining cultural heritage. The resolution urges support for preserving Africatown and encourages the Architect of the Capitol to consider a memorial on Capitol grounds for the Clotilda and all victims of the slave trade. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy or funding impact.
This bill, titled the African American History Act of 2026, authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to use up to $4 million annually for five years to support African American history education programs. The funding can be used to create digital and print educational resources, provide teacher training and professional development, expand museum collections, and develop online content for educators, students, and families. The legislation also requires the museum director to submit annual reports to Congress and provide briefings to congressional committees on how the funds are being used. Additionally, the bill includes a sense of Congress statement encouraging the federal government to lead efforts in improving the teaching of African American and other minority group histories.
This bill amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Treasury Secretary to testify annually before Congress about the Fund's operations. It also strengthens the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program by adjusting guarantee limits and extending the program's authorization period. Additionally, the bill expands capital assistance options for community development financial institutions and creates a new lending program specifically for Native community development financial institutions to support homeownership in Tribal and Native communities.
