District of Columbia Congressional Bills

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 12, 2026

HR 8744: TREE Act

The TREE Act prohibits the import and sale in the U.S. of goods linked to deforestation, starting in 2029, and directly affects companies that trade or sell commodities like cattle, soy, palm oil, and wood. To enforce this ban, the bill requires importers to submit detailed due diligence statements proving their products are deforestation-free, while also mandating increased customs inspections for goods from countries categorized as high or moderate risk. The U.S. Trade Representative will annually assess and rank countries based on their deforestation rates and environmental laws, with higher-risk nations facing stricter scrutiny and potential trade restrictions. Additionally, the law establishes civil penalties for violations and directs half of the collected fines toward providing financial assistance to developing countries for forest management.

Topics ✓ Environment

Lloyd Doggett (D) · 26 co-sponsors

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 12, 2026

HR 8743: SMART Kids Act

The SMART Kids Act directs the Surgeon General to create evidence-based guidelines on daily screen time limits for children across six specific age groups. To ensure objectivity, the Surgeon General must work with an independent expert panel that has no financial conflicts of interest before finalizing these recommendations. Once completed, the guidelines will be published online and submitted to Congress within one year of the law's enactment. This legislation does not impose new legal restrictions on families but instead establishes a federal process for generating health advice on device usage.

Topics ✗ Technology

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 11, 2026

HR 8734: To express the Sense of Congress with respect to safety of medication abortion and Federal preemption of State restrictions on dispensing medication abortion, and for other purposes.

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that medication abortion is a safe medical treatment approved by federal regulators. It asserts that this federal approval overrides any state laws requiring the procedure to be dispensed in person by a healthcare provider. Additionally, the bill states that federal approval preempts state restrictions on prescribing or dispensing medication abortion through telehealth. Essentially, the legislation argues that states cannot enforce rules limiting how medication abortion is delivered if those rules conflict with the federal approval process.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Patrick Ryan (D) · 22 co-sponsors

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 11, 2026

HR 8731: Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance Act of 2026

This bill establishes a voluntary short-term disability insurance program for federal employees to help replace lost wages during non-work-related injuries, family caregiving, childbirth, or adoption. The Office of Personnel Management would contract with private insurers to offer coverage that pays up to 70% of an employee's pay for a maximum of 12 months, with premiums paid entirely by the employee. The program includes protections such as no preexisting condition exclusions, preemption of state laws regarding coverage, and dispute resolution mechanisms for claim denials.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 11, 2026

HR 8730: Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.

Topics ✗ Technology ✗ Transportation

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 11, 2026

HR 8728: Feed Our Kids Act of 2026

The Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 mandates that all children enrolled in participating schools receive free breakfasts and lunches, removing previous eligibility requirements based on family income. Under this legislation, schools are prohibited from collecting unpaid meal debts from parents or guardians and are forbidden from using tactics like special tokens or public lists to identify students who owe money. The bill also establishes specific reimbursement rates for free meals, introduces incentives for using locally sourced farm products, and extends free meal access to summer and afterschool programs. Additionally, the act requires a report to Congress within two years to evaluate the program's impact on student academic outcomes and access to nutrition.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · District of Columbia · House May 8, 2026

HR 8690: Pregnant Women in Custody Act

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act establishes new federal standards to protect the health and rights of pregnant women held in Bureau of Prisons facilities, immigration detention centers, and refugee shelters. It mandates comprehensive medical care, including mandatory pregnancy testing, access to contraception, and specialized dietary and housing accommodations tailored to pregnancy needs. A central provision prohibits the use of restrictive housing and physical restraints during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum recovery period, with limited exceptions only for immediate safety threats. The legislation also requires facilities to provide nursery programs allowing mothers and infants to remain together, offers education on parental rights, and mandates regular reporting on health outcomes and the use of restrictive measures.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration