The Secure the Border Act of 2026 mandates the immediate resumption of border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to build at least 900 miles of physical barriers and deploy advanced surveillance technology. The bill significantly restricts asylum eligibility by barring applicants who transit through third countries without seeking protection there, tightening definitions for "particular social group" claims, and imposing new fees on applications. It also directs federal agencies to reopen specific immigration detention facilities that were closed after January 2021 and requires the mandatory return of certain non-citizens to contiguous foreign territories if they cannot be detained or removed. Additionally, the legislation expands penalties for visa overstays, mandates monthly public reporting of border encounter statistics, and prohibits the use of federal funds for processing individuals entering between ports of entry.
This bill, titled the Permanent Trump Secure Border Act, aims to strengthen border security and reform immigration enforcement by directing the Department of Homeland Security to resume and complete the construction of a physical border wall, expand the use of surveillance technology, and increase staffing levels for Border Patrol agents. It also imposes stricter rules on asylum eligibility and employment authorization for applicants, mandates the reopening of specific immigration detention facilities, and requires the return of individuals arriving from contiguous foreign countries to those nations while their claims are processed. Additionally, the legislation expands penalties for visa overstays, limits the use of certain digital tools like the CBP One app, and includes provisions to reduce funding for organizations that facilitate illegal entry or provide services to inadmissible aliens.
This resolution formally congratulates and commends Danette Anthony Reed, the 31st International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for her leadership and service. It highlights her achievements in strengthening the organization, empowering families, and advocating for social justice over her 50-year tenure. The bill does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her contributions to the sorority and local communities.
The Extreme Temperatures Injustice in Prisons Act of 2026 requires the Bureau of Prisons to upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in all correctional facilities and install temperature monitoring devices in every occupied space. The bill mandates the creation of written standards to prevent heat and cold stress, provides free cooling and heating supplies to inmates during dangerous weather, and establishes specific protective rules for medically vulnerable populations. Additionally, the legislation requires regular reports to Congress on system costs and temperature-related illnesses, while authorizing funding through fiscal year 2031 to support these safety improvements.
The Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 directs Congress to formally reaffirm the Declaration of Independence as an organic law of the United States. This legislative measure is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence by restating the document's principles regarding natural rights, equal citizenship, and government by consent. The bill includes the full text of the Declaration of Independence as part of its provisions. It does not create new legal obligations or alter existing laws but serves as a symbolic recognition of the document's foundational role in American political order.
The COCOA-VIP Act clarifies the definition of an "election for Federal office" under the Help America Vote Act to explicitly include primary and runoff elections conducted by ballot. This change directly affects state election officials and political parties by ensuring that observer access rules apply to these specific ballot contests involving candidates for the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives. The bill also specifies that this definition does not require access to party conventions, caucuses, or other selection processes that do not use official ballots listing federal candidates. By updating the statutory language, the legislation aims to align the scope of observer regulations with the types of elections where federal candidates appear on the ballot.
This bill prohibits pharmacy benefit management companies from paying referral fees to brokers, consultants, or other individuals in exchange for directing business to them. It directly affects pharmacy benefit management service providers, brokerage firms, and healthcare plans by amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to ban such compensation arrangements. The key provision adds a new restriction to existing laws, making it illegal for these service providers to pay any amount, directly or indirectly, for referrals of their services. The ban takes effect for plan years starting after the bill is enacted, aiming to increase transparency in healthcare service contracting.
This bill redesignates the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park within the National Park System. It establishes specific protections for traditional cultural and religious sites, ensuring access for tribes with ancestral connections to the area, and requires the park manager to consult with Indian tribes on management issues. The legislation also authorizes fishing on park waters under state and federal laws while allowing the Secretary to create safety zones where fishing is restricted. Additionally, the bill mandates that approximately 134 acres of land held by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation be placed into federal trust for the tribe, provided the land is not used for gambling.
HRES 1405 is a non-binding resolution that encourages the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The document acknowledges the historical significance of events like the Stonewall Inn uprising and highlights the ongoing struggle for equality faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals. It includes a detailed list of historical milestones and legislative achievements related to LGBTQIA+ rights to provide context for the celebration. Because this measure is a resolution of recognition rather than a law, it does not create new legal obligations or change federal policy.
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, which takes place in June. It aims to raise public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia while encouraging individuals to educate themselves and advocate for better research and care services. The document highlights the significant impact of these conditions on millions of Americans and calls for increased support for patients, their families, and caregivers.
The Preserving Our Constitution Act of 2026 prohibits federal courts and government agencies from recognizing or enforcing foreign laws, religious codes, or customs that conflict with the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, it bars the application of rules that discriminate based on race, religion, or gender; restrict freedom of speech or religion; permit forced or underage marriages; or allow cruel punishments and human sacrifice. The bill also prevents U.S. courts from enforcing contracts that choose to apply such incompatible foreign laws or from honoring judgments made by foreign tribunals using those laws. While the legislation establishes these strict prohibitions, it does not create a new private right for individuals to sue for damages if the rules are violated.
This bill establishes a new grant program administered by the National Endowment for the Arts to document the history, culture, and daily life of Americans in celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary. The program will provide funding to eligible nonprofit organizations, state arts agencies, and commissions to hire writers, photographers, and artists to create written, photographic, and digital works covering diverse communities across all regions of the United States. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the bill requires the NEA to appoint an advisory panel to set guidelines and mandates that the resulting projects collectively reflect the full breadth of American experience, from urban centers to rural and Tribal areas. Additionally, the legislation directs the creation of a public repository and an archive at the Library of Congress to preserve and distribute these works, while prohibiting the requirement for recipients to match the grant funds with their own money.
