This concurrent resolution formally recognizes the ongoing disparity between wages paid to men and women in the United States and reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting equal pay. It highlights statistical data showing that women earn approximately 81 cents for every dollar earned by men, with significant variations across racial and ethnic groups, and notes that the gender wage gap has widened over the past two years. The document also identifies contributing factors such as occupational segregation, lack of family-friendly workplace policies, and workplace harassment, while emphasizing the economic impact on women's retirement security and family incomes.
This joint resolution seeks to overturn a Department of Labor rule that changes how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate is calculated for H-2A temporary agricultural workers. If passed, it would nullify the new methodology, reverting to the previous wage calculation standards. The bill directly affects employers and workers involved in temporary agricultural employment by restoring the prior regulatory framework. It uses the congressional review process to disapprove the specific rule published in October 2025.
The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act of 2026 would eliminate copayments for preventive health services received by veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes medications, hospital care, walk-in care, and services for survivors and dependents, as well as immunizations, screenings, and contraceptive services. The bill defines preventive services based on recommendations from established medical organizations and guidelines, ensuring coverage for evidence-based care. Changes would take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.
This bill establishes a new annual wealth tax on individuals with net assets exceeding $50 million, effective in 2027, targeting ultra-wealthy taxpayers by taxing the total value of their taxable assets rather than income. The tax uses a tiered structure with a 0% bracket up to $50 million, a 2% rate between $50 million and $1 billion, and a 3% or 6% rate on assets above $1 billion, with the higher rate applying if a universal health insurance program is enacted. It includes special rules for married couples filing jointly, trusts, and non-resident aliens, while also adding stricter information reporting requirements and increased IRS funding for enforcement.
The VA Appraisal Modernization Act establishes a new system for setting and adjusting appraisal fees for Department of Veterans Affairs home loans. It creates two special categories of counties - high-demand and remote - to address appraiser shortages and long wait times. High-demand counties, where appraisal delays exceed standards or appraiser availability is low, will see fees increase annually starting in 2027, with higher rates for counties facing persistent shortages. Remote counties, defined by low appraiser density or long travel distances, will receive mileage reimbursements for appraisers. The bill also requires the VA to publish fee schedules, notify appraisers of changes, and submit reports on the program's financial impact and effectiveness.
This bill establishes a new "Guardianship Bill of Rights" for older adults and people with disabilities who are in or being considered for guardianships, conservatorships, or other protective arrangements. It requires the creation of a federal council to develop standards ensuring these individuals have access to independent legal representation, the right to less restrictive alternatives like supported decisionmaking, and regular reviews of their protective arrangements. The legislation also mandates that states receiving federal funding must implement these standards and expands funding for protection and advocacy programs to oversee and monitor guardianship systems nationwide.
The Protect Your Points Act of 2026 would require airlines operating frequent flyer programs to provide consumers with more transparent information and protections regarding loyalty points and miles. Key provisions mandate that carriers display the financial value of points, show expiration dates (which would be prohibited), allow free transfers between members, and offer flexible payment options combining cash and points. The bill also requires airlines to provide at least one year of notice before changing program terms or devaluing accrued points, while implementing enhanced account security measures like multi-factor authentication. These rules would apply to all major U.S. airlines that offer frequent flyer programs and their co-branded credit card partnerships.
This bill establishes a funding mechanism to support youth vaping prevention efforts by increasing tobacco industry user fees and expanding how those fees are collected and allocated. It requires tobacco manufacturers and importers to submit detailed sales data to the FDA, which will use this information to calculate fees based on market share and distribute funds for public education campaigns targeting teens and minors. The legislation also mandates annual reporting to Congress on how user fees are spent between different types of tobacco products and requires the FDA to explain how it ensures sufficient funding for youth vaping prevention education.
The GUARDRAILS Act repeals a December 2025 executive order on artificial intelligence policy and prohibits federal funding for its implementation. This legislation directly affects federal agencies by removing their authority to enforce the previous executive order's framework. The bill does not create new AI regulations but instead eliminates the existing executive order that established a national policy framework for artificial intelligence.
This bill establishes a permanent full risk Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program within Medicare to allow groups of healthcare providers to coordinate care and assume financial responsibility for the costs of treating traditional Medicare beneficiaries. The program creates two specific tracks: a standard track for general patient populations and a complex care track designed for patients with six or more chronic conditions, each with different minimum patient enrollment requirements. Participating organizations would receive payments based on a fixed budget per patient rather than individual service fees, sharing any savings or losses with the government while being exempt from certain existing quality reporting requirements. Providers can form these groups through various arrangements, including partnerships between hospitals and individual practices, and must ensure patients have the option to opt out of the program.
The Safe Staffing Saves Lives Act establishes minimum nursing staffing levels in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. Beginning January 1, 2029, facilities must provide a total of 4.1 hours of nursing care per resident per day, including specific hours for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides, with a registered nurse available onsite 24 hours a day. Facilities that fail to meet these requirements face increased inspection frequency, potential denial of payments for new residents, and must display notices about noncompliance at their entrances. The bill also requires facilities to provide written notice of staffing noncompliance to residents and their families, and mandates periodic reports to Congress on the impact of these staffing requirements.
This bill directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to commission and install a statue of Shirley Chisholm in a permanent public location within the United States Capitol. The legislation requires the committee to secure the statue within two years of enactment and authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to handle related contracts on the committee's behalf. Funding is authorized to cover the costs of obtaining and placing the statue, with appropriated funds remaining available until used. This measure directly affects the Capitol's art collection and honors Shirley Chisholm through physical representation in the legislative building.
