The American Hiring Transparency Act introduces a new fee for employers who file applications to hire foreign workers, requiring them to pay a charge equal to the standard nonimmigrant visa fee at the time of filing. Starting in fiscal year 2027, this initial fee will be at least $10,000, with the amount adjusted annually for inflation to keep pace with rising costs. The revenue generated from these fees is split evenly between the Department of Labor and the Office of Personnel Management, with half of the Labor Department's share designated for unspecified purposes and the other half used to improve the USAJOBS job platform. This measure applies specifically to employers seeking permanent employment certification and does not allow for any waivers or reductions of the required payment.
The Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 creates a new tax credit for individuals aged 60 or older to help cover the costs of home modifications that improve accessibility. This credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim up to $10,000 for expenses related to installing features such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, grab bars, and other safety improvements. The benefit is subject to income limits, where the credit amount decreases as a taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds specific thresholds ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 depending on filing status. The law also prevents taxpayers from receiving other tax benefits for the same expenses and requires the credit amount to be adjusted for inflation starting in 2028.
The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends federal funding for the Regional Innovation Program through fiscal year 2030, providing up to $50 million annually to support economic development in specific areas. The bill defines eligible partners as state or nonprofit organizations that offer direct financing, commercialization services, and entrepreneurial support to local businesses. It mandates that the federal government contribute no more than 50 percent of project costs, with an additional 40 percent available based on regional needs, and requires outreach to rural communities and areas facing economic distress. Additionally, the legislation allows agencies to use unspent funds from previous years and updates the program's focus to include specific initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation.
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Economic Development
This resolution expresses the sense of the House that communities impacted by artificial intelligence data centers should have the right to transparency and local control over their development. It outlines a proposed set of guidelines that would allow local governments to ban data centers near homes and schools, require public impact reports on water and energy use, and mandate that operators pay their fair share in taxes. The bill also suggests mechanisms for communities to pause construction until protections against higher electricity bills and water shortages are established, while ensuring developers provide affordable housing and environmental safeguards. Ultimately, the measure aims to empower local authorities to regulate data center operations without being overruled by state laws, focusing on health, environmental, and economic concerns.
The First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act allows individuals to use funds from long-term 529 college savings plans to purchase a principal residence without incurring federal income taxes. To qualify, the account must have been open for at least 15 years, the distribution must be used within 60 days, and the total amount withdrawn for this purpose cannot exceed $35,000. If the home is sold or no longer used as a primary residence within five years, the beneficiary must repay the tax benefit, though this penalty decreases by 20 percent for each full year the home is kept. The law also adjusts the overall limit on special rollovers to Roth IRAs to account for these new home purchase withdrawals.
The PATH Act modifies federal funding rules for fixed guideway transit projects, such as light rail and subway lines, to better support high-growth communities. It allows agencies to use population density, population growth rates, and local development plans when forecasting how many people will use a new transit line. By updating these criteria, the bill aims to make it easier for cities with rapidly growing populations to qualify for capital investment grants. This change directly affects transit agencies and local governments seeking federal money to build or expand rail systems in expanding areas.
The SMASH 2.0 Act reauthorizes and updates the federal Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health program, which provides funding to state and local health departments to control mosquito populations. Key provisions allow the use of innovative technologies for prevention, allocate funds for technical training and education for public health workers, and increase the program's funding level to $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a strategic plan to stockpile emergency supplies for controlling vector-borne diseases and establishes a mechanism for coordination with the Strategic National Stockpile. These changes aim to enhance the capacity of health agencies to manage mosquito-related health risks through better planning, training, and resource availability.
The FORK Act of 2026 creates a pilot program to provide grants for purchasing, retrofitting, or repairing vehicles used to deliver summer meals to children. These grants are intended for service institutions, such as schools or community organizations, and will prioritize applicants in areas with high poverty, outside major metropolitan regions, or serving many students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each eligible recipient can receive up to $100,000 for a one-year term, with a limit of 10% of funds allowed for administrative costs. The program authorizes $1 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 and requires recipients to report on the number of sites served and children fed, with a final report due to Congress four years after the program begins.
The VITAL Act aims to increase the supply of affordable housing that is accessible to people with disabilities and older adults by modifying federal tax credit rules. It achieves this by raising the amount of funding states can receive for low-income housing projects and requiring that at least 40 percent of these funds support buildings specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the bill offers a financial bonus for projects located in walkable neighborhoods and mandates that these accessible units meet specific design standards, such as wider doorways and lowered counters. These changes are intended to help residents remain independent in their communities rather than moving to institutional care settings.
This bill requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct periodic assessments of federally funded programs managed by state and local governments to identify risks of waste, fraud, and abuse. The report will analyze specific administrative practices that create vulnerabilities and evaluate which current strategies effectively reduce these risks. It also aims to recommend improvements for federal tools and enrollment processes to better protect public funds. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to enhance oversight by providing Congress with a clear picture of where federal money administered by states is most susceptible to misuse.
