The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.
This bill, known as the Kelsey Smith Act, would require telecommunications service providers to share location data with law enforcement or public safety answering points during emergency situations. It directly affects phone and internet service providers, law enforcement officers, and individuals whose location information might be disclosed. The key provision allows officers to request location data without delay if the device was used to contact emergency services in the past 48 hours or if there is reasonable suspicion of an emergency involving risk of death or serious physical harm. The bill also establishes requirements for obtaining consent from subscribers or their next of kin, with a defined priority order for determining next of kin when consent is needed. Additionally, law enforcement agencies must maintain records of these requests, and the bill does not exempt providers from complying with applicable state laws regarding location information disclosure.
HJRES 39 is a joint resolution seeking to block a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule on premerger notifications. The rule, published in November 2024, would have required companies to notify the FTC before merging and observe waiting periods for review. If enacted, this resolution would invalidate the rule, meaning companies would not need to comply with the new notification and waiting period requirements. It uses the standard congressional disapproval process under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, to halt the rule from taking effect.
The ELITE Vehicles Act repeals federal tax credits for purchasing new electric vehicles, used clean vehicles, and commercial clean vehicles. It also eliminates the tax credit for installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These changes apply to vehicles purchased or with a binding contract entered into 30 days after the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects consumers and businesses that previously used these credits to offset the cost of electric vehicles and charging stations.
S 990, the Freedom to Haul Act of 2025, prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing or enforcing Phase 3 greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (finalized in April 2024). It amends the Clean Air Act to require that future emissions rules for vehicles cannot mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new trucks based on engine type. This directly affects EPA regulatory authority and vehicle manufacturers, ensuring a broader range of new truck options remains available. The bill focuses on preventing regulatory restrictions on vehicle choice, not on emissions outcomes.
The ELITE Vehicles Act repeals three key tax credits for electric vehicles under the Internal Revenue Code: the clean vehicle credit (Section 30D), the credit for previously-owned clean vehicles (Section 25E), and the credit for qualified commercial clean vehicles (Section 45W). It also excludes electric vehicle recharging property from the alternative fuel vehicle refueling credit. These changes directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing new or used electric vehicles, as well as those installing EV charging infrastructure, by eliminating the associated tax benefits. The repeal applies to vehicles purchased or under binding contract after 30 days following the bill's enactment.
This bill prohibits federal funding for institutions conducting specific types of viral research. It bans new federal grants for gain-of-function research involving influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), or select agents listed by HHS or USDA. The law directly affects universities and research institutes that receive federal research grants and conduct this work. It does not ban the research itself but stops new federal funding for such projects, aiming to prevent potential risks from enhanced viral pathogens.
HR 729, the Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2025, prohibits healthcare providers from administering chemical abortions (using drugs to terminate pregnancy) via telehealth or remote means without being physically present during the procedure. It requires providers to physically examine the patient, be present at the location of the abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit within 14 days. The bill directly affects healthcare providers offering telemedicine abortion services, imposing fines up to $1,000 or up to 2 years in prison for violations. Exceptions apply for life-threatening medical emergencies, and the law explicitly excludes treatment for verified ectopic pregnancies. This bill targets the remote provision of abortion drugs, making in-person provider presence mandatory for such procedures.
HR 1919, the "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act," prohibits the Federal Reserve from developing, testing, or issuing any central bank digital currency (CBDC) or similar digital assets. It specifically bans the Fed from offering direct financial products to individuals, maintaining individual accounts, or issuing CBDCs directly or indirectly through intermediaries like banks. The bill also blocks the Fed from using any digital asset for monetary policy and clarifies that physical currency's privacy protections remain intact. This policy directly affects the Federal Reserve System's ability to create or manage digital monetary tools.
HR 2165, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025, amends the Clean Air Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from writing future tailpipe emissions regulations that mandate specific vehicle technologies (like electric or hydrogen systems) or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill requires the EPA to update its regulations within 24 months to ensure new rules comply with these restrictions. This directly affects the EPA’s regulatory authority and automakers, as it limits how emissions standards can be structured. The law aims to preserve consumer choice in vehicle types by preventing regulations from favoring one engine technology over others.
