This bill blocks the Department of the Interior from implementing layoffs or involuntary separations (except for misconduct or performance issues) at any agency or bureau until Congress passes full-year funding for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects all employees in the competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service within the Department of the Interior. The key provision creates a moratorium on workforce reductions, requiring full FY2026 appropriations before any layoff actions can proceed.
This bill adjusts health insurance subsidies by modifying the premium tax credit structure under the Internal Revenue Code. It replaces previous income thresholds with a sliding-scale formula, increasing subsidies for households earning between 150% and 400% of the federal poverty level - reducing their required premium payments as income rises within these tiers. The changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, directly affecting middle-income individuals and families purchasing coverage through health insurance marketplaces. It also repeals specific provisions from a prior reconciliation law related to health care.
HR 4859, the DEAL Act of 2025, requires the Comptroller General to report within 180 days of enactment on any settlements between Executive Branch officials and law firms meeting specific criteria. The report must examine settlements entered between February 1 and April 30, 2025, involving legal services valued over $1 million, where services were directed toward causes approved by the Executive Branch or tied to policy changes. This applies to agreements providing legal services (including pro bono) that imply such alignment with government priorities. The bill aims to check for potential violations of the Miscellaneous Receipts Act (31 U.S.C. § 3302(b)) by reviewing these specific settlements.
This bill prevents the Forest Service from initiating or implementing layoffs until after full-year funding for fiscal year 2026 is secured. It specifically stops reductions in force and involuntary separations for most Forest Service employees (including competitive service, excepted service, and senior executive roles), except for misconduct, poor performance, or delinquency. The moratorium applies to all personnel actions under the Secretary of Agriculture’s authority until FY2026 appropriations are enacted. This directly affects Forest Service workers and ensures their job stability during the budget process.
HR 4863, the Fairness for Khobar Act of 2025, provides lump sum catch-up payments to victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and 1996 Khobar Towers bombing who were previously denied compensation due to confusing Department of Justice guidance. The bill requires the Special Master to authorize these payments to individuals who relied on outdated guidance stating they could not apply for lump sum payments if already eligible for regular distributions. Victims can prove their reliance through documentation, sworn statements, or other methods approved by the Special Master. Payments will be made from a reserve fund or the main compensation fund, ensuring those who were wrongly excluded can now receive full compensation they were entitled to under the law.
This bill increases tax credits for affordable housing developers who improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. It adds a 30% credit boost (to 130% of rehabilitation costs) for buildings meeting specific energy standards, either by adopting a government-determined advanced construction standard or using a certified retrofit plan that reduces energy use by 50% or more. Buildings in high-cost areas qualify for an additional 30% boost (to 160% of costs) if they meet these standards. The changes apply to housing credit allocations after December 31, 2025, with specific rules for bond-financed projects.
The Warehouse Worker Protection Act creates new requirements for employers in specific warehouse facilities (defined by industry codes including 493, 423, 424, 454110, and 492110) that use performance quotas. It requires employers to provide written descriptions of quotas and workplace surveillance practices to workers, prohibits quotas that interfere with breaks, safety compliance, or discrimination protections, and gives workers the right to access their performance data. The bill mandates 15-minute paid rest breaks every 4 hours and establishes protections against retaliation for workers who exercise these new rights. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Labor's new Fairness and Transparency Office and the Federal Trade Commission, with civil penalties for violations. This bill directly affects warehouse workers and employers in the warehousing, distribution, and delivery sectors.
This bill prevents the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing layoffs until full funding for its 2026 budget is secured. It bans reductions in force under specific federal personnel rules until Congress enacts the full fiscal year 2026 appropriations. The law directly affects all NOAA employees covered by those federal personnel provisions. The key mechanism is a mandatory funding deadline (2026 budget enactment) that triggers the layoff moratorium, ensuring workforce stability during budget negotiations.
This bill reauthorizes funding for state-level maternal mortality review committees, which analyze pregnancy-related deaths to identify preventable causes. It requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to share annual best practices for preventing maternal mortality with hospitals, medical societies, and maternity care groups. The bill increases annual funding for these programs from $58 million to $100 million, extending support through fiscal years 2026-2030. These changes directly affect state health agencies, hospitals, and medical professionals working on maternal health. The focus is on improving death record accuracy and implementing proven prevention strategies.
S 2630, the "Saving NSF’s Workforce Act," temporarily prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from implementing staff reductions (reductions in force) until full-year funding for fiscal year 2026 is enacted. This applies to all personnel actions under specific sections of federal law governing workforce changes. The bill directly affects NSF employees by preventing layoffs during the funding gap period. It does not change NSF's budget or operations, only delaying personnel actions until Congress passes the 2026 appropriations.
The Fresh Start Act of 2025 provides federal grants to states with existing laws allowing automatic expungement or sealing of criminal records without requiring individuals to pay fees, fines, or take action. States meeting these criteria can apply for grants of up to $5 million to build technology infrastructure enabling automatic record clearance for eligible individuals. Grants cover up to 75% of infrastructure costs, with states required to report annually on clearance numbers disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender. The program is funded at $50 million per year from 2026 through 2030.
Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act or the SAFE Act This bill incorporates risk assessments and prevention services for falls into annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical exams under Medicare, as well as associated services provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists.
