Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Public Service Educational Assistance Act creates a federal program to cover tuition, fees, and books for the dependents of public service employees who have completed at least 20 years of full-time service. Eligible workers include first responders, educators, and social workers employed by government entities. This financial support can be used for up to four academic years at public postsecondary institutions or programs that lead to recognized credentials. The bill specifies that this assistance is tax-exempt, does not count as wages for retirement benefit calculations, and can be received alongside other federal student aid.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
This Senate resolution designates the week of September 27 through October 3, 2026, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious instruction in civic and moral development. The bill highlights historical perspectives and legal precedents that support the right to religious education, including the use of sectarian schools and released time programs for public school students. It calls on all states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate individuals who wish to leave public school attendance to attend religious classes.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the nation's population, jobs, and economic output while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to these areas, including pollution, sea-level changes, and harmful algal blooms, which have led to the loss of wetlands and degraded water quality. The resolution also commends the efforts of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, in protecting and restoring estuary health.
This joint resolution seeks to overturn a specific Environmental Protection Agency rule that granted California the authority to enforce its own nonroad engine pollution standards for commercial harbor craft. If enacted, the bill would render the EPA’s decision invalid and prevent it from taking effect. The measure directly affects California by removing its ability to impose stricter local emissions regulations on these vessels.
This Senate resolution supports designating September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day to recognize families affected by stillbirths and promote preventive measures. It cites high annual stillbirth rates in the United States and notes that racial disparities place certain communities at greater risk. The text requests that the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide awareness programs and highlights the 2024 Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act as a foundation for federal resources and research.
This Senate resolution formally acknowledges that supporting democratic actors within Russia aligns with U.S. national interests and commends Russian civil society and independent media for exposing government crimes. It directs the Department of State to renew and strengthen efforts, in coordination with the National Endowment for Democracy, to engage with and support pro-democracy Russian individuals and organizations. The bill also condemns the Russian government's crackdown on dissent and its war against Ukraine, while committing the U.S. Senate to standing with Russians who oppose the conflict and those living in exile.
This House resolution supports designating the week of September 20 through September 26, 2026, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week." It aims to honor the families of service members and veterans who have died in the line of duty. The bill encourages Americans to observe this annual week by performing acts of community service and celebrating the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 mandates that private health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits programs cover annual glaucoma screenings for specific high-risk individuals starting in 2027. These covered individuals include adults aged 40 or older with African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry, those with clinical risk factors such as diabetes or family history, and all adults aged 60 or older. The bill also directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award $10 million in grants over two years to provide free or low-cost screenings and treatment to uninsured high-risk populations, with priority given to underserved communities. Additionally, it authorizes $10 million for research into glaucoma treatments, including optic nerve regeneration and gene therapies.