HR 6635, the Bus Operator Safety and Security Act, requires new fixed-route buses over 30 feet long (with a 10+ year lifespan) purchased using federal transit funds to have physical barriers at the driver's workstation. These barriers must extend from floor to ceiling, fully enclose the workstation to block entry of people or objects, and not obstruct the driver's view. Transit agencies must install these barriers within two years of the law's enactment, unless the labor union representing bus drivers agrees to waive the requirement. The rule applies only to new buses bought with federal funds (excluding those from rural transportation programs) and directly affects transit agencies and bus drivers operating large fixed-route vehicles.
HCONRES 71 is a symbolic resolution expressing U.S. congressional support for the U.S.-Japan alliance amid heightened tensions with China. It condemns China's "economic, military, and diplomatic coercion" against Japan, including actions like blocking cultural events, imposing travel advisories, and sending coast guard vessels near the Senkaku Islands. The resolution reaffirms U.S. commitment to Article V of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, explicitly stating the Senkaku Islands fall under this defense guarantee. It also commends Japan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions while opposing China's unilateral attempts to change regional status quos. This resolution directly affects U.S. foreign policy alignment with Japan and serves as a public statement of solidarity with Japan's position.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.
HR 7293, the Protecting Children in Surrogacy Act, prohibits individuals required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry (covered sex offenders) from obtaining a child through surrogacy or entering surrogacy contracts as intended parents. The bill makes it a federal crime punishable by fines or up to 10 years in prison if the surrogacy arrangement involves interstate or foreign commerce (e.g., travel, payments, or communications across state lines). It also bans federal courts from enforcing surrogacy contracts where the intended parent is a covered sex offender. The law directly affects intended parents who are registered sex offenders and aims to prevent them from gaining legal custody of children via surrogacy arrangements.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.
This resolution designates the week of January 25-31, 2026, as "National School Choice Week" to recognize educational options for K-12 students. It encourages parents to learn about school choices and urges the public to host events raising awareness about diverse education environments, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is a ceremonial designation acknowledging existing annual events celebrating educational choice.
HRES 1022 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for Catholic schools and celebrating the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week (January 25-31, 2026). It recognizes Catholic schools' contributions to education, noting their role in serving 1.7 million students across diverse backgrounds, with high graduation rates and community-focused values. The resolution specifically supports the week's goals, highlights the National Catholic Educational Association and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' partnership, and applauds the 2026 theme "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community." It does not create new policies, allocate funding, or impose obligations.
The SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2026 prohibits the FDA from approving new abortion drugs or granting investigational exemptions for them. It requires existing approved abortion drugs to be dispensed only in-person by certified healthcare providers in clinics or hospitals (not pharmacies), mandates providers to verify pregnancy duration and handle complications, and enforces strict adverse event reporting to the FDA. The bill directly affects healthcare providers prescribing abortion drugs, patients seeking these medications, and the FDA’s regulatory authority over such drugs. Key provisions include banning use after 70 days gestation, requiring provider certification for specific medical capabilities, and mandating documentation of risks to patients.
The Prison Libraries Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to fund library services in state and territorial correctional facilities, directly benefiting incarcerated individuals. It requires grantees (states/territories) to submit plans demonstrating need, including demographic data on prison populations, and prohibits using funds for non-library purposes like food or facility maintenance. Grant funds must support library services such as digital access, educational programming (including job training and post-secondary curriculum), literacy initiatives, and partnerships with public libraries. The program authorizes $10 million annually from 2026-2031, prioritizes measurable outcomes like increased literacy and post-release employment opportunities, and mandates free access to all library resources for incarcerated people.
HRES 375 is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize renewable fuels' role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering consumer fuel prices, supporting rural economies, and decreasing reliance on foreign energy sources. The resolution expresses the House's support for this designation without creating new laws or funding. It highlights renewable fuels' economic contributions (e.g., jobs, GDP impact) and environmental benefits as context for the recognition, but does not alter existing policies. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct legal effect on consumers, industries, or government programs.
This bill creates a tax exclusion allowing eligible law enforcement officers to exclude up to $100,000 of their ordinary income from taxable income each year. To qualify, officers must have worked full-time as law enforcement for at least 5 cumulative years and earn up to $100,000 annually. It covers police, corrections officers, probation/parole officers, sheriffs, deputies, and school resource officers. The exclusion applies to the first $100,000 of ordinary income earned during a taxable year. The provision takes effect after the bill's enactment.
HR 7199, the Gerald’s Law Act, expands burial benefits for veterans who die at home while receiving VA hospice care. It adds a new eligibility category allowing burial allowances for veterans who were in VA hospice care at home *only if* they previously received VA hospital or nursing home care. The bill amends existing law to include this scenario under the veterans' burial allowance program. This change directly affects veterans receiving VA hospice care at home after prior VA facility-based care, ensuring they qualify for burial benefits similar to those who die in VA facilities. The policy change takes effect as if included in the 2020 Veterans Health Care Act.
