The SCAM Act requires online platforms that display paid advertisements (like social media sites) to verify advertiser identities, implement scam detection systems, and remove fraudulent ads within 24 hours of confirmation. It directly affects platforms that accept payment for ads, targeting scams such as fake giveaways, romance scams, and AI impersonations that cost consumers $195 billion in 2024 (per FTC data). Key mechanisms include mandatory identity checks for advertisers, active monitoring systems, and a 72-hour investigation window for reported scams. The law aims to reduce fraud by shifting responsibility to platforms, with enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general.
This bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce two types of commemorative $2.50 coins for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: a circulating coin for everyday use and a numismatic (collector) coin. Both would feature designs based on the 1926 Sesquicentennial coin - showing allegorical liberty holding the Declaration on one side and Independence Hall on the other - with "1776-2026" inscriptions. The bill requires the Mint to issue these coins by July 4, 2026, if technically and economically feasible, but does not mandate their production or affect any specific groups beyond the public who may purchase them.
HR 4304, the FAIR Bet Act, amends the tax code to allow gamblers to deduct 100% of their wagering losses instead of the current 90% limit. This change directly affects individuals who report gambling losses on their federal income tax returns. The key provision modifies Section 165(d) of the Internal Revenue Code to remove the 90% restriction on deducting gambling losses. The bill does not alter how gambling winnings are taxed, only the deduction available for losses.
This bill extends medical coverage for 180 days after family caregivers stop providing personal care to veterans (unless dismissed for fraud), and adds employment support during this transition period. It provides up to $1,000 in reimbursement for certification fees, free training modules, and access to programs like Military OneSource and Veterans' Employment Services. The bill also requires studies on creating returnship programs for caregivers rejoining the workforce and on hiring former caregivers at VA facilities. Additionally, it mandates reports on retirement plan options for caregivers and VA efforts supporting their transition away from caregiving. The bill directly affects family caregivers designated under VA's program who are ending their caregiving role.
SRES 606 is a U.S. Senate resolution condemning the Iranian government for violently suppressing peaceful protests and the right to assemble, which has resulted in at least 6,126 reported deaths and 41,800 arrests since December 2025. It highlights Iran's use of internet blackouts, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and censorship to crush nationwide demonstrations sparked by economic hardship. The resolution calls on Iran to hold free elections, allow citizens to determine their future, and hold human rights violators accountable, while commending protesters' courage. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it expresses the Senate's stance without imposing new legal requirements.
HRES 1058 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the federal government’s duty to develop a Transgender Bill of Rights. It calls for specific policy changes, including amending civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations; protecting access to gender-affirming medical care; and streamlining legal recognition of gender identity on federal documents like passports and voter registration. The resolution also proposes expanding protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals in healthcare, education, immigration, and correctional facilities, while emphasizing community-led policy development. As a resolution, it does not create new law but sets a framework for future legislative action.
HRES 1059 is a resolution requesting the President to provide the House of Representatives with documents about the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) access to Social Security Administration data. It specifically asks for information on DOGE's efforts to share Social Security data with organizations related to voter rolls or election results, sharing data with the Department of Homeland Security, using third-party servers like Cloudflare, and any actions potentially violating court orders. The President must submit these documents within 14 days of the resolution's adoption. This resolution is a congressional oversight measure to examine compliance with data privacy laws and court orders, not a policy change.
This bill amends the Small Business Act to require Small Business Development Centers to provide direct assistance to small businesses on workforce programs. It specifically mandates that these centers disseminate information from the Department of Labor and other federal agencies about establishing and improving four key programs: work-based learning, federally registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programs, and job training programs. The bill directly affects small business concerns by connecting them to federal resources for workforce development. The key mechanism is adding a new provision (subparagraph W) that requires centers to actively share this information, making it easier for small businesses to access these training opportunities.
Mining Regulatory Clarity Act This bill allows mining operators to use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining, such as waste disposal, regardless of whether those lands contain mineral deposits valuable enough to be mined (mineral validity). It also establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The bill addresses a 2022 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit related to the Rosemont Copper Mine in Arizona (commonly known as the Rosemont decision , described further in CRS Report R48166 ). The court held that mining claims are only allowed where mineral validity has been established and that mill site claims are more appropriate means for establishing a mining waste disposal site under the Mining Act. The bill allows a mining operator to (1) locate and include within its plan of operations as many mill site claims (e.g., areas for waste rock disposal) as are reasonably necessary for its operations, and (2) use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations. Additionally, the bill requires any revenue generated from fees for such mill site claims to be deposited into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The Department of the Interior must use the fund for certain abandoned hardrock mine reclamation activities.
Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act This bill allows National Forest System (NFS) units to keep the majority of ski area permit rental fees that were generated within their boundaries and outlines how revenues from those fees may be used. Such fees are collected by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from ski area operators on NFS land. Within the NFS unit where the fees were generated, USDA must expend (1) 60%-48% of the collected fees for activities such as administration of the ski area permit program, visitor information, or reducing the likelihood of wildfire in or adjacent to a recreation site; and (2) 20% of the collected fees for activities such as repair of a Forest Service-owned facility, habitat restoration, or search and rescue activities. The remainder of the collected fees must be expended by USDA at any NFS unit for any of the activities specified in this bill.
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for various agencies and offices within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), except for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and management and oversight activities of the Office of the Secretary. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to DHS for the Federal Protective Service, the Office of Inspector General, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and the Science and Technology Directorate. The bill does not provide appropriations for some agencies and activities that have been funded in prior DHS appropriations acts, including ICE, CBP, and management and oversight activities of the Office of the Secretary.
HR 7498, the After Hours Child Care Act, creates a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to expand child care access for parents working nontraditional hours (like evenings, nights, or weekends). The bill directly affects working parents with young children who struggle to find care outside standard 9-to-5 hours, aiming to help them stay employed and advance in their careers. It authorizes $25,000-$500,000 grants for up to 5 years to eligible entities (such as child care providers or partnerships with businesses) to expand existing programs, establish new onsite workplace child care, or improve facilities and staff training. Grantees must cover 25% of costs, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report every two years on the program’s impact, including children served and changes in child care availability.
