This bill directs the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on the challenges faced by small U.S. artificial intelligence businesses. The study will examine issues such as access to funding, tax credits, talent recruitment, and the impact of federal policies on these companies. It defines small AI businesses as independently owned U.S. companies with 250 or fewer employees that primarily create or develop AI products or services. The bill requires the Commerce Secretary to consult with relevant agencies and may involve outside experts to gather data and provide recommendations for addressing identified challenges.
This bill requires federal workplace drug testing programs to include methadone in their testing panels. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update federal drug testing guidelines to add methadone within 90 days of enactment, and requires the Secretary of Transportation to update drug testing rules for transportation employees within 60 days of that update. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual review process to ensure the guidelines are updated to include any new drugs that should be tested for in federal workplaces. These changes directly affect federal employees and transportation workers who are subject to drug testing programs.
This bill exempts H-1B visa holders working in healthcare from a presidential restriction that requires a $100,000 payment for entry into the United States. It directly affects foreign medical professionals and healthcare workers who hold H-1B nonimmigrant visas. The legislation removes the additional fee requirement for these workers while limiting any fees that may be charged to the standard amount already established under immigration law. The bill defines healthcare workers using the existing definition from the Affordable Care Act and was introduced in the 119th Congress in March 2026.
This bill establishes a new excise tax on crude oil extracted or imported by large oil companies and uses the revenue to provide rebates to eligible consumers. The tax would be imposed on companies that extract or import over 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day, at a rate of 50% of the difference between the current Brent crude oil price and a 2025 baseline price, adjusted for inflation. All revenue from this tax would be deposited into a new "Protect Consumers from Gas Hikes Fund." This fund would then be used to provide refundable tax credits, or rebates, to eligible individuals, with the rebate amount determined by the Secretary based on fund revenues and the number of eligible individuals. These rebates would be phased out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes exceeding certain thresholds, such as $150,000 for joint filers.
This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a two-year demonstration program that would make certain wound care treatments mandatory for Medicaid coverage for people with epidermolysis bullosa. The program would include over-the-counter medications, antiseptics, antibiotic ointments, and specific wound care supplies such as dressings and bandages. It would operate nationwide and require states to include these items and services in their Medicaid plans or waivers. At the end of the program, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress evaluating the program's impact on treatment costs and health outcomes, along with recommendations on preventing hospitalizations.
This bill reauthorizes conservation programs for the Delaware River Basin by extending the program's funding period through 2033. It officially adds Maryland as a fifth state to the basin, expanding the geographic scope of the program beyond the original four states. The legislation also allows the Secretary to prioritize funding for projects that benefit small, rural, or disadvantaged communities. These changes amend the existing Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act to provide continued support for water conservation efforts in the region.
This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create standards and guidelines for making federal government data easier for artificial intelligence systems to use. It requires federal agencies to make their open data available in machine-readable formats, ensure data quality and documentation, and address privacy and intellectual property concerns. The bill mandates a public comment process and requires the President to issue requirements for agencies to adopt these standards within one year of enactment. Additionally, it specifically requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prepare its weather and climate data for AI and machine learning applications in forecasting.
This bill establishes a new advisory group called the Communications Equity and Diversity Council within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Council would consist of 30 to 35 members representing historically underserved individuals, consumers, civil rights organizations, and industry stakeholders, all appointed by the FCC Chair. Its main responsibilities include making recommendations on improving access to communication services, reducing barriers to infrastructure investment, helping small businesses enter the communications industry, and promoting diversity of voices in communications. The Council would meet at least three times per year with public meetings, develop data on industry trends, and receive $450,000 in funding for fiscal year 2027 to carry out its duties.
This bill, known as the State Veterans Homes Inspection Simplification Act, would allow certain State Veterans Homes that are already certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be automatically considered compliant with Medicare and Medicaid nursing home standards. Under this proposal, facilities meeting specific VA inspection and certification requirements would not need to undergo separate reviews by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reducing duplication of effort. The legislation maintains oversight by requiring the VA to submit its inspection standards for review every two years, allowing CMS to conduct targeted surveys or complaints investigations, and mandating public reporting of inspection data on the Nursing Home Care Compare website. A Government Accountability Office report would be required three years after enactment to evaluate the bill's impact on survey efficiency, enforcement outcomes, and resident care quality.
HCONRES 78 is a symbolic resolution designating March 10, 2026, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff. It recognizes their work amid rising violence, clinic closures, and abortion restrictions following the Dobbs decision, citing threats and challenges faced by providers. The resolution expresses congressional support for providers' safety and access to abortion care, condemning policies that restrict access. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies - it solely affirms Congress’s stance through a symbolic gesture. This is a procedural resolution focused on recognition, not policy change.
HRES 1114 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 114th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (founded March 12, 1912). It formally celebrates the organization’s mission of building girls’ courage, confidence, and character through programs focused on leadership, STEM, community service, and inclusive spaces. The resolution specifically honors Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award in 2025 and encourages continued support for their work in developing future women leaders. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic expression of congressional appreciation for the Girl Scouts’ community impact.
This bill, known as the Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act, would change federal labor rules to require overtime pay and minimum wage protections for certain babysitters who currently do not receive these benefits. It specifically targets casual babysitting jobs that are irregular or intermittent and not performed by individuals whose primary occupation is babysitting. The law would also clarify that trained medical professionals like nurses and home health aides remain exempt from these new requirements, ensuring the changes apply only to casual domestic caregivers. By amending the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the bill aims to extend wage protections to a specific group of home care workers while maintaining existing exemptions for professional medical staff.
