This bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online platform for taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. It requires the Treasury Department to create a user-friendly system that uses IRS data to simplify the process, offers customer support, and is available in multiple languages and on mobile devices. The legislation also prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that would limit its ability to provide these tax preparation and filing services. Additionally, the bill allows eligible states to integrate their state tax filing with the federal system and provides funding to states that meet certain standards for doing so.
HR 7728, the Connect the Grid Act, requires Texas' ERCOT grid to connect with neighboring power systems by repealing its special exemptions from federal grid regulations. It mandates minimum power flow capacity between ERCOT and other grids (SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection) ranging from 2.5 to 12.6 gigawatts, with specific deadlines for new transmission projects by 2037. The bill directs grid operators to prioritize using existing infrastructure, degraded land sites, renewable energy access, and community engagement - including environmental justice and Tribal communities - in planning new transmission. It also increases federal funding for transmission projects and requires a study on benefits of connecting with Mexico’s grid.
HR 7736, the RELIEF Act, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on imports entered on or after January 1, 2025. It directly affects importers of record by mandating automatic refunds within 90 days of the bill's enactment, without requiring them to submit applications or protests. The bill directs Customs to use existing data to calculate and disburse refunds for all affected tariff collections, including entries involving goods withdrawn from warehouse for consumption. This policy change eliminates the need for importers to seek refunds through separate processes, streamlining the recovery of overpaid duties.
HR 7740, the African American History Act of 2026, authorizes $4 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and support teaching about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create digital and print materials, provide teacher training, and expand access to curriculum resources for K-12 and college classrooms. It requires annual reports to Congress on fund usage and expires in 2030. This program directly affects educators and students by enhancing classroom materials and professional development on African American history.
This bill, known as the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act, modifies federal law to include digital assets like cryptocurrencies within the existing legal framework for money laundering. It directly affects individuals and organizations involved in blockchain technology by expanding the definition of what constitutes currency under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The key provision adds language recognizing that digital value substitutes for traditional currency, ensuring these assets are covered by current anti-money laundering regulations. This change aims to clarify legal protections and compliance requirements for the growing blockchain industry without altering other parts of the law.
This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to employ at least one full-time, board-certified OB-GYN at every federal prison housing female inmates. It mandates specific services including menstrual care, contraception, prenatal care, cancer screenings, and postpartum support, along with patient protections like informed consent and the right to refuse non-emergency care. The bill also requires initial OB-GYN visits within 14 days of incarceration and establishes a process for referrals to other specialists without delays. Annual reports to Congress will track facility compliance, staffing vacancies, and health outcomes like prenatal visits, childbirths, and pregnancy-related deaths.
This bill removes the income limit that currently applies to prize money and medals won at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Under current law, athletes can exclude up to $200,000 of such winnings from their taxable income, but this bill would eliminate that cap entirely. The change would affect all athletes who compete in these international events and receive medals or prize money from the United States Olympic Committee. The new rules would apply to any awards received after December 31, 2025.
The CAR SEAT Act requires the Transportation Secretary to launch a public education campaign within one year of enactment, focusing on the dangers of noncompliant or counterfeit car seats and boosters that don't meet federal safety standards (49 CFR §§ 571.213 and 571.213b). It authorizes $1.5 million for this campaign to help caregivers identify unsafe products. The bill also amends highway safety programs to include education about unsafe child restraints as part of public information efforts, specifically targeting underserved communities. This law directly affects parents and caregivers of young children who purchase or use car seats, aiming to improve awareness of safety risks through education, not new regulations.
This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from using federal funds to buy or use full-body restraints, which are devices that immobilize individuals. It directly affects DHS personnel and operations by banning the acquisition and utilization of four-point and five-point restraints. The law includes penalties for violations, such as removal from federal service for officers who break the rules or deceive leadership about them. DHS must also submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing compliance status and any instances where restraints were used, including specific information about the individuals restrained and the circumstances involved. Existing contracts for these restraints made before the bill's enactment are exempt from the ban.
SRES 615 is a Senate resolution celebrating Black History Month, acknowledging the historical contributions of African Americans to U.S. society across fields like civil rights, arts, science, and leadership. The resolution encourages all citizens to reflect on this history as part of the nation's ongoing journey toward equality, without creating new laws or policies. It specifically recognizes figures such as Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks, and emphasizes the importance of Black History Month in February as a time for communal learning and inspiration. This ceremonial resolution was introduced by multiple senators and passed unanimously by the Senate in 2026.
SRES 602 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams (Team USA) competing in the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. It formally applauds Team USA athletes, coaches, and their supporters, commends Italy for hosting the event, and commits to ensuring safety for future U.S. host events (2028 Los Angeles Summer Games and 2034 Utah Winter Games). The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is purely a statement of congressional support. It directly affects Team USA athletes and organizers by acknowledging their efforts and achievements. This is a procedural resolution with no binding effect on government actions.
HRES 1082 is a symbolic resolution recognizing 250 years of Polish-American friendship and affirming U.S. support for Poland’s democracy, sovereignty, prosperity, and security. It specifically calls for continued U.S. military stationing in Poland to support defense coordination and training with Polish forces, and expresses gratitude for Poland’s historical and ongoing partnership, including recent support for Ukraine. The resolution highlights key milestones like Poland’s NATO membership, defense investments, and refugee assistance for Ukrainians. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally strengthens diplomatic recognition of the alliance.
