The SAFE Rural Act creates a new funding program to help rural communities, Tribal lands, and territories prepare for floods before disasters occur. It establishes a dedicated fund that receives 2% of annual disaster relief money to provide formula-based grants to States and Tribal governments for projects like restoring wetlands, upgrading drainage, and building resilient infrastructure. To ensure these funds reach smaller towns, the bill requires States to pass the money down as subgrants to local governments with populations of 50,000 or fewer, while also offering a simplified application process for small projects under $500,000. The legislation further mandates that recipients submit streamlined plans for maintaining their projects long-term and sets aside specific grants to build local capacity for managing hazard mitigation programs.
The Online Sellers' Bill of Rights Act of 2026 aims to protect third-party businesses using major online marketplaces by requiring these platforms to provide greater transparency and due process. Under the bill, the Federal Trade Commission must create rules that limit how long platforms can hold inventory or freeze funds, mandate written notice within 72 hours for any restrictions, and ensure sellers receive at least 30 days' warning before significant policy changes. The law also establishes a presumption of innocence, placing the burden of proof on the platform to demonstrate a violation rather than on the seller, and allows for specific appeals processes. Enforcement is handled through the FTC, which can pursue violations as unfair competition, while state attorneys general and individual sellers retain the right to file civil lawsuits for damages.
The SCALE Biology Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a new biometrology laboratory program focused on engineering biology and biomanufacturing. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of biological data while developing technical standards, safety guidelines, and measurement tools to support industry innovation and national security. The bill authorizes funding over several years to establish research facilities, train experts, and collaborate with universities and private companies to advance the field. Additionally, the legislation updates existing definitions related to biotechnology and biosafety to ensure clarity across federal programs.
The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act expands federal geothermal research to include advanced technologies like closed-loop and supercritical systems. It directs the Department of Energy to create a new research program, establish a center of excellence, and award grants for developing drilling equipment and materials needed for these systems. The bill also requires the creation of a public database for geothermal data and mandates periodic reports on water usage and the commercial potential of next-generation geothermal energy.
This bill, known as the STOP Nitazenes Act, directs the federal government to permanently classify nitazenes and related synthetic opioids as Schedule I controlled substances, placing them in the same legal category as heroin and fentanyl. The legislation specifically targets a broad range of chemical compounds, including etonitazene and other variants, by defining them as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids and requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of qualifying substances. Under the bill, any nitazene substance temporarily scheduled under emergency provisions would be made permanently scheduled upon enactment, ensuring long-term federal control. The law also mandates that the Attorney General issue implementing rules within one year, allowing for immediate interim enforcement while providing opportunities for public comment before final regulations are established.
This bill reauthorizes and modifies the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035, extending funding deadlines and increasing grant percentages for battlefield preservation. It raises the maximum federal share for battlefield acquisition, interpretation, and restoration grants from 50% to 75% and sets a $2 million annual appropriation for these programs. The bill also mandates new studies to identify, assess, and propose preservation options for sites tied to the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and Mexican-American War (1846-1848), requiring consultation with states, tribes, and preservation groups. The studies must be completed within two years and reported to Congress, focusing on site significance, threats, and potential preservation strategies.
The SAFE CATTLE Act requires the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to coordinate federal efforts to prevent, monitor, and eradicate New World screwworm - a pest that attacks livestock and wildlife - across federal lands managed by agencies like the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service. It mandates joint surveillance protocols, outbreak response plans with state officials, and science-based strategies to protect livestock industries and food supply chains. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing interagency progress, outbreak responses, and recommendations for improving pest control until screwworm is contained south of Panama. This legislation directly affects federal land managers, livestock producers, and the broader agricultural economy by establishing a formal federal framework for addressing this specific animal health threat.
HR 6213, the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025, prohibits the U.S. Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing OSHA's proposed "Heat Injury and Illness Prevention" standard (published August 30, 2024). This bill directly blocks the specific regulatory proposal targeting heat safety in both outdoor and indoor work settings. It does not create new requirements or affect workers; it solely prevents the implementation of the existing OSHA proposal. The bill is procedural, focusing on halting a regulatory action rather than establishing new policy.
The AADAPT Act reauthorizes and expands Project ECHO grants to improve Alzheimer’s and dementia care through technology-enabled training. It specifically funds grants for healthcare providers in rural, frontier, or medically underserved areas to enhance early diagnosis, quality care, and provider retention for dementia patients. The bill authorizes $1 million annually (2027-2032) for these dementia-focused training programs, requiring funds to supplement - not replace - existing resources. This directly supports primary care providers licensed to serve underserved communities, using collaborative online learning to address care gaps.
This bill establishes the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance research on Down syndrome and related health conditions. It requires NIH to fund high-risk studies on trisomy 21, support inclusive clinical trials for people with Down syndrome across all ages, and investigate co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmunity. The law mandates NIH coordination across its institutes, consultation with patient advocates, and biennial reports to Congress detailing funded research and its real-world applications. The project directly affects individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and medical researchers, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life through targeted scientific efforts.
HR 2715, the *Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act*, expands the authority to destroy imported goods that pose public health risks. It amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to order the destruction of any refused import (not just drugs or devices) if it presents a significant health concern. The bill also prohibits the unauthorized movement, sale, or export of such refused goods. These changes apply to importers of hazardous refused articles 180 days after enactment, with the FDA required to finalize implementing regulations within 90 days.
This resolution supports designating July 20, 2026, as "National Moon Landing Day" to honor the historic Apollo 11 mission and the ongoing Artemis program. The bill encourages Americans to celebrate the achievements of NASA astronauts, engineers, and scientists while honoring those who lost their lives during space exploration efforts. It also aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields and promote public awareness of the economic and scientific benefits of human spaceflight.
