The 9-8-8 Connect Act establishes a new grant program to help crisis centers provide follow-up care to individuals who contact the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat. These grants, totaling $30 million for fiscal year 2026, will fund activities such as well-being check-ins, outreach to ensure continued support, and referrals to appropriate care, all of which require the individual's informed consent. The bill also directs the Federal Communications Commission to create rules ensuring that all mobile phone calls and texts are routed to 9-8-8, including those from devices without a service plan. Additionally, the legislation updates federal communications laws to officially include 9-8-8 alongside 9-1-1 as a dialable number on multi-line telephone systems.
The FARM AI Act of 2026 directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to integrate artificial intelligence into its research, education, and extension programs to help farmers improve productivity and resource management. This legislation mandates that federal funding for agricultural sciences include specific projects focused on AI adoption, workforce training, and the development of precision farming tools. To coordinate these efforts, the bill creates a new position called the Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor, who will work with other agencies to promote AI use and establish national standards for the sector. Ultimately, the law aims to support small and family-run farms by providing technical assistance and ensuring access to modern digital technologies.
The SILVER Act requires major financial organizations that clear precious metals contracts to expand their storage networks beyond the current concentration near New York City. To achieve this, the law mandates that these organizations develop transparent rules for selecting new storage facilities and must approve at least two depositories in each of the four U.S. time zones. These new facilities must meet strict security standards while offering benefits such as lower costs, increased competition, and improved market access for investors. Additionally, the bill requires these organizations to regularly evaluate how easily market participants can access physical metals regardless of location.
The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 makes the E-Verify employment eligibility verification system permanent and mandatory for all employers in the United States, including those who hire, recruit, or refer individuals for jobs. The bill requires employers to use the system within a phased timeline based on company size, ranging from six months for large businesses with 10,000 or more employees to 18 months for smaller businesses with fewer than 20 employees, while exempting agricultural labor verification until 18 months after enactment. Key provisions include increased civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, the ability for the government to debar repeat violators from federal contracts, and a requirement that states sharing driver's license data with the system remain eligible for certain federal funding. Additionally, the act establishes a self-check feature for individuals to verify their own status, expands data sharing between federal and state agencies to prevent fraud, and creates a good-faith defense for employers who rely on the system's results.
This joint resolution seeks to officially reject a final rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan programs. If passed, the measure would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, leaving the previous rules in place. The bill directly impacts borrowers, lenders, and the Department of Education by nullifying the specific changes outlined in the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" proposal. It is a procedural action that uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the agency's policy without altering the underlying law.
This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Awareness Month for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration, two rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases. The measure highlights the challenges faced by the approximately 32,000 Americans living with these conditions, including difficulties with diagnosis, limited treatment options, and the significant impact on families and caregivers. By officially recognizing this month, the House aims to encourage increased public awareness, promote research into better treatments and cures, and honor the resilience of the affected community.
HRES 1314, the America 250 Commemorative Flag Act, designates a special flag featuring the number 250 within the circle of stars as an official United States flag for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This resolution authorizes the America 250 flag to be flown alongside the national flag and POW/MIA flags at all government buildings, embassies, and official U.S. locations worldwide during the commemoration year. The bill serves as a ceremonial measure to honor the nation's history and the sacrifices made by patriots, without altering any existing laws or policies.
The Worker Rights and Support Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to require employers to provide specific break times for employees, directly affecting workers covered under federal wage and hour laws. Under the new rules, employees must receive at least a 30-minute meal break for every six hours worked, along with a 10-minute break or time to use a restroom for every four hours, and up to 20-minute breaks for medical needs. While meal breaks can be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of work, any break where the employee remains on duty or cannot leave the site must be paid at a rate of at least one and a half times their regular wage. The bill also allows employees to voluntarily waive meal breaks but prohibits employers from forcing them to do so, and it ensures that existing collective bargaining agreements or state laws offering better protections remain in effect.
The SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch a national public awareness campaign focused on type 1 diabetes detection, screening, and management. This initiative will provide written materials and public service announcements across various media platforms, including social media and television, while consulting with health organizations, schools, and community groups to ensure the content is culturally and linguistically appropriate. The bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to fund grants for nonprofit entities and state or local health departments to distribute these resources and increase screening access in communities with high incidence rates. Additionally, the law requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing the campaign's activities and its impact on diabetes detection and management.
The Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026 allows independent musicians and small music businesses to collectively negotiate licensing terms with large online music streaming platforms without fear of antitrust lawsuits. To qualify for this protection, creators must own their own copyrights and earn less than $1 million in licensing revenue annually, while the platforms targeted must generate over $100 million in music-related revenue. The law explicitly permits these groups to coordinate on pricing and licensing strategies, provided the negotiations remain fair and do not involve outside parties. Additionally, the bill extends similar collective bargaining protections to negotiations with companies developing generative artificial intelligence systems.
This bill, titled the No Presidential Self-Serving Lawsuits Act of 2026, prevents the current or former President of the United States from filing civil lawsuits against the federal government. It specifically invalidates an existing settlement agreement between a former President and the Internal Revenue Service and bars the use of federal funds to create compensation for such lawsuits. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Treasury Secretary to recover any money already spent in violation of these new restrictions. The primary goal is to stop a President from using taxpayer money to settle legal disputes with the government they lead.
The SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 expands federal protections for individuals affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence. The bill mandates that employers provide victims with up to 40 work days of leave per year, including at least 10 paid days, to address safety needs such as seeking legal help, relocating, or obtaining medical care. It also prohibits insurers from discriminating against victims by denying coverage, raising premiums, or terminating policies based on their status as survivors, while banning the disclosure of their personal information without consent. Additionally, the legislation allows victims to receive unemployment compensation if they leave their jobs due to violence and requires employers to make reasonable workplace accommodations to ensure their safety.
