Budget & Taxes

passed · United States · House Sep 16, 2026

HR 9500: Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act

The Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act helps individuals who suffer financial losses due to theft involving fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation by changing how they can claim tax deductions. It allows taxpayers to treat these theft losses as occurring when they discover them rather than when the theft happens, giving them more time to file for refunds. The bill also extends the deadline for filing refund claims related to these losses and provides special rules for withdrawing retirement funds to cover such losses without immediate tax penalties. Additionally, the legislation includes specific provisions for victims of pyrrhotite-related home damage, allowing them to claim deductions and file refunds based on discovery dates rather than the standard future effective date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by allowing delayed deduction claims for fraud victims, directly advancing tax policy for affected individuals.90% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Jun 30, 2026

HRES 1403: Expressing the sense of Congress that Medicaid is an important lifeline for the health care of millions of Americans.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that Medicaid is a vital lifeline for the health care of millions of Americans, including older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families. It highlights concerns that recent legislation will cut funding and impose new eligibility rules and paperwork requirements, which could negatively impact access to care. While the bill itself does not change laws or allocate money, it urges the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide immediate guidance to state agencies and enrollees regarding these upcoming changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill advocates for Medicaid funding and opposes cuts, aligning with protecting essential government services.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly calls Medicaid a vital lifeline and urges protection against funding cuts and eligibility restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Medicare

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 4866: Farmers’ Market Local Revitalization Act of 2026

The Farmers' Market Local Revitalization Act of 2026 increases funding and modernizes two federal nutrition programs that provide benefits at farmers' markets for seniors and low-income women, infants, and children. For seniors, the bill raises the minimum benefit to $35, removes spending caps, and allows funds to be used for electronic payment systems and delivery services, while also reserving a portion of funds for states that previously did not participate. The program for women, infants, and children similarly increases benefit amounts and permits up to 10 percent of funds to be used for technology upgrades and administrative costs. The legislation also authorizes new funding levels for these programs starting in fiscal year 2027 and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on integrating these nutrition programs to reduce administrative burdens.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly increases funding for federal nutrition programs and removes spending caps, directly advancing the budget topic.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds and modernizes programs to include electronic payment systems and delivery services, directly advancing technology adoption in nutrition assistance.75% confidence

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 4860: CHILE Act of 2026

The CHILE Act of 2026 creates a new federal program to provide emergency financial assistance to producers of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, when they face adverse events like economic crises or market disruptions. Under this framework, the Secretary of Agriculture would calculate payments based on the producer's recent sales history and a specific payment factor designed to cover losses, while also accounting for the higher input costs and diverse business structures common in this sector. The legislation sets a total funding limit of $5 billion for fiscal year 2027, with higher payment caps for large-scale farming operations that derive at least 75 percent of their income from agriculture.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a new federal program to provide emergency financial assistance to specialty crop producers, representing increased government spending to support an essential sector.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Jun 18, 2026

HR 9378: Grocery Affordability Act

The Grocery Affordability Act creates a new tax credit to encourage the opening and renovation of grocery stores in designated food deserts. This credit allows eligible businesses to claim up to $500,000, calculated as 30 percent of the store's basis or renovation costs, provided the location meets specific criteria regarding distance from existing stores and poverty levels. To qualify, a grocery store must sell at least 35 percent of its goods in fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked items, while a food desert is defined as an area where many residents live more than one or ten miles away from such a store depending on whether it is in a metropolitan area. The bill applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and requires the Treasury Secretary to work with the Department of Agriculture to determine which areas qualify for the credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit to encourage grocery store openings in food deserts, providing financial relief to businesses and promoting access to essential services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4605: Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026

The Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2026 allows the Department of the Interior to charge geothermal lease applicants and holders for administrative costs related to processing applications and monitoring activities such as drilling and site construction. Effective upon enactment, this authority applies through September 30, 2032, and covers expenses incurred during the review of permits and the inspection of exploration, drilling, and facility operations. While the Secretary of the Interior has the power to require full reimbursement, they must consider existing cost-sharing agreements and may reduce charges if full payment would cause economic hardship or hinder resource development. Any funds collected under this program must be used specifically to cover the same administrative and monitoring costs listed in the bill. Additionally, the Act requires a report to be submitted five years after enactment to assess the program's impact and recommend future updates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes the Department of the Interior to recover administrative costs from geothermal applicants, promoting fiscal responsibility by ensuring government expenses are covered rather than burdened by general funds.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables cost recovery for geothermal lease processing, supporting renewable energy infrastructure development and reducing barriers to entry for geothermal projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · United States · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 9438: SKILL Act

The SKILL Act creates a new tax credit for employers who partner with public colleges and community colleges to develop short-term training programs lasting two years or less. To qualify, employers must be certified by their state agency for contributing to these programs through activities like co-designing curricula, offering apprenticeships, or donating equipment. The credit allows eligible businesses to claim up to $2,500 per student who earns a credential or is hired full-time after completing the program, with a total national spending cap of $500 million per year from 2027 to 2031. State agencies will distribute the available funds to employers on a competitive basis, and the law takes effect for tax years ending after December 31, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit for employers partnering with colleges, providing fiscal relief to businesses and encouraging workforce development.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationThe bill creates tax credits to incentivize employer partnerships in short-term training, expanding educational access and workforce development opportunities.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides tax credits for employer training programs, enhancing workforce skills and employment opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Tax Credits Tax Incentives Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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in committee · United States · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 9422: Medicaid RAC Improvement Act of 2026

The Medicaid RAC Improvement Act of 2026 strengthens oversight of the Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor program to better detect and recover incorrect payments. It requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to establish clear communication rules for when state program exceptions expire and mandates detailed annual reports on audit results, including amounts recovered and underpayments. The bill also expands the program to include Medicaid managed care plans, requiring these organizations to allow audits of their claims and cooperate with recovery efforts. Additionally, the legislation directs the government to study barriers preventing states from participating in the program and to run a five-year demonstration project to increase state involvement. Finally, it clarifies that audits can review payments made up to four years prior to the current fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens fiscal oversight and recovers incorrect Medicaid payments, promoting fiscal responsibility and protecting state budgets.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens oversight to recover incorrect payments, improving program integrity and protecting taxpayer funds for healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Medicaid Medicare Substance Abuse

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in committee · United States · House May 14, 2026

HR 8840: Fair Care Act of 2026

The Fair Care Act of 2026 is a comprehensive legislative proposal designed to lower health care costs and improve access by modernizing health savings accounts, expanding insurance coverage options, and increasing transparency in the health care market. The bill directly affects individuals, employers, health insurance issuers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical manufacturers through provisions that allow unused premium tax credits to be deposited into savings accounts, introduce new "copper" insurance plans, and require greater price transparency for hospitals and pharmacy benefit managers. Key mechanisms include the repeal of the employer health insurance mandate, the establishment of a federal reinsurance pool for high-risk individuals, the creation of a conditional approval pathway for drugs treating rare and serious diseases, and the imposition of congressional review procedures for major Food and Drug Administration rules. Additionally, the legislation seeks to promote competition by banning anticompetitive contract terms, regulating co-pay contributions from drug manufacturers, and enforcing stricter price reporting requirements for shoppable medical procedures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allows unused premium tax credits to be deposited into savings accounts, providing tax relief and financial support to individuals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill aims to lower costs, improve access, and expand coverage options, directly supporting healthcare goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 4869: Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026

The Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct two studies aimed at improving funding and staffing for Bureau-funded and tribally controlled schools. The first study will examine how to update the Indian School Equalization Formula to ensure teacher and staff salaries match the highest rates found in public schools or the Department of Defense, while also considering specific needs of small and rural schools. The second study will explore potential revenue sources to bring these schools into financial parity with other school systems. Both studies must be completed within one year of the bill's enactment, and their findings will be reported to Congress and made public.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates studies to update funding formulas and increase salaries for Indigenous school staff, directly aiming to strengthen and fund essential educational programs.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill aims to improve funding and staffing for Indigenous schools by updating salary formulas to match public and DoD rates, directly strengthening educational resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Tags Tribal Nations

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