This bill instructs Congress to reject a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that sought to cancel an earlier regulation on how credit reporting agencies match names. By disapproving this withdrawal, the legislation effectively keeps the original "Name-Only Matching Procedures" rule in place, requiring agencies to continue using those specific methods for verifying consumer identities. The measure directly impacts credit reporting companies and financial institutions that rely on these identity verification standards. If passed, the rule attempting to change the matching process will have no legal effect, maintaining the status quo for name-based identity checks.
The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act creates a new federal tax credit for businesses that purchase printed circuit boards manufactured in the United States. This credit allows companies to claim 25 percent of the cost they incur for these domestically fabricated electronic components, which are defined as layered structures connecting various electronic parts. The provision is designed to encourage the use of American-made circuit boards by making them more financially attractive for taxpayers. It will take effect for purchases made after December 31, 2025, and the Treasury Department will issue necessary regulations to implement the rule.
The Semiconductor Superiority Act expands the advanced manufacturing investment credit to include semiconductor facilities located in outer space, specifically low-Earth orbit. This provision allows companies to claim tax credits for equipment used in space-based manufacturing, even if some components are not physically located in orbit or are used for transporting crew and supplies. The bill also clarifies that flight control, crew habitation, and repair activities in space count as manufacturing functions for the purpose of this credit. Additionally, the law excludes rockets and launch vehicles from qualifying as eligible property under this new rule. These changes apply only to facilities and equipment placed in service after the act is enacted.
The Biotechnology Workforce Alignment Act of 2026 directs the National Science Foundation to align its research funding with workforce development efforts in key biotechnology fields such as biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. To achieve this, the bill requires the NSF Director to create a workforce framework, support educational pathways with multiple entry points, and foster partnerships between universities, federal labs, and private industry. The legislation also mandates the development of metrics to identify career gaps and barriers to entry, along with a requirement to submit biennial reports to Congress assessing these efforts and the U.S. position in global biotechnology leadership.
This bill updates federal quality standards for mammography facilities to allow artificial intelligence systems to perform duties currently reserved for physicians. Specifically, it permits AI to interpret mammograms and removes the requirement for a physician to sign off on the results. The changes directly affect healthcare providers and facilities that use or plan to use AI technology in breast cancer screening. By amending the Public Health Service Act, the legislation modernizes regulations to accommodate advancements in machine learning while maintaining oversight of diagnostic processes.
This bill, the Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2026, establishes new legal restrictions on how federal agencies collect, query, and retain data from Americans and people located in the United States for foreign intelligence purposes. Key provisions include banning warrantless searches of domestic communications, prohibiting the use of foreign intelligence surveillance to specifically target Americans ("reverse targeting"), and requiring warrants for accessing certain types of data like location information and web browsing records. The legislation also mandates stricter accuracy standards for surveillance applications, requires the destruction of unneeded data within five years, and creates new accountability measures for federal employees who violate these rules. Additionally, the bill enhances transparency by requiring detailed annual reports on surveillance activities and expands the ability of independent reviewers to access classified court documents.
The NO FAKES Act of 2026 establishes a new property right for individuals to control the creation and use of their digital voice and visual likeness replicas, extending protection to both living people and their heirs for up to 70 years after death. The bill requires companies and platforms that distribute these digital replicas or sell tools to create them to obtain explicit authorization from the right holder, while also setting up a notification system for online services to remove unauthorized content. Additionally, the law preempts existing state laws regarding digital likeness rights and includes specific penalties and safe harbor protections for platforms that comply with the new requirements.
The FORGE Act establishes a new program within the Department of State called FIRST to support the international deployment of small modular nuclear reactors. Managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, this program aims to promote U.S. nuclear technology abroad by facilitating diplomatic efforts, offering safety and regulatory guidance, and providing early-stage project support to help American businesses compete fairly with state-backed rivals. The legislation requires the program to submit regular reports and briefings to Congress detailing its activities, partners, and funding, and it is set to expire in 2034.
The You Own the Data Act (YODA) establishes new federal rules requiring major online platforms and data brokers to give users greater control over their personal information. Covered entities, defined as large websites with over 100 million users or data brokers generating significant revenue from user data, must obtain written consent before sharing contact lists and allow users to access, correct, delete, or export their data within 90 days. The bill also mandates that these companies stop tracking cookies without permission, limit data retention to 60 days for browsing and biometric data, and provide clear privacy notices in under 1,000 words. Enforcement is handled by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, while individuals can sue companies for violations and receive damages of up to $750 per incident.
The GUIDANCE Act of 2026 restores 23 specific rules and policies previously withdrawn by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. These provisions directly affect consumers, financial institutions, and debt collectors by reinstating protections related to credit reporting, debt collection practices, lending discrimination, and data security. The bill effectively reverses recent administrative actions, ensuring that regulations covering medical debt, overdraft fees, and whistleblower protections remain in force.