This bill, known as the DROUGHT Act of 2026, increases the maximum federal funding level for certain water infrastructure projects from the standard cap to 90 percent of project costs. It directly affects states and counties experiencing severe drought conditions, as well as projects serving low-income communities or those designated as regionally or nationally significant. The legislation defines covered projects as those located in areas with severe drought designations or declared drought emergencies, those serving low-income populations, or those that improve water supply, reuse, or reduce water usage. The bill requires federal officials to prioritize financing for these specific projects under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014.
This concurrent resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran or any part of the Iranian government or military unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from imminent attack.
This bill directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization, specifically referencing the February 2026 "Operation Epic Fury" as an example of unauthorized action. It requires the removal unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Iran. The resolution clarifies it does not prevent defensive actions against attacks on U.S. personnel, intelligence sharing with allies attacked by Iran, or providing defensive aid to partners. It is based on constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8) and the War Powers Resolution, aiming to ensure military deployments comply with congressional oversight.
SJRES 117 is a joint resolution requiring the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization. It directs the President to withdraw military forces from Iran unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military action. The resolution includes exceptions allowing defense against attacks, intelligence sharing, assistance to allies like Israel, and evacuating U.S. citizens. This bill directly affects military operations in Iran and the executive branch's authority to conduct such operations without explicit congressional approval.
HRES 1107 is a House resolution urging the President to issue a proclamation flying the U.S. flag at half-staff to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson. The resolution recognizes his civil rights leadership, including founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, which advanced racial equality and economic justice. This symbolic gesture directly affects the President (as the one who would issue the proclamation) and the public, who would observe the flag at half-staff.
This bill, known as the Housing Supply and Affordability Act, creates a federal grant program to help states, cities, counties, and regional planning agencies develop and implement plans to increase housing supply and affordability. The program provides competitive grants that can be used for activities such as updating zoning codes, improving housing strategies, reducing development barriers, and coordinating with transportation agencies, but cannot be used for construction or repairs. Local governments receiving funds must limit administrative costs to no more than 10 percent of the grant amount and must coordinate with federal transit authorities where possible. The authority to award these grants is limited to a five-year period, after which the program will end.
This bill establishes a new Fiscal Commission within Congress to analyze the nation's long-term fiscal health and propose reforms to reduce the federal debt and deficit. The commission will be composed of 16 members appointed by Senate and House leadership, including outside experts, and will have two co-chairs representing opposing political parties to ensure balanced oversight. Its primary duties include educating the public about fiscal risks, developing policies to achieve a sustainable debt-to-GDP ratio of 100 percent by 2039, and producing a final report with legislative recommendations by November 2026. If the commission approves its recommendations, the resulting implementing bills would receive expedited consideration in both chambers with limited debate and no amendments allowed. The commission would operate for approximately two years before terminating, with funding provided through existing Senate accounts.
The America's Living Library Act establishes a 10-year pilot program within the Department of the Interior to collect and sequence the whole genomes of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes found in up to 25 National Park System units. This program aims to create a publicly available genomic database for scientific research and to store physical samples long-term at the Smithsonian Institution and Department of Agriculture. The bill mandates interagency coordination, Tribal consultation, and includes provisions for expedited data access for U.S.-based artificial intelligence development, while strictly prohibiting the transfer or export of physical samples outside the United States. Significant funding is authorized for these activities from fiscal years 2027 to 2031, directly affecting federal agencies involved in conservation, research, and data management.
This bill, known as the Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026, amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to expand federal funding for arts and music programs in public schools. It directly affects school districts and educators by allowing Title I funds to support sequential, standards-based instruction in dance, media arts, theater, visual arts, and music. The legislation requires these programs to be taught by certified educators and aligns them with state academic standards to ensure quality instruction. Additionally, the bill allows targeted assistance schools to use federal funds for supplies, professional development, and equipment needed for arts and music education.
This bill, the PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026, requires most health insurance plans to cover HIV prevention medication without charging patients any out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects people with private insurance, government health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, military health care, and the Indian Health Service. The law mandates that insurance companies cannot require pre-approval for these medications, cannot charge deductibles or copayments for them, and cannot deny or charge higher premiums for life, disability, or long-term care insurance based on someone taking HIV prevention medication. The bill also creates a new public education campaign to increase awareness about HIV prevention options and provides federal funding to states and community organizations to expand access to these services.
HR 7856, the Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026, amends the Fair Housing Act to explicitly prohibit housing discrimination based on being a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe trafficking in persons. It adds "survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe trafficking" as a protected class in the law, alongside existing categories like race or national origin. This means landlords, housing providers, and programs cannot deny housing, evict, or otherwise discriminate against individuals due to their status as a survivor. The bill directly affects survivors who face housing barriers, including those with protective orders, shelter histories, or past evictions linked to abuse.
The INCREASE Housing Affordability Act creates a new tax credit for converting commercial buildings (like offices) into residential housing. Property owners who convert eligible buildings can claim a tax credit equal to 15% of qualified conversion costs, with limits of $200,000 per residential unit or $10 million per building. The bill also provides bonus credits for projects with rent-restricted units for lower-income residents (10-20% more credit) and for paying prevailing wages (15% more credit). To qualify, buildings must have been nonresidential for at least 15 years and undergo substantial conversion (with expenditures exceeding adjusted basis or $15,000).
